bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anopheles gambiaematernal age and parous state control offspring susceptibility toPlasmodium falciparum
Authors: Mitri Christian , Thiery Isabelle , Lecoq Marie-Thérèse , Thouvenot Catherine , Touron Solange , Landier Annie , Bischoff Emmanuel , Bourgouin Catherine 
Published: January 2020

AbstractMaternal effects have been reported in many organisms whereby exposure to environmental stress, either toxics or pathogens will impact on progeny response to these stresses. Here we show thatAnopheles gambiaesusceptibility toPlasmodium falciparumis dependent upon maternal effects driven by females not previously exposed to the parasite. The maternal effect involved both mother age and reproductive state. Offspring of old females or from a 4thgonotrophic cycle are more susceptible than offspring from young females. These maternal effects also contribute to overall better fitness of the offspring. As mosquito population age structure contributes heavily shaping malaria transmission, consequences of this novel finding should be taken into account in further strategies for controlling malaria transmission.
The Prorenin Receptor and its Soluble Form Contribute to Lipid Homeostasis
Authors: Gatineau Eva , Arthur Gertrude , Poupeau Audrey , Nichols Kellea , Spear Brett T. , Graf Gregory , Temel Ryan , Yiannikouris Frédérique 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObesity is associated with alterations in hepatic lipid metabolism. We previously identified the prorenin receptor (PRR) as a potential contributor to liver steatosis. Therefore, we aimed to determine the relative contribution of PRR and its soluble form, sPRR, to lipid homeostasis. PRR-floxed male mice were treated with an adeno-associated virus with thyroxine-binding globulin promoter driven Cre to delete specifically PRR in hepatocytes (Liver PRR KO mice). Hepatic PRR deletion did not change the body weight but increased liver weights. Liver PRR KO mice exhibited higher plasma cholesterol levels and lower hepatic LDLR protein than control mice. Surprisingly, hepatic PRR deletion elevated hepatic cholesterol, and up-regulated hepatic SREBP2 and HMG CoA-R genes. In addition, hepatic PRR deletion increased plasma sPRR levels.In vitrostudies in Hep-G2 cells demonstrated that sPRR treatment up-regulated SREBP2 suggesting that elevated plasma sPRR could contribute to hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis. Interestingly, PPARγ, PRR and total sPRR were elevated in the adipose tissue of Liver PRR KO mice suggesting that elevated plasma sPRR originated from the adipose tissue. In 3T3-L1 cells, sPRR treatment up-regulated PPARγ indicating that sPRR stimulates master regulator of adipocyte differentiation. Overall, this work support a new role for sPRR in lipid metabolism and adipose tissue – liver crosstalk.
Fiscal decentralization, preference for government innovation and city innovation
Authors: Yang Siying , Li Zheng , Li Jian 
Published: January 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine whether fiscal decentralization has impacts on city innovation level and to examine the moderating effects of the preference for government innovation in China.

Design/methodology/approach
Using a panel data of China’s 278 cities from 2003 to 2016, the authors first use fixed-effect model and quantile regression to analyze the impact of fiscal decentralization on city innovation level and the variations of impacts conditional on different innovation levels, followed by a mediating effect model to test the moderating effects of the preference for government innovation and its temporal and spatial heterogeneity.

Findings
The paper finds that fiscal decentralization significantly inhibited city innovation, and with the improvement of city innovation level, the inhibition demonstrated characteristics of “V” type variation. When the degree of fiscal decentralization is between 0.377 and 0.600, the inhibition of fiscal decentralization on city innovation level is the weakest. We further show that fiscal decentralization also inhibits the government's preference for innovation, reduces the proportion of fiscal expenditure on innovation and has a negative impact on city innovation. In addition, the influence of fiscal decentralization on city innovation present clear heterogeneity in space and in time. On one hand, the inhibition of fiscal decentralization on city innovation level in eastern China is significantly weaker than that in central and Western China; on the other hand, after the implementation of China’s innovation-driven development strategy in 2013, the negative impact of fiscal decentralization on city innovation disappeared.

Research limitations/implications
The research findings have certain policy implications. That is, in the process of decentralization reform, on the one hand, the central government should strengthen the supervision over the fiscal expenditure of local governments and ensure that the central government can play a leading role in the local development strategy, on the other hand, the central government should guard against the distortion of fiscal decentralization on local governments' fiscal expenditure behavior. In addition, the central government should also focus on the heterogeneity of the impacts of fiscal decentralization on cities under different strategic backgrounds and different levels of innovation.

