bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modelling local autonomy and dependence through cooperative relations
Authors: Medir Tejado Lluís , Pano Esther 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
Given the spread of multi-level governance tools, interaction between local and regional governments has become an important mechanism for service delivery and the implementation of public policies. The purpose of this paper is to empirically test a model of cooperative relations affecting local governments and thus having impact on local autonomy and dependence.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper takes previous typologies as a starting point to theoretically build and empirically test a model of cooperative relations based on two selected indicators: the degree of autonomy-dependence and the degree of rigidity-flexibility of the cooperative system. In a second step, the authors stimulate the model numerically to match real data on it coming from South European local governments to assess the functioning of the theory in a concrete space and time.

Findings
The combination of the aforementioned concepts, creates a four-option theoretical model that describes four possible situations where cooperative intergovernmental relations can be empirically placed.

Originality/value
This paper points out the need to incorporate empirical studies to trace the characteristics and evolution of the cooperative relations between local governments and upper tiers. This is particularly relevant if the authors are referring to mechanisms that can vary through time. In the current big and open data era, this empirical process will become easier and more affordable. In this context, local government studies benefit from particular features that improve the operation of this kind of analysis: large “N” configuration (a large number of units to be included) and a reasonable equivalence in concepts and bodies that allows comparability.
Does local autonomy facilitate local government reform initiatives? Evidence from Switzerland
Authors: Keuffer Nicolas 
Published: March 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate to what extent the initiatives of local governments to launch modernisation processes are facilitated by local autonomy, which is increasingly important in both the theory and practice of public policy and management.Design/methodology/approachLocal government reforms are distinguished according to the institutional structure at which they are directed and local autonomy is assessed as a multidimensional concept. Drawing on a multilevel analysis of the Swiss case, this paper combines data stemming from a survey conducted at the local tier with secondary data from the regional tier.FindingsThe main empirical findings are threefold. First, when local governments undertake managerial or political reform initiatives, their autonomy with respect to higher levels of government matters. Second, it is not local autonomy but rather the perception of structural problems that is the force driving territorial reforms. Third, it is not the autonomy enjoyed by local governmentsvis-à-vislocal factors, but rather the pressures stemming from that context that may lead to reforms.Originality/valueBy adopting a comparative approach to local autonomy, this paper shows that local governments which have sufficient latitude for local policy making are likely to take initiatives to improve service delivery in accordance with local preferences.
Local government modernization in Albania
Authors: Guga Elona 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
An attempt will be made to shed light on the course and pattern of the decentralization process by analyzing the historical development of local government and the territorial-administrative reform of 2015-2020 in Albania and the factors that have been shaping it. The scope is to understand the impact of the reform elements on the subnational governments and in general their overall impact on the government. The purpose of this paper is to fill the gap in the existing literature for Albania and at offering some insights on the administrative-territorial reform. Furthermore, it will contribute to the current debate on fiscal decentralization in South Eastern European (SEE) countries and the public management model implemented after the last reforms.

Design/methodology/approach
The first section analyzes the historical development of local government reforms from the 1990s to today and will help to identify if there is instrumentalism advocacy. The second section explains the determinants of the local government’s fiscal autonomy in Albania of the period from 2003 to 2016. Three indicators are used as proxies for fiscal decentralization: the proportion of subnational expenditure over national expenditure, of total subnational revenues over total revenues of central government and the indicator of own subnational revenues over total revenues of the central government. The data from the budget and the revised budgets are then compared.

Findings
Despite Albania’s commitment to decentralize its government functions, there is still work to do. The territorial and administrative reform has not generated the expected results. Almost 90 percent of the revenues still come from the central government’s unconditional transfers. Therefore, the Albanian Government should build capacities and skills, and train the employees of each level of government that currently benefit from international assistance.

Research limitations/implications
The analysis represents a single case study on the territorial-administrative reform in Albania. Its implementation started in 2015 and it is probably too early to discuss outcomes. However, it might be useful to analyze the first results after a two-and-a-half-year period of implementation of reforms. Despite contributing to the existing gap in the literature, additional research will be necessary to better understand the decentralization process not only in Albania, but in all SEE countries.

Practical implications
It is necessary to first understand the lack of initial output, as well as the various challenges faced, in order to take the corrective measures on time.

