bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coding and noncoding somatic mutations in basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Maturo Maria Giovanna , Rachakonda Sivaramakrishna , Heidenreich Barbara , Pellegrini Cristina , Srinivas Nalini , Requena Celia , Serra-Guillen Carlos , Llombart Beatriz , Sanmartin Onofre , Guillen Carlos , Nardo Lucia Di , Peris Ketty , Fargnoli Maria Concetta , Nagore Eduardo , Kumar Rajiv 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBasal cell carcinoma (BCC) represents the most commonly diagnosed human cancer among persons of European ancestry with etiology mainly attributed to sun-exposure. In this study we investigated mutations in coding and flanking regions of the PTCH1 and TP53 genes and noncoding alterations in the TERT and DPH3 promoters in 191 BCC tumors. In addition, we measured CpG methylation within the TERT hypermethylated oncological region (THOR) and transcriptions levels of the reverse transcriptase subunit. We observed mutations in PTCH1 in 59% and TP53 in 31% of the tumors. Noncoding mutations in TERT and DPH3 promoters were detected in 59% and 38% of the tumors, respectively. We observed a statistically significant co-occurrence of mutations at the four investigated loci. While PTCH1 mutations tended to associate with decreased patient age at diagnosis; TP53 mutations were associated with light skin color and increased number of nevi; TERT and DPH3 promoter with history of cutaneous neoplasms in BCC patients. TERT promoter mutations but not THOR methylation associated with an increased expression of the reverse transcriptase subunit. Our study signifies, in addition to the protein altering mutations in the PTCH1 and TP53 genes, the importance of noncoding mutations in BCC, particularly functional alterations in the TERT promoter.
Project-specific constraints influencing productivity of tradespeople in the Nigerian construction industry
Authors: Ugulu Rex Asibuodu , Arewa Andrew , Allen Stephen 
Published: October 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to establish the perception of tradespeople about project-specific constraints (PSCs) influencing construction productivity in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachUsing a qualitative descriptive survey comprising face-to-face semi-structured interviews and a purposive sampling method, views of eight groups of tradespeople and seven project managers on live construction projects in Nigeria were collected. The study used conventional content analysis with the aid of NVivo 12 pro computer software for the analysis.FindingsThe research evaluated the PSCs and their effect on construction productivity of tradespeople. The findings identified five key PSCs, namely: lack of promotions/reward system, unsafe/poor health condition of workers, delay in material availability, inadequate site amenities and an ageing workforce. These results support earlier research on constraints influencing labour productivity, however, the poor health condition of workers and material unavailability appear to be more unique when compared to other previous studies.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focussed on the Federal Capital Territory Abuja and the Lagos State of Nigeria. It provides insight into the PSCs influencing the productivity of tradespeople in the Nigerian construction industry. Further research to identify the PSCs in depth, in the Eastern part of Nigeria is necessary.Practical implicationsThe PSCs influencing tradespeople’s productivity was identified. The level of the relative impact of the PSCs is expected to guide the project team in addressing the PSCs in a method that is cost effective.Originality/valueThis study is original research that has underlined some areas of improvement in construction project performance.
Assessing building information modeling implementation readiness in building projects in Singapore
Authors: Liao Longhui , Teo Ai Lin Evelyn , Low Sui Pheng 
Published: October 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify critical non-value adding (NVA) building information modeling (BIM) implementation activities in current building project delivery process, develop a BIM implementation readiness (BIMIR) evaluation model, and assess BIMIR statuses in building projects in Singapore.

Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire survey and four post-survey interviews were conducted in Singapore. A fuzzy synthetic evaluation approach was adopted in the model development.

Findings
In total, 38 out of 44 NVA BIM implementation activities were deemed critical and used in the proposed model, among which “lack of involvement by contractors to contribute site knowledge” in the design development phase was ranked top. This model was validated in five projects. It was found that most of 73 surveyed building projects were in a low BIMIR status and the assessment results were consistent with current industry practices of BIM implementation in Singapore.

Research limitations/implications
There may be geographical limitation on the identification of the critical NVA BIM implementation activities. However, because BIM mandate spreads globally, the findings can help overseas project teams customize their own NVA activities and evaluation models.

Practical implications
As BIM implementation is mandated in Singapore, BIMIR evaluation helps local project teams identify weak areas of their BIM implementation activities and prioritize resources to enhance those areas.

