bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Basel II internal ratings-based approach
Authors: Tarca Silvio , Rutkowski Marek 
Published: June 2016

PurposeThis study aims to render a fundamental assessment of the Basel II internal ratings-based (IRB) approach by taking readings of the Australian banking sector since the implementation of Basel II and comparing them with signals from macroeconomic indicators, financial statistics and external credit ratings. The IRB approach to capital adequacy for credit risk, which implements an asymptotic single risk factor (ASRF) model, plays an important role in protecting the Australian banking sector against insolvency.Design/methodology/approachRealisations of the single systematic risk factor, interpreted as describing the prevailing state of the Australian economy, are recovered from the ASRF model and compared with macroeconomic indicators. Similarly, estimates of distance-to-default, reflecting the capacity of the Australian banking sector to absorb credit losses, are recovered from the ASRF model and compared with financial statistics and external credit ratings. With the implementation of Basel II preceding the time when the effect of the financial crisis of 2007-2009 was most acutely felt, the authors measure the impact of the crisis on the Australian banking sector.FindingsMeasurements from the ASRF model find general agreement with signals from macroeconomic indicators, financial statistics and external credit ratings. This leads to a favourable assessment of the ASRF model for the purposes of capital allocation, performance attribution and risk monitoring. The empirical analysis used in this paper reveals that the recent crisis imparted a mild stress on the Australian banking sector.Research limitations/implicationsGiven the range of economic conditions, from mild contraction to moderate expansion, experienced in Australia since the implementation of Basel II, the authors cannot attest to the validity of the model specification of the IRB approach for its intended purpose of solvency assessment.Originality/valueAccess to internal bank data collected by the prudential regulator distinguishes this paper from other empirical studies on the IRB approach and financial crisis of 2007-2009. The authors are not the first to attempt to measure the effects of the recent crisis, but they believe that they are the first to do so using regulatory data.
The effectiveness of board of directors’ characteristics in mandatory disclosure compliance
Authors: Alfraih Mishari M. 
Published: June 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between the characteristics of the board of directors and mandatory disclosure compliance (measured by International Financial Reporting Standards requirements) in firms listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) in 2010.Design/methodology/approachSeveral characteristics are used to assess the effectiveness of the board of directors: number of members, gender diversity, CEO duality, multiple directorships, the proportion of family members on the board and the presence of a member of the ruling family of Kuwait. Mandatory disclosure compliance is measured using a self-constructed, item-based index. A regression model tested the paper’s hypotheses.FindingsAfter controlling for firm-specific characteristics, it was found that board size, gender diversity and multiple directorships were positively correlated with compliance, while CEO duality and the proportion of family members on the board were negatively correlated with compliance.Research limitations/implicationsPotential limitations stem from both the nature of the sample and the dataset. The small sample reflects the size of the KSE and the limited timeframe (a one-year period). Nevertheless, this paper provides some interesting insights. A longitudinal study would provide more comprehensive insights into the relationship between the characteristics of the board of directors and mandatory disclosure compliance over time.Practical implicationsThe findings highlight the effectiveness of board of directors’ characteristics in promoting mandatory accounting compliance. As disclosure is fundamental for the effective functioning of capital markets and sound investments, a direct implication is that the quality of financial reporting can be improved by taking these characteristics into account.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the literature on the determinants of mandatory accounting compliance. The findings highlight the importance of the board of directors’ role in enhancing transparency and ensuring the quality of financial reporting. The findings will be particularly valuable to those involved in the appointment of directors, who should be aware of the influence of the configuration and characteristics of the board on compliance.
Managing transitions, building bridges
Authors: Johnson Jennifer Michelle 
Published: June 2016

Purpose
This paper aims to highlight the potential of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) summer bridge programs to promote college persistence by fostering a positive science identity among participants that is culturally consistent with the values and experiences of African American students.

Design/methodology/approach
This case study included demographic data, journals, a focus-group interview and program evaluation reports. Carlone and Johnson’s (2007) grounded model of science identity provided a culturally sensitive framework for examining science experiences of minority students.

