bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative transcriptomics of primary cells in vertebrates
Authors: Alam Tanvir , Agrawal Saumya , Severin Jessica , Young Robert S. , Andersson Robin , Arner Erik , Hasegawa Akira , Lizio Marina , Ramilowski Jordan A. , Abugessaisa Imad , Ishizu Yuri , Noma Shohei , Tarui Hiroshi , Taylor Martin S. , Lassmann Timo , Itoh Masayoshi , Kasukawa Takeya , Kawaji Hideya , Marchionni Luigi , Sheng Guojun , R.R. Forrest Alistair , Khachigian Levon M. , Hayashizaki Yoshihide , Carninci Piero , de Hoon Michiel J.L.
Published: July 2020

Gene expression profiles in homologous tissues have been observed to be different between species, which may be due to differences between species in the gene expression program in each cell type, but may also reflect differences in cell type composition of each tissue in different species. Here, we compare expression profiles in matching primary cells in human, mouse, rat, dog, and chicken using Cap Analysis Gene Expression (CAGE) and short RNA (sRNA) sequencing data from FANTOM5. While we find that expression profiles of orthologous genes in different species are highly correlated across cell types, in each cell type many genes were differentially expressed between species. Expression of genes with products involved in transcription, RNA processing, and transcriptional regulation was more likely to be conserved, while expression of genes encoding proteins involved in intercellular communication was more likely to have diverged during evolution. Conservation of expression correlated positively with the evolutionary age of genes, suggesting that divergence in expression levels of genes critical for cell function was restricted during evolution. Motif activity analysis showed that both promoters and enhancers are activated by the same transcription factors in different species. An analysis of expression levels of mature miRNAs and of primary miRNAs identified by CAGE revealed that evolutionary old miRNAs are more likely to have conserved expression patterns than young miRNAs. We conclude that key aspects of the regulatory network are conserved, while differential expression of genes involved in cell-to-cell communication may contribute greatly to phenotypic differences between species.
Novel structure of the N-terminal helical domain of BibA, a group B streptococcus immunogenic bacterial adhesin
Authors: Manne Kartik , Chattopadhyay Debasish , Agarwal Vaibhav , Blom Anna M. , Khare Baldeep , Chakravarthy Srinivas , Chang Chungyu , Ton-That Hung , Narayana Sthanam V. L.
Published: July 2020

BibA, a group B streptococcus (GBS) surface protein, has been shown to protect the pathogen from phagocytic killing by sequestering a complement inhibitor: C4b-binding protein (C4BP). Here, the X-ray crystallographic structure of a GBS BibA fragment (BibA126–398) and a low-resolution small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) structure of the full-length N-terminal domain (BibA34–400) are described. The BibA126–398fragment crystal structure displayed a novel and predominantly helical structure. The tertiary arrangement of helices forms four antiparallel three-helix-bundle-motif repeats, with one long helix from a bundle extending into the next. Multiple mutations on recombinant BibA34–400delayed the degradation of the protein, and circular dichroism spectroscopy of BibA34–400suggested a similar secondary-structure composition to that observed in the crystallized BibA126–398fragment. A model was generated for the 92 N-terminal residues (BibA34–125) using structural similarity prediction programs, and a BibA34–400model was generated by combining the coordinates of BibA34–126and BibA126–398. The X-ray structure of BibA126–398and the model of BibA34–400fitted well into the calculated SAXS envelope. One possible binding site for the BibA N-terminal domain was localized to the N-terminal CCP (complement-control protein) domains of the C4BP α-chain, as indicated by the decreased binding of BibA to a ΔCCP1 C4BP α-chain mutant. In summary, it is suggested that the GBS surface protein BibA, which consists of three antiparallel α-helical-bundle motifs, is unique and belongs to a new class of Gram-positive surface adhesins.
Innovation process in the business ecosystem: the four cooperations practices in the media platform
Authors: Lee Yeon W. , Moon Hwy-Chang , Yin Wenyan
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The main purpose of this research is to construct a generalized set of innovation processes that occur at the ecosystem level based on the academic research. The study analyzes the cultural and creativity-driven over-the-top (OTT) platform that encompasses diverse network of ecosystem members by utilizing the four cooperation practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This study begins with the literature review that discusses various topics related to ecosystem (e.g. service innovation, innovative ecosystem). Then, this study introduces a new conceptual framework that describes how cooperations occur in the ecosystem. Finally, a qualitative and explorative case study of the OTT platforms in the global context is conducted.

Findings

The application of the framework reveals how co-innovative business ecosystems demonstrate co-evolution through different structures and directions. An ecosystem can evolve by incorporating other industries (i.e. horizontal growth or broadening strategy) to deepen and broaden the industry integration.