Originality/value
No tool has been developed for evaluating BIMIR at the project level in the construction industry in Singapore or at large in Asia. Four BIMIR statuses are defined, which are consistent with Singapore’s BIM guidelines and standards.
Is the rest of the EU missing out on REITs?
Authors: Grybauskas Andrius , Pilinkiene Vaida 
Published: October 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether real estate investment trusts (REITs) have any significant cost-efficiency advantages over real estate operating companies (REOCs).Design/methodology/approachThe data for listed companies were extracted from the Bloomberg terminal. The authors analyzed financial ratios and conducted a non-parametric data envelope analysis (DEA) for 534 firms in the USA, Canada and some EU member states.FindingsThe results suggest that REITs were much more cost-efficient than REOCs by all the parameters in the DEA model during the entire three-year period under consideration. Although the debt-to-equity levels were similar, REOCs were more relying on short-term than long-term maturities, which made them more vulnerable against market corrections or shocks. Being larger in asset size did not necessarily guarantee greater economies of scale. Both – the cases of increasing economies of scale and diseconomies – were detected. The time period 2015–2017 showed the general trend of decreasing efficiency.Originality/valueVery few papers on the topic of REITs have attempted to find out whether a different firm structure displays any differences in efficiency. Because the question of REITs and sustainable growth of the real estate market has become a prominent issue, this research can help EU countries to consider the option of adopting a REIT system. If this system were successfully implemented, the EU member states could benefit from a more sustainable and more rapid growth of their real estate markets.
Green and grey infrastructures approaches in flood reduction
Authors: Pamungkas Adjie , Purwitaningsih Santika 
Published: October 2019

Purpose
This paper aims to advance the idea of sustainable flood reduction. Flood reduction through the use of the drainage system is considered an unsustainable approach that decreases the use of water. In contrast, the Water Sensitive City is a sustainable concept aimed at increasing the value of water for human needs and reduce flooding.

Design/methodology/approach
The current approach of relying on drainage systems is ineffective and must be combined with green infrastructures to reduce flooding. Green infrastructures can increase infiltration rates or facilitate rain harvesting. The study developed four scenarios that combine green and grey infrastructures and used the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to select the most effective scenario based on the remaining amount of flood volume in every scenario.

Findings
Green infrastructures that are related to increased infiltration and rain-harvesting instruments reduced flooding by 22.3 and 27.7 per cent, respectively. Furthermore, a combination of the two types of green infrastructures reduced flooding up to 45.5 per cent. Conversely, applying only grey infrastructures (by increasing drainage capacity) to reduce the flooding to zero is unfeasible, as this requires more than double the current capacity. Therefore, a combination of green and grey infrastructures can significantly reduce flooding in a water sensitive and feasible manner.

Originality/value
Applying a combination of green and grey infrastructures is a new and effective approach to reduce flooding in the Kedurus Catchment Area.
Spatial proximity and SME strategy in local networks
Authors: Eiriz Vasco 
Published: October 2019

PurposeLocal networks of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are founded both on collaborative and competitive inter-organizational relationships within the same network characterised by spatial proximity between firms. This paper aims to propose an original analytical framework to understand how spatial proximity between firms within local networks influences strategy of SMEs.Design/methodology/approachTheories and the existing knowledge were used to develop a preliminary conceptual framework. This preliminary framework was then developed as data collection and analysis were carried out. That is, in the more advanced stages of the research, both the literature and data allowed the design of a more specific analytical framework with the development of theoretical propositions. The data supporting the findings was derived from extensive content analysis of secondary documents from manufacturers, channel agents, industry organisations, public agencies and statistical sources. These data were also used as background briefing for 52 in-depth interviews with 36 senior managers within the sector.FindingsAn extensive qualitative research carried out in two major local networks of footwear production in Portugal shows that spatial proximity influences the following major variables of SME strategy: offer specialization, market specialization, competitive behaviour and collaborative behaviour. This paper examines the strong subcontracting relationships among manufacturers within each local network, discusses the competitive and collaborative behaviour of firms within their local networks of subcontracting and explains the nature of interaction between them contributing for a better understanding on the impact of spatial proximity on strategy.Practical implicationsSome management implications can be drawn from this research at the level of the network and of the firm, although both levels are profoundly intertwined. The paper discusses both these implications.Originality/valueThis research clarifies the relationship between spatial proximity and strategy of SMEs immersed in local networks. In particular, the findings show that, in the context of local networks of footwear production, SME strategy is influenced by spatial proximity between firms in the following characteristics of strategy: offer specialization, market specialization, competitive behaviour and collaborative behaviour. As it was discussed and empirically supported, spatial proximity between firms favour resource mobility, firms' interaction and reduction of transaction costs, which, in turn, impact strategy.
The dynamics of bond market development, stock market development and economic growth
Authors: Pradhan Rudra P. , Arvin Mak B. , Norman Neville R. , Bahmani Sahar 
Published: October 2019

