bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal Effects and Parent-Offspring Conflict
Authors: Kuijper Bram , Johnstone Rufus A. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractMaternal effects can provide offspring with reliable information about the environment they are likely to experience, but also offer scope for maternal manipulation of young when interests diverge between parents and offspring. To predict the impact and outcome of parent-offspring conflict, we model the evolution of maternal effects on local adaptation of young. We find that parent-offspring conflict strongly influences the stability of maternal effects; moreover, the nature of the disagreement between parents and young predicts how conflict is resolved: when mothers favour less extreme mixtures of phenotypes relative to offspring (i.e., when mothers stand to gain by hedging their bets), mothers win the conflict by providing offspring with only limited amounts of information. When offspring favour overproduction of one and the same phenotype across all environments compared to mothers (e.g., when offspring favour a larger body size), neither side wins the conflict and signaling breaks down. Only when offspring favour less extreme mixtures relative to their mothers (the case we consider least likely), offspring win the conflict and obtain full information about the state of the environment. We conclude that a partial or complete breakdown of informative maternal effects will be the norm rather than the exception in the presence of parent-offspring conflict.
SPECTRE: a Suite of PhylogEnetiC Tools for Reticulate Evolution
Authors: Bastkowski Sarah , Mapleson Daniel , Spillner Andreas , Wu Taoyang , Balvočiūtė Monika , Moulton Vincent 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTSummarySplit-networks are a generalization of phylogenetic trees that have proven to be a powerful tool in phylogenetics. Various ways have been developed for computing such networks, including split-decomposition, NeighborNet, QNet and FlatNJ. Some of these approaches are implemented in the user-friendly SplitsTree software package. However, to give the user the option to adjust and extend these approaches and to facilitate their integration into analysis pipelines, there is a need for robust, open-source implementations of associated data structures and algorithms. Here we present SPECTRE, a readily available, open-source library of data structures written in Java, that comes complete with new implementations of several pre-published algorithms and a basic interactive graphical interface for visualizing planar split networks. SPECTRE also supports the use of longer running algorithms by providing command line interfaces, which can be executed on servers or in High Performance Computing (HPC) environments.AvailabilityFull source code is available under the GPLv3 license at:https://github.com/maplesond/SPECTRESPECTRE’s core library is available from Maven Central at:https://mvnrepository.com/artifactuk.ac.uea.cmp.spectre/coreDocumentation is available at:http://spectre-suite-of-phylogenetic-tools-for-reticulate-evolution.readthedocs.io/en/latest/Contactsarah.bastkowski@earlham.ac.ukSupplementary Information (SI)Supplementary information is available at Bioinformatics online.
Insects and incest: sib-mating tolerance in natural populations of a parasitoid wasp
Authors: Collet Marie , Amat Isabelle , Sauzet Sandrine , Auguste Alexandra , Fauvergue Xavier , Mouton Laurence , Desouhant Emmanuel 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSib-mating avoidance is a pervasive behaviour that likely evolves in species subject to inbreeding depression. Laboratory studies have provided elegant demonstrations of sib-mating avoidance, but small-scale bioassays often minimize the costs associated with mate finding and choice, which could lead to spurious findings.We used the hymenopteran parasitoid waspVenturia canescensas a model organism, because previous laboratory studies revealed that sib-mating led to a 25% decrease in fertile offspring, and that sib-mating was partially avoided.Our study consisted of a mate choice experiment in laboratory cages to determine if kin discrimination occurs in this species. We further performed a field study in which 86 wild-caught males, 155 wild-caught females and their 226 daughters daughters were genotyped at eighteen microsatellite loci. With these field data, we reconstructed the genotype of each female’s mate and estimated the relatedness of each mating pair.Mate choice experiments confirmed that females are capable of discriminating kin. Time to mating depended on the frequency of female encounters with related and unrelated males. Contrary to previously published results, however, no sib-mating avoidance was detected. In the field, the effective rate of sib-mating did not differ from the probability that sibs encounter one other at random, which corroborates the absence of sib-mating avoidance. We also detected a weak but significant male bias in dispersal, which could reduce encounters between sibs.Our results suggest that, despite kin discrimination,V. canescenstolerates sib-mating in the field. The weak male-biased dispersal cannot explain entirely this pattern. This raises the question as to why kin discrimination is maintained in this species. It further calls into question the idea that inbreeding depression occurs in most species with single-locus complementary sex determination.
The Generalized Quantitative Model of antibody homeostasis: maintenance of global antibody equilibrium by effector functions
Authors: Prechl József 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe homeostasis of antibodies can be characterized as a balanced production, binding and elimination regulated by an interaction network, which controls B-cell development and selection. Recently we proposed a quantitative model to describe how the concentration and affinity of interacting partners generates a network.Here we argue that this physical, quantitative approach can be extended for the interpretation of effector functions of antibodies. We define global antibody equilibrium as the zone of molar equivalence of free antibody and free antigen and immune complex concentrations and of dissociation constant of apparent affinity: [Ab]=[Ag]=[AbAg]=KD. This zone corresponds to the biologically relevant KDrange of reversible interactions. We show that thermodynamic and kinetic properties of antibody-antigen interactions correlate with immunological functions. The formation of stable, long-lived immune complexes correspond to a decrease of entropy and is a prerequisite for the generation of higher order complexes. As the energy of formation of complexes increases we observe a gradual shift from silent clearance to inflammatory reactions. These rules can also be applied to complement activation-related processes, linking innate and adaptive humoral responses. Affinity of the receptors mediating effector functions shows a corresponding range of affinities, allowing the continuous sampling of antibody-bound antigen over the complete range of concentrations. The generation of multivalent, multicomponent complexes triggers effector functions by cross-linking these receptors on effector cells with increasing enzymatic degradation potential.Thus, antibody homeostasis is a thermodynamic system with complex network properties, nested into the host organism by proper immunoregulatory and effector pathways. Maintenance of global antibody equilibrium is achieved by innate qualitative signals modulating a quantitative adaptive immune system, which regulates molecular integrity of the host by tuning the degradation and recycling of molecules from silent removal to inflammatory elimination.
The ABC transporter Snu drives formation of the lipid-based inward and outward barrier in the skin ofDrosophila
Authors: Zuber Renata , Norum Michaela , Wang Yiwen , Oehl Kathrin , Accardi Davide , Bartozsewski Slawomir , Gehring Nicole , Berger Jürgen , Flötenmeyer Matthias , Moussian Bernard 
Published: July 2017