Originality/value

As an explorative approach that opens the discussion on how co-innovation and co-evolution occur at the ecosystem level, particularly in the culture and creativity-driven industry, the value of this research extends to other similar industries where diverse actors such as technology firms, Internet firms, direct consumers, government and even the society impact the type of product and service and shape the evolution of the entire ecosystem.
JSW Steel's Ispat Acquisition(C): The Turnaround Strategy
Authors: Sharma Sunil , Mukherjee Saral , Gupta Parvinder
Published: July 2020

The three cases (Case A: JSW Steel's Ispat Acquisition: The Opportunity; Case B: JSW Steel's Ispat Acqusition: The Setback & Case C: JSW Steel's Ispat Acquisition: The Turnaround Strategy) describe the business situation leading to acquisition of Ispat by JSW, the acquirer company's failure to realize synergies post-acquisition, and the subsequent turnaround initiatives to salvage the situation. The Case A details the potential synergies that were identified during due diligence process while the Case B details the setbacks which did not allow JSW to realize the anticipated synergies. Nevertheless, not deterred by the setback, JSW salvaged the situation by undertaking a massive turnaround program aimed at plugging strategic, operational and organizational gaps. Concurrently, several initiatives were also taken to integrate the processes and workforce of the two organizations. Eventually the JSW team succeeded in turning around Ispat and merged it with the parent group. Case C provides a rich description of the turnaround and integration initiatives by JSW.
Ahmedabad Peoples Urban Co-operative Bank in Liquidation
Authors: Iyer Vidya Rajaram , Patki Jivraj
Published: July 2020

The case deals with an Urban Cooperative Bank situated in Ahmedabad, known as Ahmedabad Peoples Urban Cooperative Bank (APUCB). The bank had come under the scanner of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) during 2009 because of mismanagement. It had failed to resolve its liquidity crisis even after the Reserve Bank of India imposed restrictions. The Government then appointed an external administrator, Hemant J. Rindani, to resolve APUCB's liquidity crisis. The bank had started paying claims but had lost people's trust. The last option for Rindani was to liquidate the bank. Rindani was however contemplating on various other options to come out with amicable solutions like, merge with other branches or pump in fresh capital and restart the business.
Maggi Noodles: Challenges of Total Recall in India Managing Corporate Environment
Authors: Yadav Babulal , Jain Abhinandan K.
Published: July 2020

Trouble was brewing for Nestle in India with a lab test finding MSG in Maggi noodles, a product brand which had been adjudged ‘most powerful’ and ‘most trusted’ in India;it was being banned in different parts of the country. Paul Bulcke, CEO of Nestle SA, arrived in New Delhi to face the heat and take necessary damage control measures. The case challenges the participants to review the events leading to a total ban on all the nine variants of Maggi noodles imposed by FSSAI, the Indian Regulator, by Nestle India. It also challenges them to suggest ways of taking care of the business in future in India as well as its effects in other countries.
Social Transformation of Indian Tribal Community: Unlocking the Potential by Healthcare
Authors: Ravichandran N. , Patel Malay
Published: July 2020

The case documents the evolution of an eye care hospital promoted by a not-for profit organization located in Mandvi, Surat, close to the tribal community of Gujarat state, India. In a short span of five years (as of 2016), the trust has evolved as a community hospital. The value proposition of the trust is a portfolio of activities, which includes awareness by education, prevention of eye care diseases through eye screening camps, treatment, and rehabilitation on need basis and addressing direct and indirect healthcare needs of the community. The managerial challenge before the board of trustees is to carefully balance (a) The purpose for which the trust was created, (b) the gap between the ground realities and the need in the relevant tribal community (c) the accomplishments of the eye hospital so far.
Shradhanjali.com: New Address for Memories of our Ancestors
Authors: Ghura Amarpreet K. Singh , Abhishek
Published: July 2020

This case describes a situation in which Vivek Vyas and Vimal Popat conceive an idea to start an online obituary advertising platform. Vyas and Popat then discuss the possible ways to start an online obituary advertisement platform. The purpose of this case is to provide an opportunity to step into the shoes of Vyas and Popat and explore the best possible option to offer an alternate solution to print obituary advertisement. The case provides the context for students to examine alternate options for the print obituary advertisement amidst lack of entrepreneurial experience of Vyas and Popat.
Hind Tea Pvt Ltd - Transitioning Across Generations
Authors: Kajal Satbir Singh , Goyal Anish , Singla Chitra
Published: July 2020