Originality/value
This paper discusses in detail the reform adopted and the progress made by the Albanian local government units. The reform attempts to develop better relationships between the central and local governments and hence improve their service delivery, transparency and accountability. This paper is the first one that is attempting to analyze the initial output of the territorial-administrative reform of 2015-2020.
The role of TPLs in innovative logistics solutions in importation
Authors: Vitorino Razzera Alessandra , Machado Marcelo André 
Published: March 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of third-party logistics providers (TPLs) in providing innovative logistics solutions for Brazilian importations.Design/methodology/approachA multiple case study has been conducted in which four logistics service providers are interviewed on the topic of innovation in importation logistics. The collected data (interviews, brochures and presentations) were triangulated and analyzed.FindingsThe collected data highlight the integrating role of TPLs in providing innovative logistics solutions of the technological nature, in addition to drivers, which involve communication, trust, logistics and institutional actions.Research limitations/implicationsThis study, instead of focusing on procedural issues, intended to focus on two important theoretical and practical drivers: innovation in the importation process and strengthening of intangible factors. It is known that trading conditions and geographical proximity have an impact in importation, but they have not been discussed here because of the subject delimitation of the present study. Regarding the implications of the present study, no specific theoretical reference has been found on the subject in terms of the importation process but is rather related to information technology, which is then presented.Practical implicationsThis study focuses on the fundamental role of TPLs in the development of innovative logistics solutions in importation.Social implicationsThe fundamental role of TPLs in the development of innovative logistics solutions in importation is based on trust and relationship, internal and external to the organization.Originality/valueThis study, instead of focusing on procedural issues, intends to focus on two important theoretical and practical drivers – innovation in the importation process and strengthening of intangible factors – suggesting that a change of mind-set and a differentiated background in importation logistics are developed by TPLs.
Archaeological site of Bat-Oman, management and public perception
Authors: Benkari Naima 
Published: March 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the physical context of the necropolis of Bat, look at its management by the Omani Ministry of Heritage and Culture (MHC), and discusse the challenges it is facing. It will also shed light on how the site of Bat is perceived by the local community and visitors.Design/methodology/approachThe archaeological complex of Bat, al-Khutm, and al-Ayn was listed by the UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1988. Despite this classification, relatively little attention has been given to the management of this site. The author conducted interviews with representatives of the MHC in order to understand how this site is being managed, and the author uploaded an online public questionnaire to learn how the population is being educated about the importance of this heritage.FindingsThe results of this investigation revealed a surprisingly high level of public awareness about the importance of this site to the country socially, and economically. In spite of this awareness, the site is not visited frequently because it is not adequately equipped: a situation that was clearly outlined by the respondents. Suggestions were proposed in order to better integrate this site into the local development plans and the socio-economic growth of the whole region.Originality/valueThe originality of this research is that it took the site of investigation an archaeological site listed by the UNESCO for its outstanding universal value and contrary to what is expected, this site was “forgotten” in all development and management plans executed by the local and central government for almost two decades. It is also the first research about a site in Oman to address such issues and use these methods.
Does organizational climate moderate the relationship between job stress and intent to stay?
Authors: Vong Louis Tze-Ngai , Ngan Henrique Fátima Boyol , Lo Patrick Chun-Pong 
Published: March 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the moderating influence of organizational climate in the relationship between job stress and intent to stay.Design/methodology/approachThis study has used a non-probability sampling design for data collection. A semi-structured questionnaire has been prepared and a street survey has been carried out at popular public places in Macau.FindingsThis study shows that stressful employees working in organizations characterized by unsupportive organizational climate had far less desire to stay with the organization than those working in organizations with supportive organizational climate.Research limitations/implicationsStreet intercept survey is a technique of convenience sampling. This makes it difficult to generalize the study’s findings to the entire population.Originality/valueFew studies to date have paid attention to the influence of organizational climate between job stress and intent to stay. The multi-industry context from which the data are collected suggests that the results and findings are useful to managers and practitioners from across a broad range of business sectors.
SEC staff issues guidance on Rule 14a-8 calling for board involvement in evaluating shareholder proposals
Authors: Parrino Richard J. , Dye Alan , Bahn Alex 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
This paper examines a legal bulletin issued by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in November 2017 that provides significant new guidance to SEC-reporting companies on the application of the “ordinary business” and “economic relevance” exceptions in Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Rule 14a-8 governs an SEC-reporting company’s obligation to include shareholder proposals in its proxy materials for a shareholder meeting.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper provides in-depth analysis of the new interpretive guidance against the background of continuing controversy between companies and shareholder-proponents over the bases on which companies should be permitted to exclude from their proxy materials proposals that proponents believe raise social, ethical or other policy issues that are appropriate for shareholder action.

Findings
In acting on a company’s request to exclude a proposal, the SEC staff must make difficult judgments regarding the connection between policy issues reflected in the proposal and the company’s business operations, which the company’s directors and officers seek to conduct free of inappropriate shareholder oversight. In the new guidance, the staff calls for assistance in making these judgments by soliciting greater board-level involvement in the exclusion determination and encouraging the company in its no-action submission to discuss the board’s analysis and decision-making process. Greater board participation should encourage a more probing assessment of the considerations weighed in these determinations.