AbstractLipids in extracellular matrices (ECM) contribute to barrier function and stability of epithelial tissues such as the pulmonary alveoli and the skin. In insects, skin waterproofness depends on the outermost layer of the extracellular cuticle termed envelope that contains cuticulin, an unidentified water-repellent complex molecule composed of proteins, lipids and catecholamines. Based on live-imaging analyses of fruit fly larvae, we find that initially envelope units are assembled within vesicles harbouring the ABC transporter Snu and the extracellular protein Snsl. In a second step, the content of these vesicles is distributed to cuticular lipid-transporting nanotubes named pore canals and to the cuticle surface in dependence of Snu function. Consistently, the surface ofsnuandsnslmutant larvae is depleted from lipids and cuticulin. By consequence, these animals suffer uncontrolled water loss and penetration of xenobiotics. Our data allude to a two-step model of envelope i.e. barrier formation. The proposed mechanism in principle parallels the events occurring during differentiation of the lipid-based ECM by keratinocytes in the vertebrate skin suggesting establishment of analogous mechanisms of skin barrier formation in vertebrates and invertebrates.
Does executive ownership lead to excess target cash? The case of UK firms
Authors: Iona Alfonsina , Leonida Leone , Ventouri Alexia 
Published: July 2017

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to investigate the dynamics between executive ownership and excess cash policy in the UK.Design/methodology/approachThe authors identify firms adopting an excess policy using a joint criterion of high cash and cash higher than the target. Logit analysis is used to estimate the impact of executive ownership and other governance characteristics on the probability of adopting an excess cash policy.FindingsThe results suggest that, in the UK, the impact of the executive ownership on the probability of adopting an excess cash policy is non-monotonic, in line with the alignment-entrenchment hypothesis. The results are robust to different definitions of excess cash policy, to alternative specifications of the regression model, to different estimation frameworks and to alternative proxies of ownership concentration.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors’ approach provides a new measure of the excess target cash for the firm. They show the need to identify an excess target cash policy not only by using an empirical criterion and a theoretical target level of cash, but also by capturing persistence in deviation from the target cash level. The authors’ measure of excess target cash calls into questions findings from previous studies. The authors’ approach can be used to explore whether excess cash holdings of UK firms and the impact of managerial ownership have changed from before the crisis to after the crisis.Practical implicationsThe authors’ measure of excess target cash allows identifying in practice levels of cash which are abnormal with respect to an equilibrium level. UK firms should be cautious in using executive ownership as a corporate governance mechanism, as this may generate suboptimal cash holdings and suboptimal firm value. Excess cash policy might be driven not only by a poor corporate governance system, but also by the interplay between agency costs of managerial opportunism and cost of the external finance which further research could explore.Originality/valueActually, “how much cash is too much” is a question that has not been addressed by the literature. The authors address this question. Also, this amount of cash allows the authors to study the extent to which executive ownership contributes to explain the out-of-equilibrium persistency in the cash level.
The impact of board independency, CEO duality and CEO fixed compensation on M&A performance
Authors: Teti Emanuele , Dell’Acqua Alberto , Etro Leonardo , Volpe Michele 
Published: July 2017