The case talks about Hind Tea Pvt. Ltd (HTPL)-a small and medium enterprise (SME) in India that is 100% owned by Wadhwa family. HTPL procures processed tea from auctions and sells it to distributors under its own brand names. The case describes the journey of two brothers and how the next generation of the family takes over and aspires to make the company a national level player. These aspirations pose new demands on the owners and the business; the case talks about decision making in the family under such a scenario. The case poses interesting questions related to governance, professionalization, succession, and decision making in the family.
Do FDI inflows affect the off-balance sheet activities of banks in GCC economies?
Authors: Saif-Alyousfi Abdulazeez Y.H.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper investigates and compares the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows (flow and stock) on bank off-balance sheet (OBS) activities in aggregate as well as at the level of conventional and Islamic banks in GCC countries. It also tests hypotheses of direct and indirect impacts of FDI flow and FDI stock on OBS activities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses both static and dynamic panel generalized methods of moments (GMM) estimation techniques to analyze the data of 70 GCC banks (45 conventional and 25 Islamic banks) over the period 1995–2017.

Findings

Empirical results indicate that FDI flow and FDI stock have a significant negative direct impact on OBS activities of GCC banks. The results lend support for the direct channel hypothesis for the effect of FDI on OBS activities and find no evidence in support of the indirect channel hypothesis. OBS activities from conventional banks appear to be more affected than those from Islamic banks.

Practical implications

The results of this study are expected to trigger appropriate policy response from the central banks of the respective GCC countries as well as their governments.

Originality/value

It is widely recognized that FDI inflows are of great importance to the economic development of emerging and developing countries. However, their impact on bank OBS activities has so far not been subject to accurate empirical assessment. This paper aims to fill this gap by providing an in-depth quantitative analysis of the impact of FDI flow and FDI stock separately, on bank OBS activities for both conventional and Islamic banks in GCC countries. It distinguishes between direct and indirect channels through which FDI flow and FDI stock may affect OBS activities for banks as a whole and both conventional and Islamic banks separately. It also uses both static and dynamic panel GMM estimation techniques to analyze the data.
Political economy analysis of the properties of doctors' labour and medicines
Authors: Liu Fengyi , Chen Shenghui
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Doctors' labour and medicines are special necessities for human survival and evolution. Since China launched the healthcare reform, the theoretical circles' discussions have not yet clarified the respective special properties of doctors' labour and medicines as goods and the internal relations between doctors' labour and medicines at the level of the theoretical basis.

Design/methodology/approach

Health is a prerequisite for people's all-round development, a precondition for economic and social development and the people's common aspiration. The all-round moderately prosperous society could not be achieved without people's all-round health.

Findings

The authors believe the socialist relation between doctors' labour and medicines with Chinese characteristics should be one that is people-oriented, and the corporatization of hospitals or the capitalization of doctors' labour should be avoided.

Originality/value

In this paper, the authors explore the particularity of doctors' labour, particularity of medicine production, circulation, consumption and the internal relations between doctors' labour and medicines by using the analytical approach of Marxist political economy while considering the special roles of doctor's labour and medicines in the reproduction of labour power and put forward the theoretical basis for the segregation of doctor's labour and medicines.
70 years of China's foreign exchange market development: history and experience
Authors: Wang Guogang , Lin Nan
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The development of China's foreign exchange market and the reform of Chinese yuan (hereinafter “CNY”) exchange rate are closely linked with each other. Their respective journey through the past 70 years can both be divided into three historical periods; as follows: China's foreign exchange market underwent a difficult exploration period, a formation and development period and an innovative development period; in the meanwhile, the formation mechanism of CNY exchange rate also witnessed three periods marked successively by a single exchange rate system with administrative pricing, an explorative formation mechanism of CNY exchange rate and a reformed, marketized CNY exchange rate mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present world, the development of almost every country is closely linked to the international community, which is the result of the heterogeneity in system, market, humanity and history, in addition to the differences in natural resource endowments and the diversity in technology, administration, information, experience and diplomacy. International economic exchanges require foreign exchange, which gives rise to the existence and development of the foreign exchange market.

Findings

The 70-year history of China's foreign exchange market has proven the need to continue safeguarding national sovereignty and interests of the people, stick to the general direction of serving economic development, adhere to the strategy of steadily and orderly promoting the construction of the foreign exchange market, keep on making innovation in monetary policy operation and unbendingly stay away from any systemic financial risks.