Purpose
The paper investigates whether Granger causal relationships exist between bond market development, stock market development, economic growth and two other macroeconomic variables, namely, inflation rate and real interest rate. The study aims to expand the domain of economic growth by including a more in-depth analysis of the possible impact that bond market and stock market development has on economic growth than is normally found in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses a panel data set of the G-20 countries for the period 1991-2016. It uses a panel vector auto-regression model to reveal the nature of any Granger causality among the five variables.

Findings
The paper provides empirical insights that both bond market development and stock market development are cointegrated with economic growth, inflation rate and real interest rate. The most robust result from the panel Granger causality test is that bond market development, stock market development, inflation rate and real interest rate are demonstrable drivers of economic growth in the long run.

Research limitations/implications
Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack theoretical foundations. Therefore, perhaps the more fully grounded interactive findings of this study can inspire theorists to fill the missing gap.

Practical implications
This paper includes lessons for policymakers in the G-20 countries seeking to stimulate economic growth in the long run and how they need to ensure greater stability of the interest rate and inflation rate as well as fully developing their financial markets, as both bond markets and stock markets are obvious drivers of economic growth.

Originality/value
This paper fulfills an identified need to study causal relationships between bond market development, stock market development, economic growth and two other macroeconomic variables, i.e. inflation rate and real interest rate.
The associations between stock prices, inflation rates, interest rates are still persistent
Authors: Eldomiaty Tarek , Saeed Yasmeen , Hammam Rasha , AboulSoud Salma 
Published: October 2019

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the effect of both inflation rate and interest rate on stock prices using quarterly data on non-financial firms listed in DJIA30 and NASDAQ100 for the period 1999-2016. The stock duration model is used to measure the sensitivity in variations in inflation rates and interest rates on stock prices.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use standard statistical tools that include Johansen cointegration test, linearity, normality tests, cointegration regression, Granger causality and vector error correction model.FindingsThe results of panel Johansen cointegration analysis show that cointegration exists between the stock prices, the changes in stock prices due to inflation rates and the changes in stock prices due to real interest rates. The results of cointegration regression show that inflation rates are negatively associated with stock prices, the real interest rates and stock prices are positively associated, changes in real interest rates and inflation rates Granger cause significant changes in stock prices, significant speed of adjustment to long run equilibrium between observed stock prices and real interest rates and significant speed of adjustment to long run equilibrium between changes in stock prices due to real interest rates and changes in inflation rates.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the empirical literature in three ways. The paper examines the effects of inflation and interest rates on stock prices differently from other related studies by separating inflation from real interest rates. The paper examines the causality between stock prices, interest and inflation rates. This paper offers significant updated validity to extended literature that a negative association exists between stock prices and inflation rates. This validity can be considered as an existence a theory of stock prices, inflation rates and interest rates.
The impact of market sectors and rating agencies on credit ratings: global evidence
Authors: Lopatta Kerstin , Tchikov Magdalena , Körner Finn Marten 
Published: October 2019

Purpose
A credit rating, as a single indicator on one consistent scale, is designed as an objective and comparable measure within a credit rating agency (CRA). While research focuses mainly on the comparability of ratings between agencies, this paper additionally questions empirically how CRAs meet their promise of providing a consistent assessment of credit risk for issuers within and between market segments of the same agency.

Design/methodology/approach
Exhaustive and robust regression analyses are run to assess the impact of market sectors and rating agencies on credit ratings. The examinations consider the rating level, as well as rating downgrades as a further measure of empirical credit risk. Data stems from a large global sample of Bloomberg ratings from 11 market sectors for the period 2010-2018.

Findings
The analyses show differing effects of sectors and agencies on issuer ratings and downgrade probabilities. Empirical results on credit ratings and rating downgrades can then be attributed to investment grade and non-investment grade ratings.

