bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Mediator co-activator complex regulates Ty1 retromobility by controlling the balance between Ty1i and Ty1 promoters
Authors: Salinero Alicia C. , Knoll Elisabeth R. , Zhu Z. Iris , Landsman David , Curcio M. Joan , Morse Randall H. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe Ty1 retrotransposons present in the genome ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaebelong to the large class of mobile genetic elements that replicate via an RNA intermediary and constitute a significant portion of most eukaryotic genomes. The retromobility of Ty1 is regulated by numerous host factors, including several subunits of the Mediator transcriptional co-activator complex. In spite of its known function in the nucleus, previous studies have implicated Mediator in the regulation of post-translational steps in Ty1 retromobility. To resolve this paradox, we systematically examined the effects of deleting nonessential Mediator subunits on the frequency of Ty1 retromobility and levels of retromobility intermediates. Our findings reveal that loss of distinct Mediator subunits alters Ty1 retromobility positively or negatively over a >10,000-fold range by regulating the ratio of an internal transcript, Ty1i, to the genomic Ty1 transcript. Ty1i RNA encodes a dominant negative inhibitor of Ty1 retromobility that blocks virus-like particle maturation and cDNA synthesis. These results resolve the conundrum of Mediator exerting sweeping control of Ty1 retromobility with only minor effects on the levels of Ty1 genomic RNA and the capsid protein, Gag. Since the majority of characterized intrinsic and extrinsic regulators of Ty1 retromobility alter a post-translational step(s), Mediator could play a central role in integrating signals that influence Ty1i expression to modulate retromobility.Author SummaryRetrotransposons are mobile genetic elements that copy their RNA genomes into DNA and insert the DNA copies into the host genome. These elements contribute to genome instability, control of host gene expression and adaptation to changing environments. Retrotransposons depend on numerous host factors for their own propagation and control. The retrovirus-like retrotransposon, Ty1, in the yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiaehas been an invaluable model for retrotransposon research, and hundreds of host factors that regulate Ty1 retrotransposition have been identified. Non-essential subunits of the Mediator transcriptional co-activator complex have been identified as one set of host factors implicated in Ty1 regulation. Here, we report a systematic investigation of the effects of loss of these non-essential subunits of Mediator on Ty1 retrotransposition. Our findings reveal a heretofore unknown mechanism by which Mediator influences the balance between transcription from two promoters in Ty1 to modulate expression of an autoinhibitory transcript known as Ty1i RNA. Our results provide new insights into host control of retrotransposon activity via promoter choice and elucidate a novel mechanism by which the Mediator co-activator governs this choice.
Civil disobedience movements in Hong Kong: a civil society perspective
Authors: Wong Yiu Chung , Chan Jason K.H. 
Published: August 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the emergence of civil disobedience (CD) movements in Hong Kong in the context of the notion of civil society (CS).

Design/methodology/approach
The paper begins by rigorously defining the notion of CD, as well as the concept of CS and tracing its development in Hong Kong over the past several decades. By using a model of CS typology, which combines the variables of state control and a society’s quest for autonomy (SQA), the paper aims to outline the historical development of CD movements in Hong Kong. It also discusses the recent evolution of CS and its relationship with CD movements, particularly focusing on their development since Leung Chun-ying became the Chief Executive in 2012. Finally, by using five cases of CD witnessed in the past several decades, the relationship between the development of CS and the emergence of CD in Hong Kong has been outlined.

Findings
Four implications can be concluded: first, CD cannot emerge when the state and society are isolated. Second, the level of SC and the scale of CD are positively related. Third, as an historical trend, the development of SQA is generally in linear progress; SQA starts from a low level (e.g. interest-based and welfare-based aims) and moves upwards to campaign for higher goals of civil and political autonomy. If the lower level of SQA is not satisfied, it can lead to larger scale CD in future. Fourth, the CD movement would be largest in scale when the state-society relationship confrontational and when major cleavages can be found within CS itself.