Originality/value

During the 70-year history of the new China, as an indispensable economic resource in China's economic development, the foreign exchange mechanism bolstered each stage of economic development and was always an important manifestation of China's economic sovereignty. It is argued that during the 30-year planned economy that preceded reform and opening-up, China pursued a closed-door policy with few international economic exchanges. The subtext of such argument is that China did not have (or hardly had much of) a foreign exchange mechanism during this period, which is clearly in conflict with historical evidence. In fact, although China did not have an open foreign exchange market before the reform and opening-up, it had a clear foreign exchange management system and exchange rate system.
Supply-side structural reforms from the perspective of global production networks – based on the theoretical logic and empirical evidence of political economy
Authors: Xie Fusheng , Gao Ling , Xie Peiyu
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper examines the different features of China's economic development in different stages of economic globalization. The study finds that the investment- and export-based growth model drove China's high-speed economic growth between 2000 and 2007, which came into existence around 2000 when China plugged into the global production network.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper also finds that China slowed down to the New Normal because of the disruption to the socio-economic underpinnings of this growth model. As China adapts to and steers the New Normal, supply-side structural reforms can channel excess capacity to the construction of underground pipe networks in rural areas of central China and fix capital while advance rural revitalization.

Findings

At the same time, enterprises must strive to build a key component development platform for key component innovation and the standard-setting power in global manufacturing.

Originality/value

The establishment of a domestic production network integrating the integrated innovation-driven core enterprises and modular producers at different levels can satisfy the dynamic demand structure of China in which standardized demands and personalized demands coexist.
Logit model application for valuating intangible benefits from the afforested areas
Authors: Chandra Girish , Jain Avinash , Kumar Sanjay
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The estimation of market value of intangible benefits of afforestation has always been a challenging task, and the contingent valuation method is a popular method used in environmental assessment. The NTPC set up a coal-based power plant in Korba, India and planted 1.6 million trees on 19% of the project area.

Design/methodology/approach

The individual's mean and median willingness to pay (WTP) for four intangible benefits, namely, pollution control (PC), improvement in underground water level (IUGWL), soil conservation and remediation (SCR) in addition to total WTP from the afforestation program of NTPC were estimated using a customized procedure for logit model based upon respondent's age, education, occupation, income and bid amount asked to pay. Stratified multistage random sampling has been used to select the respondents.

Findings

The procedure increases the number of respondents who are willing to pay as compared to conventional CVM. The finding of the study shows that the highest WTP was observed for PC (Rs. 462.84 per month per household) followed by SCR and IUGWL, whereas for total WTP it was Rs. 972.60.

Originality/value

The proposed customized procedure and the results thereof would be useful in improving the WTP estimates for other similar studies in order to conserve the environment.
Theme and authenticity: experiencing heritage at The Venetian
Authors: Soligo Marta , Abarbanel Brett
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This article analyzes the concepts of experience economy and promotion of authenticity at The Venetian Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas by exploring the resort's tangible and intangible heritage use in design and marketing strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study conducts a content analysis of marketing material, historical documents, and site observations.

Findings

Visitors' active involvement, combined with The Venetian's use of tangible and intangible heritage, is used in creating an authentic themed experience. In addition, our study suggests that authenticity constitutes a key concept for today's hospitality industry.

Research limitations/implications

This study centers on a single case study, and requires adjustments in order to be replicated. However, The Venetian represents one of the most prominent models followed by the hospitality industry worldwide.

Practical implications

This analysis provides a baseline for comparison among resorts that have theming but do not integrate it in the same way, or in general, to other professionals and academics considering themed experiences.

Social implications

The manuscript centers on several aspects that are being debated in numerous fields, from business to sociology, such as customers' desire for authentic experiences through the creation of themed attractions.

Originality/value

This research fills a gap in hospitality marketing research into authenticity and themed experience by investigating how The Venetian Hotel and Casino uses the heritage of another, tourism-focused city (Venice) to promote itself. The investigation uncovers how themed attractions in hospitality create an experience-based involvement that centers on the authenticity of the theme (in our case cultural heritage) they replicate.
An areal openness model (AOM) for quantifying the “openness” of floor plans
Authors: Rockow Zoraya Roldán , Ross Brandon E.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to describe and demonstrate a quantitative areal openness model (AOM) for measuring the openness of floor plans. Creation of the model was motivated by the widely reported but rarely quantified link between openness and adaptability.

Design/methodology/approach

The model calculates values for three indicators: openness score (OS), weighted OS (WOS) and openness potential (OP). OS measures the absence of obstructions (walls, chases, columns) that separate areas in a floor plan. WOS measures the number of obstructions while also accounting for the difficulty of removing them. OP measures the potential of a floor plan to become more open. Indicators were calculated for three demolished case study buildings and for three adapted buildings. The case study buildings were selected because openness – or lack thereof – contributed to the owners' decisions to demolish or adapt.

Findings

Openness indicators were consistent with the real-world outcomes (adaptation or demolition) of the case study buildings. This encouraging result suggests that the proposed model is a reasonable approach for comparing the openness of floor plans and evaluating them for possible adaptation or demolition.