Findings
In a program that emphasized the academic readiness of students pursing bachelor’s degrees in science and engineering programs, the salience of students’ science identity was intricately related to their commitment to STEM.

Research limitations/implications
Understanding the program’s cultural components was not a specific objective of the study, but emerged as an important feature of students’ experiences and commitment to degree completion.

Practical implications
The program could assist students’ development of a science identity through the deliberate inclusion of activities and experiences that are culturally congruent with the students’ racial/ethnic identity.

Originality/value
Little empirical research is available to assess bridge programs for African Americans pursuing STEM degrees. Analyzing students’ transition from high school to college, within the context of a summer bridge program, affords a better understanding of how students navigate the early social and academic aspects of college and how participation in bridge helps plug the leaky pipeline to careers in STEM.
Minority engineering programs at a crossroads
Authors: Newman Christopher B. 
Published: June 2016

Purpose
Underrepresented groups have fought for equal access to higher education, which spurred the development of “minority” initiatives. However, the assault on affirmative action and race-based initiatives have led many universities to retreat toward more all-encompassing “diversity” initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the author examines two historically white public research universities. The data include 70 participants with voices of faculty, key administrators, students and recent alumni (within the past three-five years).

Findings
Analyzed through a pattern matching technique, the findings from this study suggest important financial benefits for the “multicultural” engineering program and a sense of communal support for both the “multicultural” and “minority” engineering program.

Originality/value
Given the international attention of raced-based initiatives, this study provides forward-looking insights based on the experiences and perspectives of key stakeholders.
Predicting academic success for students of color within STEM majors
Authors: Gipson John 
Published: June 2016

Purpose
The aim of this study is to determine what pre-college characteristics predict college success for students of color enrolled within science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs, as measured by cumulative grade point average (GPA) after three years of initial enrollment.

Design/methodology/approach
To increase the generalizability by avoiding a single-year focus, the sample includes 954 first-year students entering one predominantly White research university during Fall 2010, Fall 2011 and Fall 2012 (Allen and Bir, 2011); GPAs were collected following three years of initial enrollment. IBM statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) Statistics 22 was utilized to conduct correlation and multiple linear regression analyses.

Findings
Within all conditional models, after controlling for multiple variables, the number of advanced placement (AP) credits, standardized test scores and specific type of high school GPA were significantly related to cumulative college GPA after three years of enrollment. However, when multiple forms of high school GPA were included within a full model, only the number of AP credits and standardized test scores remained statistically related to cumulative college GPA. Further, high school core GPA is more strongly correlated with cumulative college GPA after three years of enrollment than overall high school GPA, high school science GPA and high school mathematics GPA.

Originality/value
This study adds to prior research by identifying that high school core GPA is an important predictor of college success and that the cumulative effect of enrollment within AP credits may be more beneficial than the cumulative effect of involvement within dual enrollment courses.
Mutations in the drug resistance‐determining region of Mycobacterium lepromatosis isolated from leprosy patients in Mexico
Authors: Kai Masanori , Fafutis‐Morris Mary , Miyamoto Yuji , Mukai Tetsu , Mayorga‐Rodriguez Jorge , Rodriguez‐Castellanos Marco Antonio , Martínez‐Guzman Marco Alonso , Matsuoka Masanori 
Published: June 2016