Originality/value
This paper extends prior research by bringing the decentralization system reform into the study of city innovation system and analyzing its mechanism and its temporal and spatial heterogeneity.
More exposed but also more vulnerable? Climate change, high intensity precipitation events and flooding in Mediterranean Spain
Authors: Ribas Anna , Olcina Jorge , Sauri David 
Published: January 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the role of high intensity precipitation events in increasing the vulnerability to floods in Mediterranean Spain. Precipitation intensity in this area appears to have augmented in the last two decades in association with warming trends of the Mediterranean Sea. At the same time, intense urbanization processes, occupying and transforming flood prone land, have produced an important increase in exposure. The main objective is to assess whether higher intensity precipitation and changing patterns in exposure aggravate vulnerability to floods.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, vulnerability is understood as the result of the interrelationships between exposure, sensitivity, impacts and adaptive capacity. Consequently, methods used involved the compilation and analysis of published and unpublished precipitation data, population and land use data, data on insurance claims, and media sources related to those variables.FindingsChanges toward episodes of more intense precipitation in the expanding urban areas of Mediterranean Spain increase exposure but not necessarily vulnerability, at least in terms of human deaths. However, adaptative capacity needs to be formulated. Actions that attempt to absorb and eventually reuse flood flows (as the flood park in Alicante) appear to be more effective than traditional hydraulic solutions (as in Majorca).Originality/valueThe paper provides a systematic and coherent approach to vulnerability analysis taking into account the changing dynamics of its components. Especially, it signals the limits of current adaptive approaches to flooding and advocates for changes toward a more circular and less linear approach to urban drainage.
Investors’ perceptions of the cybersecurity risk management reporting framework
Authors: Yang Ling , Lau Linda , Gan Huiqi 
Published: January 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a research model to examine the perception of non-professional investors toward the cybersecurity reporting framework developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).Design/methodology/approachThe proposed hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling with data collected from Amazon's Mechanical Turk platform.FindingsThe findings conclude that investors' perceived benefits of the cybersecurity risk framework are positively related to investment intention. Information quality and cybersecurity awareness also positively influence perceived benefits of the risk framework and investment intention.Practical implicationsFindings of this study are relevant to both regulatory bodies and firms because non-professional investors’ perceptions of the benefits of the AICPA’s reporting framework are unveiled.Originality/valueFindings from this research help to provide a more in-depth understanding of the impact of various factors on investor’s decision-making process and also significant insights into the non-professional investor’s attitude toward the AICPA’s framework.
Corporate governance and cost of capital in OECD countries
Authors: AlHares Aws 
Published: January 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of corporate governance mechanisms on the cost of capital in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries.

Design/methodology/approach
A panel data of 240 companies from Anglo-American and European countries between 2010 and 2017 were used. The ordinary least-squares multiple regression analysis was used to examine the relationships. The results were also robust to alternative measures and endogeneities.

Findings
The results showed that the corporate governance index and director ownership were negatively related to the cost of capital. Moreover, the study also reports a positive correlation between block ownership and the cost of capital.

Originality/value
This study extended the corporate governance literature by offering new evidence on the effect of corporate governance mechanisms on the cost of capital. Our findings will help regulators and policymakers in the OECD countries to evaluate the adequacy of the current corporate governance reforms to prevent management misconduct and scandals.
The upstream-downstream interface of Sri Lanka’s tsunami early warning system
Authors: Haigh Richard , Sakalasuriya Maheshika Menike , Amaratunga Dilanthi , Basnayake Senaka , Hettige Siri , Premalal Sarath , Jayasinghe Arachchi Ananda 
Published: January 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to deliver a detailed analysis of the functioning of upstream–downstream interface process of the tsunami early warning and mitigation system in Sri Lanka. It also gives an understanding of the social, administrative, political and cultural complexities attached to the operation of interface mechanism, and introduces an analytical framework highlighting the significant dynamics of the interface of tsunami early warning system in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach
Through the initial literature review, a conceptual framework was developed, highlighting the criteria against which the interface process can be assessed. This framework was used as the basis for developing data collection tools, namely, documentary analysis, semi-structured interviews and observations that focused on the key stakeholder institutions in Sri Lanka. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data according to the conceptual framework, and an improved and detailed framework was developed deriving from the findings.

Findings
The manner in which the interface mechanism operates in Sri Lanka’s tsunami early warning system is discussed, providing a detailed understanding of the decision-making structures; key actors; standardisation; technical and human capacities; socio-spatial dynamics; coordination among actors; communication and information dissemination; and the evaluation processes. Several gaps and shortcomings were identified with relation to some of these aspects, and the significance of addressing these gaps is highlighted in the paper.