Originality/value

The AOM is presented as a tool for facility managers to evaluate inventories of existing buildings, designers to compare alternative plan layouts and researchers to measure openness of case studies. It is intended to be sufficiently complex as to produce meaningful results, relatively simple to apply and readily modifiable to suit different situations. The model is the first to calculate floor plan openness within the context of adaptability.
Through the lens of COVID-19
Authors: MacVane Phipps Fiona
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the IJHG Review is to enable readers to gain a quick overview of articles contained in an individual issue.

Design/methodology/approach

All current articles are read by the Review Editor who then prepares the Review.

Findings

Common themes are identified and key concepts are extracted from each article.

Practical implications

The Review enables readers to prioritize articles of the greatest interest to them.

Originality/value

The originality value of the IJHG Review is that no other Emerald Journal offers a Review section of this kind.
The regulation of Islamic banking in Mauritius
Authors: Mooneeram-Chadee Varsha
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the main components of the regulatory framework for Islamic banking in Mauritius. This small island state of the Indian Ocean aspires to host Islamic banking products while diversifying the range of financial services offered within its hybrid jurisdiction despite having a minority Muslim population. The study also aims at drawing some comparisons with the well-established regulatory framework that applies to conventional banking.

Design/methodology/approach

In this qualitative analysis of the regulatory framework of Islamic banking in Mauritius, the doctrinal approach is adopted. This method relies principally on a scrutiny of the provisions of the law and delves into the primary and secondary sources of law guiding Islamic banking practices in the Mauritian jurisdiction.

Findings

The research study concludes that, with the view of encouraging investors into Islamic banking, policymakers took some regulatory initiatives but these remained timid. These initiatives relied too often on borrowing from the regulatory framework in place for conventional banking practices instead of regulating the area within its own precepts. Prospects for expanding Islamic banking exist but will require more audacious regulatory steps so as to secure the environment within which Islamic banking is to flourish. In the meantime, the industry is in a status quo position with no further legal action currently being envisaged to re-launch this area.

Originality/value

This research study is among the first generated specifically on the regulatory framework of Islamic banking in a small financial centre that operates mostly offshore financial activities. Previous research work either focused on the empirical analysis or on reviewing the challenges and the prospects but no study has provided an in-depth analysis of the regulatory provisions circumscribing Islamic banking. This lacuna is being filled up by this research paper which highlights the regulatory needs of Islamic banking and comments on the inclusion of and the need for specific rules related to Islamic finance instead of relying on the overlap with conventional banking laws.
The effect of transglobal leadership and organizational culture on job performance - Inter-employee trust as Moderating Variable
Authors: Pujiono Bjardianto , Setiawan Margono , Sumiati  , Wijayanti Risna
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The objective of this study is to analyze the influence of transglobal leadership and organizational culture on job performance with inter-employee trust as a moderating variable in Pusat Pelaporan dan Analisis Transaksi Keuangan (PPATK) Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

The population was 308 staff members of PPATK, which consists of regular and temporary employees; all of them have different backgrounds. Temporary employees are from the Ministry of Finance, General Attorney, Police Department, Bank of Indonesia, Ministry of Communication and Information and BSSN and National Bureau of Statistics. PPATK also hires some employees based on employment contracts, for example: receptionists, security, drivers, cleaning services and technicians. This group of employees did not participate as respondents in this study because they were not involved in financial transaction reports or analysis.

Findings

Leadership style and organizational culture influence job performance. Inter-employee trust is moderating the influence of transglobal leadership and organizational culture toward job performance.

Originality/value

In organizations, the implementation of culture on methods for developing behavior, which means organizational culture, will affect the behavior of individuals who work in the organization. Synergy between individuals and organizational culture will improve job performance, because the goals of organizational culture are applied in a transglobal context, likely to produce positive performance and organizational development outcomes. Facilitate the vision and mission of the organization and one of them is developing human resource competencies.
GST fraud prevention to ensure business sustainability: a Malaysian case study
Authors: Othman Zaleha , Nordin Mohd Fareez Fahmy , Sadiq Muhammad
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study provides in-depth explanation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) fraud prevention towards sustainability business.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies a qualitative research method, i.e. case study, to address the specific research objective.

Findings

The finding revealed a GST prevention model towards sustainable business. The finding shows that it is pertinent for the government to set preventive strategies in order to retain sustainable income for the government. Two essential dimensions emerged in the findings to support preventive strategies, namely macro- and micro-level measures.

Practical implications

The findings of this study provide managers, investors and policymakers with evidence to what extent GST fraud could be minimize in order to safeguard government source of revenue and retain sustainable business in a country. As GST is an important source of revenue for the government, it is thus crucial to prevent fraud from occurring.