PurposeThis study aims to examine whether particular corporate governance mechanisms influence the performance of mergers and acquisitions.Design/methodology/approachRegression analyses investigating 1,596 recent acquisitions in the US market completed over the five-year period from 2009 to 2013 are performed.FindingsThe results show that board independency, CEO duality and level of CEO fixed compensation have an impact on the return of acquisitions. Moreover, the findings indicate that acquisitions significantly create value for bidders delivering a positive cumulative abnormal return upon announcement. Finally, also focusing on the 690 relative larger deals, there is a clear evidence of a positive influence of good corporate governance mechanisms over the quality of acquisitions completed.Originality/valueTo our knowledge, this is the first paper trying to identify corporate governance mechanisms related to the best acquisition decisions, by using specifically the three corporate governance variables (CEO duality, CEO fixed compensation and board independency).
Corporate governance reforms and bank performance: evidence from the Middle East and North Africa
Authors: Ghosh Saibal 
Published: July 2017

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to understand the importance of corporate governance reforms for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) country banks. To address this issue, the author combines the staggered timing of corporate governance reforms for banks across MENA countries with bank-level data for the period 2000-2012 and examine the impact on bank performance.Design/methodology/approachThe author employs fixed effects regression within a difference-in-differences specification for the analysis.FindingsThe analysis suggests that not all governance characteristics are equally effective and some of these characteristics exert a more pronounced effect on bank performance as compared to others. These results also vary across oil-exporting and -importing nations and differ during the crisis. Besides, the authors find that improved operating efficiency and access to finance are the key channels through which governance improves bank performance.Practical implicationsCorporate governance reforms in the MENA countries need to be carefully tailored, taking into account the inherent economic characteristics of the country for it to exert durable impact. The challenge for policymakers is to find the right balance that can ensure maximum benefits for the banking sector, while minimizing the challenges involved in its implementation.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the earliest studies for MENA country banks to examine the interface between corporate governance reforms and bank performance, while controlling for the possible endogeneity of such reforms on performance.
Family firms, board structure and firm performance: evidence from top Indian firms
Authors: Bhatt R. Rathish , Bhattacharya Sujoy 
Published: July 2017

PurposeGiven the prevalence of family-run businesses in India, this paper aims to empirically investigate the impact of family firms on the relationship between firm performance and board characteristics. The effectiveness of board characteristics such as independent directors, chairman independence, role duality, non-executive directors, board busyness, board size, board meetings and board attendance are studied in the Indian context.Design/methodology/approachThe sample consists of top-listed firms in India for the period 2002 to 2012. Board index was constructed to capture the governance quality of the firm. The authors also study the relationship between board structure and firm performance by segregating the sample based on family management, family ownership and family representative directors. Random effects model was used for the regression analysis in the study.FindingsThe authors find a negative effect of board structure on firm performance in family firms compared to non-family firms. Contrary to the most Western literature, family management was not found to significantly affect firm performance as compared to that of professionally managed firms. In the subset analysis of family firms, higher proportion of family ownership and family representative directors did not show any significant impact on the firm performance. Having a higher proportion of independent directors, larger board size or an independent chairman does not appear to improve this insignificant relationship between family firms and firm performance. Also, in family firms, no significant difference in performance is noticed before and during recession period.Originality/valueThe study uses a self-defined corporate governance index to measure the governance parameters, specifically the board characteristics. The results documented in this study adds to the debate on the generalizability of the findings in Western governance studies in emerging markets like India with unique institutional development background.
Relationship between corporate governance and audit switching: Iranian evidence
Authors: Salehi Mahdi , Alinya Ali Asgar 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the relationship between corporate governance and auditors switching of listed companies on the Tehran Stock Exchange.