Originality/value
The paper contributes to current finance research and practice by examining the credit rating differences between sectors and agencies and providing assistance to investors and other stakeholders, as well as researchers, how issuers’ sector and rating agency affiliations act as relative metrics.
A proposed maturity assessment framework of the Greek local government Web Electronic Services
Authors: Panayiotou Nikolaos , Stavrou Vasileios 
Published: October 2019

Purpose
This paper aims to construct an assessment framework to establish a maturity model for Web Electronic Services offered at a local government level and investigate the maturity of Greek municipalities in the E-Government field, trying to correlate how this is affected by demographic variables.

Design/methodology/approach
An original assessment framework regarding municipal Electronic Services was created based on the literature review. The assessment framework was included in a methodological approach supported by the PROMETHEE II method, as well as by selected statistical methods. The framework and the methodological approach were applied in the case of Greek municipalities.

Findings
The analysis revealed the low maturity level of Greek municipalities in Electronic Services sector. The Greek case study indicated that the proposed framework and methodological approach could provide useful insights to municipalities for the improvement of its E-Government Web services based on their strategic preferences.

Research limitations/implications
The assessment took place only in Greece, assessing all the country's municipalities and conducting research only in the municipalities’ websites. The proposed methodology suggests that the PROMETHEE II multi-criteria decision analysis method can support the assessment of the maturity level of local government entities. Moreover, the combination of the PROMETHEE II–empowered assessment framework with demographic statistical analysis can assist orthological decision-making concerning future investments in Web Electronic Services. The methodology could be a good option for future research efforts (assessments) in municipalities, in Greece and worldwide.

Practical implications
The framework is both easy to use and fairly complete. The fact that the assessment was conducted in all the Greek municipalities makes it much more reliable, as it provides the whole picture. The suggested methodology which includes the proposed framework could be used in the cases of municipalities in other countries to assist future actions concerning the investment in Web Electronic Services.

Originality/value
This study provided a medium-size framework, being both complete and easy to use during the evaluation process of all the municipalities in Greece. In addition, the statistical analysis received data from a decision-making tool to execute the clustering (Cluster analysis is usually performed based on the raw data).
Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS) and Farmers’ Fertilizer Use in Rural Nigeria
Authors: Uduji Joseph I. , Okolo‐Obasi Elda N. , Asongu Simplice A. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractFertilizer use in Nigeria is estimated at 13 kg/ha, which is far below the 200 kg/ha recommended by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). The objective of this investigation was to identify the determinant factors of farmers’ participation in Nigeria's Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS). In addition, we determined the impact of the GESS on fertilizer use in rural areas. A total of 1,200 rural farmers were sampled across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Results from the use of a recursive bivariate probit model indicated that GESS significantly impacted on the access and usage of fertilizer among the rural farmers; and that contact with extension agents, ownership of mobile phones, power for charging phone batteries, value output, mobile network coverage, ability to read and write were positive determinants of rural farmers’ participation in the GESS; whereas increased distance to registration and collection centers, and cultural constraints to married women reduced farmers’ tendency to participate in the GESS. The findings suggest that farmers’ participation in the GESS is a critical factor for raising fertilizer use in Nigeria. This implies that food security in sub‐Saharan Africa can be achieved by increasing the participation of rural farmers in the GESS.
Terrorism and its Determinants in the Sub‐Saharan Africa Region: Some New Insights
Authors: Tahir Muhammad , Ibne Afzal Munshi Naser , Afridi Muhammad Asim , Naseem Imran , Bin Saeed Bilal 
Published: October 2019

AbstractTerrorism is undesirable as it adversely affects the economic development of countries. This study explores the determinants of terrorism in 29 countries of sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). The data is extracted from reliable sources spanning over 2005 to 2016. Econometric techniques relevant for panel data that control for unobserved heterogeneity (fixed effects) and endogeneity (generalized method of moment) are employed to estimate the specified models. The results indicated that low growth in per capita incomes along with political instability are the main driving forces responsible for terrorism. Similarly, military expenditures are influencing terrorism positively whereas corruption has impacted terrorism negatively in the SSA region. Further, the growth of both physical as well as human capital reduces terrorism. The paper suggests that the region should take appropriate steps for increasing income of the population, education and capital stock, along with ensuring political stability to eradicate terrorism from the region.