Originality/value

Past studies have primarily focused on GST implementation from the perspective of service tax effectiveness and efficiency. However, this study examined the impact of GST fraud to determine measures that could ensure service tax sustainability using preventive strategies, in turn, introducing to the existing literature on indirect tax.
Educational centralization as a catalyst for coordination: myth or practice?
Authors: Nir Adam E.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Using a document analysis methodology, the study analyzes official policy documents produced by the centralized Israeli Ministry of Education and by the State Comptroller responsible for reviewing the Israeli government's policies and operations. Coordination is assessed using three lenses: coordination among policy plans initiated by different governmental ministries; coordination among policy plans initiated by the Ministry of Education; and coordination within policy plans, referring to the congruence among various components comprising a particular policy.

Design/methodology/approach

Following previous studies testifying to the significance of coordination for organizational effectiveness and to the contribution of centralized structures for coordination, the current study attempts to assess whether centralized complex educational systems exhibit coordination among their articulated policy plans.

Findings

In spite of the highly centralized nature of Israeli governance, coordination among policy plans articulated by different governmental ministries is limited. This also applies to the coordination found among various educational policy plans or among various components comprising particular policy plans articulated by the Ministry of Education.

Originality/value

While centralized structures produce administrative bottlenecks creating ideal grounds for coordination, it appears that the assumed connection between centralization and coordination may not be applicable to educational systems and that coordination among and within policy plans in complex systems is not a zero-sum game. Implications are further discussed.
The future of sustainable real estate investments in a post-COVID-19 world
Authors: Pike John
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to suggest that property investors should engage with governments to influence outcomes. Global collaboration is required from the real estate investment community, working closely with governments and legislators, to provide a clear road map to zero carbon emissions. Covid-19 has shown how quickly governments around the world can react with draconian responses, including widespread lockdowns, when faced with an existential threat. What bigger existential threat is there than climate change?

Design/methodology/approach

Personal viewpoint from general research.

Findings

Three pillars of likely government and legislative interventions are identified; namely, increased and enhanced energy regulation and carbon pricing to force a rapid switch to green energy sources for buildings; an enhanced role for Energy Performance Certificates, standardised methodologies and strict enforcement; and mandatory reporting of financial and physical climate risks based on the Financial Stability Board’s Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures. It is suggested that property investors should now engage with governments to influence outcomes.

Originality/value

Personal viewpoint to encourage greater involvement of the real estate investment community in governmental and regulatory decision making.
The difference in the FDI – private investment relationship between developed and developing countries: does it stem from governance environment?
Authors: Nguyen Van Bon
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The paper attempts to empirically examine the difference in the foreign direct investment (FDI) – private investment relationship between developed and developing countries over the period 2000–2013.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the two-step GMM Arellano-Bond estimators (both system and difference) for a group of 25 developed countries and a group of 72 developing ones. Then, the PMG estimator is employed to check the robustness of estimates.

Findings

First, there is a clear difference in the FDI – private investment relationship between developed countries and developing ones. Second, governance environment, economic growth and trade openness stimulate private investment. Third, the effect of tax revenue on private investment in developed countries is completely opposite to that in developing ones.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to provide empirical evidence to confirm the dependence of FDI – private investment relationship on governance environment. In fact, contrary to the view (arguments) in Morrissey and Udomkerdmongkol (2012), the paper indicates that FDI crowds out private investment in developed countries (good governance environment), but crowds in developing countries (poor governance environment).
Assessment of user satisfaction in an intelligent office building in Istanbul
Authors: Aksoy Merve , Uzunoglu Semra Sema
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate an intelligent office building based on the post occupation evaluation (POE) criteria in relation to physical and psychosocial user needs.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using a questionnaire. The first group of questions was to determine demographic information; the second group of questions includes questions, which aim to measure the comfort level of the building users. The questionnaire also includes open-ended questions on other comments and suggestions. The data of the research were evaluated with the SPSS program and frequency and percentage distributions were determined. A total of 110 employees participated in the survey.

Findings

The results showed that the participants were generally satisfied with the design quality, indoor air quality and building support services quality of the building, while there were also participants who report dissatisfaction about the floor covering materials and ventilation of the spaces. At the end of the study, attention was drawn to the importance of POE in connection with user requirements.

Originality/value

It is considered that this study will shed light on future works by developing a perspective on intelligent office buildings in terms of user requirements and research process with the results obtained.
Improving accuracy of road projects’ estimates in the Ghanaian construction industry
Authors: Akinradewo Opeoluwa Israel , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis , Oke Ayodeji Emmanuel
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The inaccuracy of preliminary estimates sometimes results in wasted development effort if the project is abandoned. To curb this menace, this study aims to assess the different measures to improve the accuracy of road project estimates.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research design was used for this study, and questionnaire was designed to retrieve data from the target population. Engineers and quantity surveyors in Accra, Ghana formed the target population and were contacted by using an e-questionnaire through their professional bodies owing to location constraints. Descriptive and exploratory factor analyses were used in analysing the retrieved data. Mann–Whitney U non-parametric test was also used to compare the opinions of the respondents.