Originality/value
This paper provides expert guidance on a major new SEC disclosure requirement from experienced securities lawyers.
MSRB publishes 2017 compliance advisory for broker-dealers
Authors: Anderson Scott R. , Audette James , Poorbaugh Kate S. 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
To summarize the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s 2017 Compliance Advisory for brokers, dealers and municipal securities dealers.

Design/methodology/approach
Summarizes several Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) rules that the Compliance Advisory highlights as presenting key compliance risks for brokers, dealers and municipal securities dealers. Discusses the factors included in the Compliance Advisory that dealers should consider when evaluating compliance procedures and controls.

Findings
By highlighting some key compliance risks and providing considerations tailored to those risks, the Compliance Advisory can be used as a tool to aid dealers in developing and assessing effective compliance programs.

Practical implications
Dealers should consider reviewing their firm’s existing compliance policies and procedures in light of the considerations discussed in the Compliance Advisory.

Originality/value
Practical guidance from experienced securities and financial services regulatory lawyers.
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Staff issues no-action relief to facilitate implementation of Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II) research provisions
Authors: Delligatti Paul J. , Lane William P. 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to summarize and discuss the implications of three related U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) no-action letters dated October 26, 2017 that seek to address the provisions of MiFID II related to “inducements”.

Design/methodology/approach
Provides background information regarding MiFID II and summarizes each of the three SEC Staff no-action letters: the SIFMA letter, the ICI letter and the AMG letter.

Findings
The no-action letters provide market participants with increased clarity as to how certain aspects of their business activities, in particular the “bundling” or “unbundling” of payments for research and execution, can comply with potentially competing systems of regulations.

Originality/value
Practical guidance from experienced financial industry and investment management lawyers.
Association between nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and atrial fibrillation among a middle‐aged population: a nationwide population‐based cohort
Authors: Chuang Shao‐Yuan , Hsu Pai‐Feng , Lin Fang‐Ju , Huang Ya‐Wen , Wang Gou‐Zhau , Chang Wei‐Chiao , Tsai Hui‐Ju 
Published: March 2018