Practical implications
A number of recommendations are provided to address the existing shortcomings and to improve the overall performance of tsunami warning system in Sri Lanka.

Originality/value
Based on the findings, a framework was developed into a more detailed analytical framework that depicts the interface operationalisation in Sri Lanka, and can also be potentially applied to similar cases across the world. The new analytical framework was validated through a focus group discussion held in Sri Lanka with the participation of experts and practitioners.
“Don’t look down on us”
Authors: Miles Glenn , Geyer Theresa , Ding Rachel , Blasé Olivia , Clark Katie 
Published: January 2020

Purpose
Although some research has been done with entertainment workers in KTV bars, little has been done to gain a qualitative understanding of the vulnerabilities of masseuse women. This is due to a prevalent focus on girls under 18 years, thereby excluding most masseuses. The purpose of this paper is to understand the reality of life as perceived by Phnom Penh’s female masseuses in the lower-priced massage parlors is therefore largely unknown.

Design/methodology/approach
In total, 98 female participants completed an interview answering both open and closed questions concerning relationships, stigma and discrimination and personal sexual abuse among other topics.

Findings
This study finds that many women working in the massage parlor industry are vulnerable to various threats, including sexual exploitation and abuse. Dependency structures within the massage parlor as well as with their families seem to play a key role in the life situations that can be positive as well as negative, and in some cases both.

Research limitations/implications
This is not a prevalence study so all figures are tentative. The women were deeply concerned that they might be stigmatized further so they may not have revealed the extent of their challenges.

Practical implications
More research and work with this vulnerable group is vital. They should be recognized as a vulnerable group who have rights.

Social implications
The findings provide a baseline evaluation of the vulnerable conditions of the massage industry for women in Cambodia. Specifically, that stigma, discrimination, physical and sexual abuse, as well as a lack of access to education are all vulnerabilities not commonly covered, especially with adult women working in the entertainment industry.

Originality/value
Understanding the reality of life as perceived by Phnom Penh’s female masseuses in the lower-priced massage parlors is therefore largely unknown so a study of this kind is necessary.
Evaluation of the Islamic interbank benchmark rate
Authors: Tlemsani Issam 
Published: January 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the Islamic Interbank Benchmark Rate (IIBR) and investigate its relationship with conventional benchmark rates.

Design/methodology/approach
This study relies extensively on multivariate regression and Granger causality analysis, using data culled for the IIBR, conventional interest-dependent benchmark rates and oil prices. The data was collected daily over a period spanning from November 2011 to June 2015.

Findings
The main finding of this study is that there is a significant negative correlation between the IIBR and London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other conventional interbank benchmark rates. This negative linear relationship is due to the IIBR representing a substitute investment for international investors when traditional rates fall in relation to the IIBR.

Practical implications
This study seeks to bring research on the IIBR and Sharia finance into the mainstream. It provides new insights into the IIBR as an independent interbank benchmark rate, exploring and confirming its status as a Sharia complaint financial tool.

Originality/value
This study is a comprehensive investigation of the relationship between the IIBR and conventional counterpart benchmark rates (LIBOR, Kuala Lumpur Interbank Offered Rate, effective federal funds rate and conventional rates in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries). The study contributes to the understanding of the IIBR’s framework principles and its value as a solution to current and future Sharia-complaint short-term interbank market funding for the Islamic finance industry.
Drivers of loyalty among non-Muslims towards Islamic banking in Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Thas Thaker Hassanudin , Sakaran K. Chandra , Nanairan N. Madhavan , Mohd Thas Thaker Mohamed Asmy , Iqbal Hussain Hafezali 
Published: January 2020

Purpose
The growth of Islamic banking seems to be tremendous and significant in the context of Malaysia. Moreover, together with Muslim loyalty towards Islamic banking, non-Muslims are also showing positive acceptance towards Islamic banking in Malaysia. Thus, this paper aims to examine the drivers of loyalty among non-Muslim in their adoption of Islamic banking products in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach
The primary data are collected from the survey administered to non-Muslim clients in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. The total number of respondents involved are n = 300. The analysis of data is conducted by using a partial least square analysis.

Findings
This study documented that loyalty among non-Muslim Islamic banking customers in Malaysia was mainly driven by convenience, product pricing, reliability and responsiveness, operational risk and security and value added services. Only one variable was found to be insignificant, which was accessibility.