Findings

The study revealed that factors categorised as due diligence by estimator should be given more attention for accuracy of estimates to be improved.

Research limitations/implications

This study was limited to Accra, Ghana owing to time and distance constraint.

Practical implications

Proper consideration must be given to preliminary site investigation when preparing the estimates for road projects. This will provide the estimator with information on the physical features of the project environment.

Originality/value

Defined clusters of measures to improve estimate accuracy as highlighted in this study rather than merely ranked variables which are done by previous research studies will set the tone and provide insights for effective stakeholders’ actions. The study also bridges the gap between theory and practice by outlining how the findings can be implemented practically to achieve more accurate preliminary estimate for road projects. With efforts aligned with the core characteristics of each cluster, accuracy can be improved.
A trait‐based approach to assessing resistance and resilience to wildfire in two iconic North American conifers
Authors: Rodman Kyle C. , Veblen Thomas T. , Andrus Robert A. , Enright Neal J. , Fontaine Joseph B. , Gonzalez Angela D. , Redmond Miranda D. , Wion Andreas P.
Published: July 2020

Ongoing changes in fire regimes have the potential to drive widespread shifts in Earth's vegetation. Plant traits and vital rates provide insight into vulnerability to fire‐driven vegetation shifts because they can be indicators of the ability of individuals to survive fire (resistance) and populations to persist (resilience) following fire.

In 15 study sites spanning climatic gradients in the southern Rocky Mountains, USA, we quantified variation in key traits and vital rates of two co‐occurring, widely distributed conifers (Pinus ponderosaDouglas ex. P. Lawson & C. Lawson andPseudotsuga menziesii(Mirb.) Franco). We used mixed‐effects models to explain inter‐ and intraspecific variation in tree growth, survival, bark thickness and seed cone production, as a function of species, tree life stage (i.e. diameter, height and age), average climate, local competition and site conditions.

Pinus ponderosawas predicted to survive low‐severity fire at a 23% earlier age thanP. menziesii.Pinus ponderosahad thicker bark and more rapid juvenile height growth, traits conferring greater fire resistance. In contrast,P. menziesiiwas predicted to produce seed cones at a 28% earlier age thanP. ponderosa. For both species, larger individuals were more likely to survive fire and to produce cones. ForP. ponderosa, cone production increased where average actual evapotranspiration (AET) was higher and local competition was lower. More frequent cone production on productive sites with higher AET is an important and underappreciated mechanism that may help to explain greater resilience to fire in these areas.

Synthesis. Our analyses indicated that many plant traits and vital rates related to fire differed betweenPinus ponderosaandPseudotsuga menziesii, with trade‐offs between investment in traits that promote individual defence to fire and those that promote recolonization of disturbed sites. Future changes in fire regimes will act as a filter throughout North American forests, with our findings helping to infer which individuals and populations of two iconic species are most vulnerable to future change and offering a framework for future inquiry in other forests facing an uncertain future.
Effect of root litter addition on nitrogen mineralization rate under laboratory low‐temperature conditions in soil from a Japanese northern hardwood forest
Authors: Hosokawa Nanae , Isobe Kazuo , Urakawa Rieko , Tateno Ryunosuke , Fukuzawa Karibu , Watanabe Tsunehiro , Shibata Hideaki
Published: July 2020

Soil freeze–thaw can alter the soil nitrogen (N) mineralization rate by increasing root litter. However, the mechanism remains unclear. We compared the effect of adding root litter from two plant species on soil production rate and soil production rate under low‐temperature conditions in laboratory incubation. Root litter of oak (Quercus crispula) or dwarf bamboo, Sasa (Sasa nipponica) was added to soil and incubated under nonfrost and soil freeze–thaw treatments. We monitored temporal change of net/gross production rate and production rate throughout the soil frost period and the following melting period. We measured dissolved organic N (DON) in root litter leachate under the two temperature treatments. The soil N mineralization with Sasa root litter was higher than that with oak root litter in the two temperature treatments. The DON in root litter leachate of Sasa was larger than that of oak. The effect of root litter addition on net production rate was larger than that on net production rate. The higher net production rate of soil with Sasa was considered to be caused by higher DON in leachate from root litter of Sasa. The higher inducement of N mineralization of Sasa root litter than oak root litter was related to quantity of organic N in the root litter leachate.
Animal disease outbreaks and food market price dynamics: Evidence from regime‐dependent modelling and connected scatterplots
Authors: Acosta Alejandro , Barrantes Carlos , Ihle Rico
Published: July 2020