AbstractMycobacterium lepromatosis, an independent species from Mycobacterium leprae, has been found to be a causative agent for diffuse lepromatous leprosy (DLL) in Mexico, but remains poorly studied. Here, the drug resistance‐determining regions (DRDR) of folP1, rpoB and gyrA (conferring resistance to dapsone, rifampicin and quinolone, respectively) in M. lepromatosis from leprosy patients in Mexico were characterized. No mutations or silent mutations were found at previously characterized major sites in DRDR of M. lepromatosis. However, a non‐synonymous mutation was found in codon 54 between two major sites of the folP1 DRDR in M. lepromatosis sequences. All M. lepromatosis isolates showed CAG sequence in codon 54 of folP1. Because the next codons 53 and 55 are known as major mutation sites for drug resistance, more detailed analysis using more samples is needed to determine whether it influences susceptibility to dapsone and/or efficiency of folate biosynthesis in M. lepromatosis or not.
Iron and Fur in the life cycle of the zoonotic pathogen Vibrio vulnificus
Authors: Pajuelo David , Hernández‐Cabanyero Carla , Sanjuan Eva , Lee Chung‐Te , Silva‐Hernández Francisco Xavier , Hor Lien‐I , MacKenzie Simon , Amaro Carmen 
Published: June 2016

SummaryIn this study, we aimed to analyze the global response to iron in the broad‐range host pathogen Vibrio vulnificus under the hypothesis that iron is one of the main signals triggering survival mechanisms both inside and outside its hosts. To this end, we selected a strain from the main zoonotic clonal‐complex, obtained a mutant in the ferric‐uptake‐regulator (Fur), and analyzed their transcriptomic profiles in both iron‐excess and iron‐poor conditions by using a strain‐specific microarray platform. Among the genes differentially expressed, we identified around 250 as putatively involved in virulence and survival‐related mechanisms. Then, we designed and performed a series of in vivo and in vitro tests to find out if the processes highlighted by the microarray experiments were in fact under iron and/or Fur control. Our results support the hypothesis that iron acts as a niche marker, not always through Fur, for V. vulnificus controlling its entire life cycle. This ranges from survival in the marine environment, including motility and chemotaxis, to survival in the blood of their hosts, including host‐specific mechanisms of resistance to innate immunity. These mechanisms allow the bacterium to multiply and persist inside and between their hosts.
Fetal brain imaging following laser surgery in twin‐to‐twin surgery
Authors: Stirnemann J , Chalouhi G , Essaoui M , Bahi‐Buisson N , Sonigo P , Millischer A‐E , Lapillonne A , Guigue V , Salomon LJ , Ville Y 
Published: June 2016

ObjectiveTo describe the incidence and nature of prenatal brain damage following fetoscopic laser selective coagulation (FLSC) of placental vessels for twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).DesignRetrospective observational study.SettingSingle center cohort.PopulationAll consecutive cases referred for TTTS treated by FLSC between 2003 and 2015.MethodsAfter the FLSC, patients were followed weekly by ultrasound. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were systematically planned at 30–32 weeks of gestation.Main outcome measuresBrain damage diagnosed prenatally by ultrasound or MRI.ResultsIn total, 1023 cases were reviewed. Brain damage was diagnosed prenatally in 22/1023 (2.1%) cases. Diagnosis was performed by ultrasound prior to MRI in 18 (82%) cases. All lesions were within the spectrum of ischaemic haemorrhagic lesions. Postoperative twin anaemia polycythaemia sequence and recurrence of TTTS were significantly associated with brain damage.ConclusionThe incidence of prenatal brain damage is low following FSLC, and is strongly associated with incomplete surgery.Tweetable abstractFollowing FSLC for TTTS, prenatal brain damage occurs in 2% of cases and is associated with incomplete surgery.
Magnetic resonance imaging for abnormally invasive placenta: the added value of intravenous gadolinium injection
Authors: Millischer A‐E , Salomon LJ , Porcher R , Brasseur‐Daudruy M , Gourdier A‐L , Hornoy P , Silvera S , Loisel D , Tsatsaris V , Delorme B , Boddaert N , Ville Y , Sentilhes L 
Published: June 2016