Design/methodology/approach
To achieve the objectives of this study, 12 hypotheses developed which and tests the relationship between corporate governance and selecting and switching auditors in Iran during 2008-20014 by selecting 116 listed companies on the Tehran Stock Exchange. To test the hypotheses, the cross-sectional time-series nature of research variables data, panel analysis is used. Also, to investigate the relationship between independent and dependent variables in each year, the logistic regression is used.

Findings
The results of the study indicate that there is a weak relationship between corporate governance auditors switching. Therefore, it could be concluded that there are some other effective factors on which selecting and switching auditors in studied companies are more dependent.

Originality/value
The current study is almost the first study which has been conducted in Iran, so the results of the study may be beneficial to the Iranian conditions as well as other developing countries.
Creative workspaces – a fad or making real impact?
Authors: De Paoli Donatella , Ropo Arja 
Published: July 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the current trend of designing workspaces to foster creativity. The paper brings forth themes that seem to be connected with the so-called ‘creative workspaces’. The paper discusses how the findings relate to recent theory and research. Finally, the paper develops propositions to further elaborate the issue.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts an inductive and social constructionist approach. In all, 40 internet pictures of workspaces claimed to be creative among a broad range of industries and companies which were analyzed through an aesthetic lens and compared to what theory and research about organizational creativity and space inform us.FindingsThe designs of ‘creative workspaces’ follow a rather standardized and deterministic assumption of what kind of spaces are considered to produce creativity: open offices, happy, playful communities of close-knit teams and spatial arrangements that resemble home, symbols and memories, sports, technology and nature. This view of creativity and workspaces remains a management fad unless a more balanced approach to the issue is assumed.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample is not to be representative and the findings generalizable as such, but to bring forth the phenomenon. This exploratory and inductive approach calls for a systematic study to prove the propositions in a more controlled research setting and with a bigger sample.Practical implicationsThe paper makes a few suggestions of what companies should pay attention to when building workspaces to improve organizational creativity – and to overcome the fad.Social implicationsThe proposed end-user perspective may ultimately save costs, if people can voice their needs on the space arrangements from the beginning and throughout the building process, not only after the spaces are fully complete, as is typically the case.Originality/valueThe paper provides a critical view on the trend of building work spaces to purposefully enhance organizational creativity. It brings forth themes that are connected to creativity and workspace designs and suggests that more nuances are involved in the issue.
Towards responsive workplaces – identifying service paths for time- and place-independent work
Authors: Petrulaitiene Vitalija , Rytkönen Eelis , Nenonen Suvi , Jylhä Tuuli 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
The need to understand work processes and end-users has become an issue in corporate real estate and workplace management. Flexible work practices and technological advancement allow end-users to move outside the building boundaries. This influences workplace management to become more service-oriented and demand-driven, and better serve the needs of end-users. For that, this paper aims to investigate the ways in which new workplace services support the knowledge creation processes of mobile workers.

Design/methodology/approach
This study is exploratory and follows a multiple-case study strategy. Literature is reviewed on workplace and knowledge theories, and the market analysis consists of data from 57 firms that offer services to support the mobile knowledge worker.

Findings
Workplace services were categorized into three new groups that support knowledge creation processes for the mobile knowledge worker in various work environments. The analysis indicated that new services are driven by technological development and community formation around the physical or virtual place.

Practical implications
The proposed service groups can be examined as new business opportunities by workplace service providers, and the results suggest that the CRE managers should re-think their service portfolios, boost their collaboration with the service providers and invest in building a community.

Originality/value
This paper categorizes workplace services from a mobile knowledge worker perspective and follows a service-oriented approach to workplace management.
An approach for initiating interventions for bank recovery
Authors: Goodhart Charles A.E. , Segoviano Miguel A. 
Published: July 2017

PurposeThis paper proposes an objective metric to trigger bank recovery. Banks’ living wills involve both recovery and resolution. Since it may not always be clear when recovery plans or actions should be triggered, there is a role for an objective metric to trigger recovery.Design/methodology/approachWe outline how such a metric could be constructed meeting criteria of adequate loss absorption; distinguishing between weak and sound banks; little susceptibility to manipulation; timeliness; scalable from the individual bank to the system.FindingsWe show how this would have worked in the UK, during 2007-2011.Originality/valueThis approach has the added advantage that it could be extended to encompass a whole ladder of sanctions of increasing severity as capital erodes.