The economic impacts of animal disease outbreaks have been widely discussed in the literature. Most authors have centred their attention on estimating the direct costs. Recent studies have shown that the indirect economic effects might lead to equal or even higher welfare losses. This study aims to contribute to this field of research by assessing the effect of an animal disease outbreak on food market price dynamics in Mexico, accounting for the potential effect of an antitrust intervention. We employ a regime‐dependent vector error correction model and a connected scatterplot analysis. The results show that both the outbreak and the antitrust intervention caused structural breaks in food market price dynamics between producers and consumers, reflected in an increase in the absolute component of the marketing margin, with serious food security implications.
Regulating incoming international search and rescue teams in the response phase
Authors: Okita Yosuke , Shaw Rajib , Minato Yusuke
Published: July 2020

The paper explores the reason why International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) introduced the classification system for international search and rescue (SAR) teams, INSARAG External Classification (IEC), by reviewing the INSARAG’s lessons‐learned process. The past lessons show that there was a need to register qualified SAR teams that meet the operational standards agreed by the international SAR network and to ensure that these qualified teams are ready to respond. The paper also provides some recommendations to improve the system, such as more awareness and support for receiving countries is necessary so that the IEC as a system fully works.
Comparing cataract surgery complication rates in veterans receiving VA and community care
Authors: Rosen Amy K. , Vanneman Megan E. , O'Brien William J. , Pershing Suzann , Wagner Todd H. , Beilstein‐Wedel Erin , Lo Jeanie , Chen Qi , Cockerham Glenn C. , Shwartz Michael
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To compare 90‐day postoperative complication rates between Veterans receiving cataract surgery in VA vs Community Care (CC) during the first year of implementation of the Veterans Choice Act.

Data Sources

Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 VA and CC outpatient data from VA’s Corporate Data Warehouse (CDW) 10/01/14‐9/30/15). FY14 data were used to obtain baseline clinical information prior to surgery.

Study Design

Retrospective one‐year study using secondary data to compare 90‐day complication rates following cataract surgery (measured using National Quality Forum (NQF) criteria) in VA vs CC. NQF defines major complications from a specified list of Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. We ran a series of logistic regression models to predict 90‐day complication rates, adjusting for Veterans’ sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, preoperative ocular conditions, eye risk group, and type of cataract surgery (classified as routine vs complex).

Data Collection

We linked VA and CC users through patient identifiers obtained from the CDW files. Our sample included all enrolled Veterans who received outpatient cataract surgery either in the VA or through CC during FY15. Cataract surgeries were identified through CPT codes 66 984 (routine) and 66 982 (complex).

Principal Findings

Of the 83,879 cataract surgeries performed in FY15, 31 percent occurred through CC. Undergoing complex surgery and having a high‐risk eye (based on preoperative ocular conditions) were the strongest clinical predictors of 90‐day postoperative complications. Overall, we found low complication rates, ranging from 1.1 percent in low‐risk eyes to 3.6 percent in high‐risk eyes. After adjustment for important confounders (eg, race, rurality, and preoperative ocular conditions), there were no statistically significant differences in 90‐day complication rates between Veterans receiving cataract surgery in VA vs CC.

Conclusions

As more Veterans seek care through CC, future studies should continue to monitor quality of care across the two care settings to help inform VA’s “make vs buy decisions.”
Association between specialist compensation and Accountable Care Organization performance
Authors: Ganguli Ishani , Lupo Claire , Mainor Alexander J. , Orav Endel John , Blanchfield Bonnie B. , Lewis Valerie A. , Colla Carrie H.
Published: July 2020

Objective

To determine if Medicare Shared Savings Program Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) using cost reduction measures in specialist compensation demonstrated better performance.

Data Sources

National, cross‐sectional survey data on ACOs (2013‐2015) linked to public‐use data on ACO performance (2014‐2016).

Study Design

We compared characteristics of ACOs that did and did not report use of cost reduction measures in specialist compensation and determined the association between using this approach and ACO savings, outpatient spending, and specialist visit rates.

Principal Findings

Of 160 ACOs surveyed, 26 percent reported using cost reduction measures to help determine specialist compensation. ACOs using cost reduction in specialist compensation were more often physician‐led (68.3 vs 49.6 percent) and served higher‐risk patients (mean Hierarchical Condition Category score 1.09 vs 1.05). These ACOs had similar savings per beneficiary year (adjusted difference $82.6 [95% CI −77.9, 243.1]), outpatient spending per beneficiary year (−24.0 [95% CI −248.9, 200.8]), and specialist visits per 1000 beneficiary years (369.7 [95% CI −9.3, 748.7]).

Conclusion

Incentivizing specialists on cost reduction was not associated with ACO savings in the short term. Further work is needed to determine the most effective approach to engage specialists in ACO efforts.