Practical implications
The results from this research is expected to provide important inputs on the critical factors for consideration by Islamic banks in maintaining further loyalty among their non-Muslim customers, thus enhancing the development of Islamic banking in Malaysia.

Originality/value
This paper provides further literature evidence on the factors contributes to loyalty by considering non-Muslims patronization of Islamic banking in Malaysia.
Cause-related marketing, legitimacy and internationalization of professional service firms
Authors: Arslan Ahmad , Golgeci Ismail , Haapanen Lauri , Tarba Shlomo , Cooper Cary , Degbey William Y. 
Published: January 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address the role of legitimacy in internationalization to Africa of a Finnish professional service microfirm, which uses cause-related marketing (CRM) as the business model.Design/methodology/approachThe paper consists of a single case study of a microfirm (two employees) originating from Finland, which has successfully internationalized to many African countries. Due to the uniqueness of the context, the authors use semi-structured interviews to collect founders’ insights to the issue being addressed. Moreover, along with interviews, secondary sources related to football talent scouting in Africa are also utilized in the paper.FindingsThe authors found that the case company was established with the aim of helping and uplifting poor African footballers, so the business model is CRM. It has scouted many of them for professional football clubs in Europe. The authors further found that sociopolitical legitimacy plays a major role in dealing with African footballers and local stakeholders, while cognitive legitimacy helped the case firm gain the trust of European football clubs.Originality/valueInternationalization of microfirms operating in the service sector is a rather under-researched area compared to the internationalization of SMEs and large MNEs. The paper is one of the first to study internationalization of a professional service microfirm involved in scouting football talent in Africa and matchmaking them with European football clubs. It contributes to extant CRM and internationalization literature by being one of the first to analyze a firm whose business model revolves around CRM and discussing specific roles of different kinds of legitimacies needed for internationalization to Africa in this specific service sector.
Sticky cost behavior and its implication on accounting conservatism: a cross-country study
Authors: Makni Fourati Yosra , Chakroun Ghorbel Rania , Jarboui Anis 
Published: January 2020

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the impact of cost stickiness on conditional conservatism.

Design/methodology/approach
The research sample consists of listed companies from 18 countries, using stock market indices of the BRICS, MIST, North Africa, USA and EU over the period ranging from 1997 to 2015. The authors use the firm-fixed effects method in the estimation of the models.

Findings
The results provide evidence of the existence of cost stickiness and conditional conservatism in the international context, using the Banker et al. (2016) model. They also argue that the conditional conservatism model (Basu, 1997) is overstated because it does not control for cost stickiness. In additional analyses, the authors conclude that the association between cost stickiness and accounting conservatism changes across country groups and across industries. The authors also document that the employee intensity and free cash-flow, as cost stickiness determinants, remain significant in the model including accounting conservatism. Moreover, the findings show that sticky cost behavior distorts inferences about standard demand drivers of conservatism such as leverage and size.

Originality/value
The findings are interesting and provide a better understanding of cost stickiness and conditional conservatism, and the interaction between these two phenomena in the international context, across country groups and across industries. To the best of the author’s knowledge, the study is the first one including free cash flow as a proxy for agency problem in the full model combining conservatism and cost stickiness models (Banker et al., 2016).
The performance ofShariah-compliant companies during and after the recession period – evidence from companies listed on the FTSE All World Index
Authors: Tahir Muhammad , Ibrahim Salma 
Published: January 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the relative performance ofShariah-compliant companies (SCCs) compared to conventional companies. This study focuses on two periods, the first being the recession period of 2007-2010 and the second, the non-recession period of 2011-2014.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative approach is adopted using an ordinary least square regression model. The chosen variables are those used by previous researchers in conventional studies of corporate performance. Data are selected from individual companies listed on the FTSE All World Index. This study examines two periods of time: the recession of 2007-2010 and the post-recession years of 2011-2014 to analyse performance measured by accounting returns (return on equity, return on asset and earnings per share) and market returns (stock return and price/earnings ratio).FindingsThe study found that SCCs outperformed non-Shariahcompliant companies, in terms of both accounting and market returns during both periods. It was also found that size has a negative effect on performance during both periods. The degree of risk, leverage and growth has no significance in either period, but cash flow from operations has a positive effect on performance in both.Research limitations/implicationsThe study could beneficially be extended by the inclusion of corporate governance variables to assess how these affect performance in SCCs.Originality/valueIn contrast to previous research carried out on indices, this study uses data from individual companies listed on the FTSE All World Index. It provides insight into the wayShariahethics can influence performance and suggests that some of the features could be useful if adopted by conventional companies.