ObjectivesTo assess the added value of intravenous gadolinium injection to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) ‐based diagnosis of abnormally invasive placenta (AIP) and to examine this in relation to the radiologist's experience.DesignRetrospective study.SettingBetween March 2009 and October 2012, 31 pregnant women who had previous caesarean delivery together with a placenta praevia and suspected placenta accreta on ultrasound in the third trimester of pregnancy.PopulationAll were offered MRI examination, and made aware of the limited (but so far reassuring) data regarding fetal safety of gadolinium. Twenty pregnant women agreed to undergo prenatal MRI (1.5 T), with and without gadolinium injection.MethodsTwo sets of MRI examinations without and with gadolinium were reviewed independently 2 months apart by two senior and two junior radiologists; all were blinded to the outcome (known in all cases). Histopathological findings and clinical signs of AIP were considered as the defining criteria of diagnosis.Main outcome measureaccuracy of MRI with and without gadolinium was assessed.ResultsEight of the 20 women had confirmed abnormal placental invasion. The overall performance of both sets of readers in detecting AIP increased with gadolinium—sensitivity and specificity of 75.0% (42.0–100%) and 47.9% (19.9–75.9%) increasing to 87.5% (57.1–100%) and 60.4% (33.9–86.9%), respectively (P = 0.04). The added value of gadolinium remained irrespective of radiologist's experience, although senior radiologists performed better overall (sensitivity and specificity of 87.5% and 62.5% versus 62.5% and 33.3%, respectively, increasing with injection to 93.8% and 70.8% versus 81.3% and 50%, respectively; P < 10−4).ConclusionThere was an association between gadolinium use and improvement in MRI‐based diagnostic accuracy for the diagnosis of AIP, for both junior and senior radiologists.Tweetable abstractGadolinium injection improves MRI performance of radiologists for the diagnosis of placenta accreta.
A New Species of Amsassia from the Ordovician of Korea and South China: Paleobiological and Paleogeographical Significance
Authors: LEE Mirinae , PARK Heeju , TIEN Nguyen Viet , CHOH Suk‐Joo , ELIAS Robert J. , LEE Dong‐Jin 
Published: June 2016

AbstractA new species of the probable calcareous alga Amsassia, A. koreanensis, is recognized from the Duwibong Formation (Middle Ordovician, Darriwilian) of the Taebaeksan Basin in mid‐eastern Korea. This is the first report of the genus from the Korean Peninsula, expanding its geographical range to the eastern Sino‐Korean Block. The new species also occurs in the Xiazhen Formation (Upper Ordovician, Katian) at Zhuzhai in the South China Block. Amsassia koreanensis is the smallest species of this modular genus, having a maximum module diameter of 0.28 mm. Module increase is by bipartite, tripartite and quadripartite types of longitudinal axial fission, but unlike other species of the genus, quadripartite fission is common. The types of fission are comparable to those in some Tetradiida (now Prismostylales, florideophycean rhodophyte algae), although the processes of fission are different. The distribution of A. koreanensis further strengthens the biogeographical connection between the Sino‐Korean and South China blocks, suggesting that these two paleocontinents were located closer together during the Middle to Late Ordovician than previously speculated.
Dimorphism of Bivalved Arthropod Branchiocaris? Yunnanensis from the Early Cambrian Chengjiang Biota, South China
Authors: Yu WU , Dongjing FU , Xingliang ZHANG , DALEY Allison C. , Degan SHU 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe bivalved arthropod Branchiocaris? yunnanensis Hou, 1987 is redescribed on the basis of new fossil material from the early Cambrian Chengjiang biota, South China. In total, 81 specimens have been examined. The carapace comprises two identical valves, each valve are sub‐circular in outline, ranging from 24 mm to 58 mm in length, and from 15 mm to 46 mm in height. The dorsal margin is straight and bears two short cardinal spines. The valve surface is either smooth or ornamented with polygonal reticular structures, which may result from different preservation conditions. Two morphotypes have been recognized based on the presence or absence of a subdorsal swelling of the valve, which is convex dorsolaterally and extends beyond the dorsal margin when it appears. Statistic and ontogenetic analyses show both morphotypes grow isometrically and have the same growth trajectory. Therefore, the two morphotypes are interpreted as dimorphism within the same species. Our results are helpful for investigating the taxonomy and ontogeny of arthropod fossils and suggest that dimorphism might be fairly common in these early arthropods.
Early Cretaceous Tectonics and Evolution of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhenhan WU , Zhen ZHAO , BAROSH Patrick J. , Peisheng YE 
Published: June 2016