AimsIt remains inconclusive whether the use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increases the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), especially in middle‐aged Asian populations. In this study, we evaluated the association between NSAID use and the risk of AF in a nationwide population‐based study of middle‐aged individuals in Taiwan.MethodsA nested case–control study was conducted using the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) in Taiwan. We identified the cases with a diagnosis of AF (ICD‐9‐CM codes: 427.31) and the matched controls from three independent Longitudinal Health Insurance Databases (LHIDs) derived from the NHIRD from data collected from 2001 to 2013. Conditional logistic regression models with covariate adjustment were performed to evaluate the association between NSAID use and the risk of AF.ResultsA total of 57 058 participants (28 529 AF cases and 28 529 matched controls) were included. Participants with NSAID use had an elevated risk of AF compared to non‐users [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14–1.23]. When further assessing the effects of different classes of NSAIDs on the risk of AF, the results showed that participants who used non‐selective NSAIDs had a significantly elevated risk of AF (AOR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.13–1.23), as did participants with a combined use of selective and non‐selective NSAIDs (AOR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.21–1.39).ConclusionsNSAID use was associated with an increased risk of AF occurrence among the participants included in our study cohort. Closely monitoring the adverse effects of NSAID treatment on the risk of AF will be important, particularly among individuals at high risk.
Increasing amphetamine use and forensic involvement among clients of three residential Indigenous alcohol and other drug services in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Goutzamanis Stelliana , Higgs Peter , Richardson Mike , MacLean Sarah 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIntroduction and AimsIndigenous people seeking residential alcohol and other drug (AOD) rehabilitation in Victoria are most frequently referred to the Ngwala Willumbong Co‐operative (Ngwala). This study aimed to describe socio‐demographic changes in clients of Ngwala’s residential rehabilitation services between 2015 and 2016.Design and MethodsSelf‐assessment surveys completed upon screening for rehabilitation between May 2015 and November 2016 (n = 117) were analysed for socio‐demographic data, AOD use and mental health status. Ngwala’s monthly summary reports from January 2015 to December 2016 were analysed to compare primary drugs of concern, proportion of forensic clients assessed and admitted across 2015–2016. Independent t‐tests and tests of two proportions were used to compare variables between years, with differences considered significant when P < 0.05.ResultsClients were predominantly Indigenous (n = 100, 91%), male (n = 92, 71%) and unemployed (n = 106, 93%). Most clients (n = 92, 88%) were at high risk of serious mental illness (by Kessler Psychological Distress Scale). A significantly higher proportion of forensic clients were admitted in 2016 (n = 221, 60%) compared to 2015 (n = 158, 43%; P < 0.001; 95% confidence interval −0.24, −0.10). The mean monthly number of clients listing amphetamines as their primary drug of concern upon assessment was greater in 2016 (21 ± 7.19 people) compared to 2015 (12 ± 2.78 people; P = 0.01; 95% confidence interval 3.13, 15.37).Discussion and ConclusionsThese findings suggest the proportion of Indigenous people in AOD treatment with amphetamine use problems or forensic involvement is increasing. These trends should be considered in service design and funding decisions.
Voltage-Induced Snap-Through of an Asymmetrically Laminated, Piezoelectric, Thin-Film Diaphragm Micro-Actuator—Part 2: Numerical and Analytical Results
Authors: Tai W. C. , Shen I. Y. 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
In Part 2 of the two-paper series, the asymmetrically laminated piezoelectric shell subjected to distributed bias voltage as modeled in Part 1 is analytically and numerically investigated. Three out-of-plane degrees-of-freedom (DOFs) and a number of in-plane DOFs are retained to study the shell's snap-through phenomenon. A convergence study first confirms that the number of the in-plane DOFs retained affects not only the number of predicted equilibrium states when the bias voltage is absent but also the prediction of the critical bias voltage for snap-through to occur and the types of snap-through mechanisms. Equilibrium states can be symmetric or asymmetric, involving only a symmetric out-of-plane DOF, and additional asymmetric out-of-plane DOFs, respectively. For symmetric equilibrium states, the snap-through mechanism can evolve from the classical bidirectional snap-through and latching to a new type of snap-through that only allows snap-through in one direction (i.e., unidirectional snap-through), depending on the distribution of the bias voltage. For asymmetric equilibrium states, degeneration can occur to the asymmetric bifurcation points when the radii of curvature are equal. Finally, the unidirectional snap-through renders an explanation to the experimental findings in Part 1.
Draft Genome Sequences of 12 Dry-Heat-Resistant Bacillus Strains Isolated from the Cleanrooms Where the Viking Spacecraft Were Assembled
Authors: Seuylemezian Arman , Cooper Kerry , Schubert Wayne , Vaishampayan Parag 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT
Spore-forming microorganisms are of concern for forward contamination because they can survive harsh interplanetary travel. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of 12 spore-forming strains isolated from the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building (MSOB) and the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) in Cape Canaveral, FL, where the Viking spacecraft were assembled.
Genome Sequences of 15 Klebsiella sp. Isolates from Sugarcane Fields in Colombia’s Cauca Valley
Authors: Medina-Cordoba Luz K. , Chande Aroon T. , Rishishwar Lavanya , Mayer Leonard W. , Mariño-Ramírez Leonardo , Valderrama-Aguirre Lina C. , Valderrama-Aguirre Augusto , Kostka Joel E. , Jordan I. King 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

Members of the
Klebsiella
genus promote plant growth. We report here draft whole-genome sequences for 15
Klebsiella
sp. isolates from sugarcane fields in the Cauca Valley of Colombia. The genomes of these isolates were characterized as part of a broader effort to evaluate their utility as endemic plant growth-promoting biofertilizers.
Complete and Assembled Genome Sequences of Pantoea calida DSM 22759
T
and Pantoea gaviniae DSM 22758
T
Authors: Stevens Marc J. A. , Zurfluh Katrin , Stephan Roger 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

The genomes of
Pantoea calida
DSM 22759
T
and
Pantoea gaviniae
DSM 22758
T
were sequenced using single-molecule real-time sequencing. They consist of a 4.3-Mbp chromosome containing 4,092 genes, of which 3,977 encode proteins, and a 4.5-Mbp chromosome containing 4,236 genes, of which 4,120 encode proteins, respectively.
First Complete Genome Sequences of Human Sapovirus Strains Classified as GI.3, GI.4, GI.6, GI.7, and GII.7
Authors: Oka Tomoichiro , Iritani Nobuhiro , Okada Mineyuki , Ogawa Tomoko , Iizuka Setsuko , Tatsumi Chika , Harada Seiya , Haga Kei , Doan Yen Hai 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT
We report here the first complete genome sequences of genotype GI.3, GI.4, GI.6, GI.7, and GII.7 sapovirus strains, detected from fecal samples of acute gastroenteritis patients. Complete or nearly complete genome sequences of all 18 genotypes of human sapoviruses are now available for phylogenetic analysis and primer design.