AbstractSelected geological data on Early Cretaceous strata, structures, magmatic plutons and volcanic rocks from the Kunlun to Himalaya Mountains reveal a new view of the Early Cretaceous paleo‐tectonics and the related geodynamic movement of the Tibetan Plateau. Two major paleo‐oceans, the Mid‐Tethys Ocean between the Qiangtang and Lhasa blocks, and the Neo‐Tethys Ocean between the Lhasa and Himalayan blocks, existed in the Tibetan region in the Early Cretaceous. The Himalayan Marginal and South Lhasa Seas formed in the southern and northern margins of the Neo‐Tethys Ocean, the Central Tibet Sea and the Qiangtang Marginal Sea formed in the southern and northern margins of the Mid‐Tethys Ocean, respectively. An arm of the sea extended into the southwestern Tarim basin in the Early Cretaceous. Early Cretaceous intensive thrusting, magmatic emplacement and volcanic eruptions occurred in the central and northern Lhasa Block, while strike‐slip formed along the Hoh‐Xil and South Kunlun Faults in the northern Tibetan region. Early Cretaceous tectonics together with magmatic K2O geochemistry indicate an Early Cretaceous southward subduction of the Mid‐Tethys Oceanic Plate along the Bangoin‐Nujiang Suture which was thrust ∼87 km southward during the Late Cretaceous‐Early Cenozoic. No intensive thrust and magmatic emplacement occurred in the Early Cretaceous in the Himalayan and southern Lhasa Blocks, indicating that the spreading Neo‐Tethys Oceanic Plate had not been subducted in the Early Cretaceous. To the north, terrestrial basins of red‐beds formed in the Hoh‐Xil, Kunlun, Qilian and the northeastern Tarim blocks in Early Cretaceous, and the Qiangtang Marginal Sea disappeared after the Qiangtang Block uplifted in the late Early Cretaceous.
The Exhumation History of North Qaidam Thrust Belt Constrained by Apatite Fission Track Thermochronology: Implication for the Evolution of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Xiaogan CHENG , Xiubin LIN , Lei WU , Hanlin CHEN , Ancheng XIAO , Junfeng GONG , Fengqi ZHANG , Shufeng YANG 
Published: June 2016

AbstractDetermining the spatio‐temporal distribution of the deformation tied to the India‐Eurasian convergence and the impact of pre‐existing weaknesses on the Cenozoic crustal deformation is significant for understanding how the convergence between India and Eurasia contributed to the development of the Tibetan Plateau. The exhumation history of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau was addressed in this research using a new apatite fission track (AFT) study in the North Qaidam thrust belt (NQTB). Three granite samples collected from the Qaidam Shan pluton in the north tied to the Qaidam Shan thrust, with AFT ages clustering in the Eocene to Miocene. The other thirteen samples obtained from the Luliang Shan and Yuka plutons in the south related to the Luliang Shan thrust and they have showed predominantly the Cretaceous AFT ages. Related thermal history modeling based on grain ages and track lengths indicates rapid cooling events during the Eocene‐early Oligocene and since late Miocene within the Qaidam Shan, in contrast to those in the Cretaceous and since the Oligocene‐Miocene in the Luliang Shan and Yuka region. The results, combined with published the Cretaceous thermochronological ages in the Qaidam Shan region, suggest that the NQTB had undergo rapid exhumation during the accretions along the southern Asian Andean‐type margin prior to the India‐Eurasian collision. The Cenozoic deformation initially took place in the North Qaidam thrust belt by the Eocene, which is consistent with the recent claim that the deformation of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau initiated in the Eocene as a response to continental collision between India and Eurasia. The immediate deformation responding to the collision is tentatively attributed to the pre‐existing weaknesses of the lithosphere, and therefore the deformation of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau should be regarded as a boundary‐condition‐dependent process.