Originality/value
This paper serves to enrich knowledge in the fields of politics and sociology.
Revisiting the resource-based view on logistics performance in the shipping industry
Authors: Yang Chung-Shan , Lirn Taih-Cherng 
Published: August 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate empirically the impact of intrafirm resources, interfirm relationships, and logistics service capabilities on logistics performance (LP) in the context of container logistics.Design/methodology/approachFactor analysis was employed to identify the key intrafirm resources (i.e. tangible assets and intangible assets), interfirm relationships (i.e. communication (COM) and long-term relationships), logistics service capabilities (i.e. service efficiency, service reliability, service flexibility, and value-added service), and LP dimensions. Data were collected from a survey of container shipping service providers, and were analyzed by a structural equation model to test the research hypotheses.FindingsThe findings show that interfirm relationships and logistics service capabilities act as mediator variables between intrafirm resources and LP.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of this research support the application of the general theory on firm-level performance and the resource-based view (RBV) as a lens through which LP can be achieved via logistics service capabilities. In addition, the findings lend empirical support to the capability-building view, which asserts the importance of resource investment and relationship maintenance, and the development of distinctive capabilities to enhance performance.Practical implicationsContainer logistics operators should not view their intrafirm resources (including logistics information technology and teamwork organizational culture) or interfirm relationships (including informal COM with key stakeholders and evergreen relationship with key stakeholders) separately; instead, a systems approach should be used.Originality/valueThis research updates the RBV theory by clearly indicating that the overall performance of shipping firms cannot be decided solely by the firm’s own resources. Interfirm relationships and logistics service capabilities are found to be powerful moderators which help shipping firms allocate their resources effectively and thus improve their LP.
Economic hardship and suicides
Authors: Korhonen Marko , Puhakka Mikko , Viren Matti 
Published: August 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of aggregate suicides in 15 OECD countries during 1960-2010 using an economic model where changes in the welfare of consumers play the critical role for determining the number of suicides.Design/methodology/approachThe hardship index based on economic theory is developed. In estimating the model, the authors apply the Pesaranet al.(2001) approach that allows the simultaneous estimation of the long-run and short-run parameters. To make sure that the authors’ findings are not specific to their method, the authors also use the generalized method of moments estimation in the panel set-up.FindingsThe authors found a relatively strong positive relationship between macroeconomic conditions, especially changes in aggregate consumption, and suicides. The relationship appears to be robust also in terms of the various control variables cited in the literature. The hardship index which is based on the habit persistence model of consumption predicts and explains the long-term behavior of suicides in most of the countries. Thus, the hardship index is a better economic explanatory variable than the unemployment rate or other proxies describing economic conditions.Originality/valueMarrying the economic theory and econometric methods produces a reasonable empirical model to explain the connection between aggregate economic conditions and suicides.
Socioeconomic inequalities in child obesity and overweight in Portugal
Authors: Quintal Carlota , Oliveira Joana 
Published: August 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the association between socioeconomic status and child overweight/obesity in Portugal and to evaluate income-related inequalities in its distribution.

Design/methodology/approach
Data come from the last Portuguese National Health Survey (2005/2006) – sample of 6,903 observations. To define child overweight/obesity, the International Obesity Task Force cut-offs for body mass index (BMI) were used; the logistic regression analysis was adopted to explain the risk of overweight/obesity and inequality was measured by means of concentration curve and index.

Findings
The evidence obtained points to income-related inequalities in child overweight/obesity favourable to the better-off. The probability of child overweight/obesity was lower for higher income households, but up to a certain point a positive association between income and caloric food intake was found. The concentration index obtained was −0.072 (p-value<0.001).

Research limitations/implications
Some data limitations, no information on: physical exercise; sleeping habits; parents’ education and BMI; age is coded in groups. Although the data are from 2005/2006, the current analysis is useful to future works aiming to discuss the impact of the economic and financial crisis which occurred after these data were collected.

Social implications
It is important to tailor policies targeting child obesity/overweight in order to tackle not only the prevalence of this disease but also its distribution.

Originality/value
Drawing attention on inequalities in child obesity/overweight in Portugal as the vast majority of studies have focussed on prevalence. The middle income effect is an issue raised in this work which deserves further investigation.
The impact of sovereign ratings on euro zone SMEs’ credit rationing
Authors: Demoussis Michael , Drakos Konstantinos , Giannakopoulos Nicholas 
Published: August 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate credit rationing across firms in euro zone countries, as it relates to its own sovereign credit ratings.Design/methodology/approachThe authors utilize firm-level data from the Survey on Access to Finance of Enterprises for the period 2009-2013 conducted by the European Central Bank.FindingsA negative association between the rating of sovereign creditworthiness and credit rationing is identified, while credit rationing varies substantially even among countries with the highest quality of sovereign bonds. Credit rationing is lower in sovereigns with high-quality ratings and higher in sovereigns near default. These results remain intact when fundamental firm characteristics (e.g. firm’s age and size, sector of economic activity, financial situation, etc.) are taken into consideration. This indicates that the interconnection of sovereign debt risk with domestic credit market outcomes is robust.Originality/valueThe present study contributes to the relevant literature by performing a detailed analysis of credit rationing for euro zone SMEs and by exploring the link between sovereign credit rating and credit rationing during the sovereign debt crisis period.
Integrated reporting as a strategy for firm growth: multiple case study in Colombia
Authors: Macias Hugo A. , Farfan-Lievano Angelica 
Published: August 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the implementation of the integrated reporting (IR) framework in a group of Colombian enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach
This is a multiple-case study in six enterprises that use the IR framework. The selected enterprises, all of which were located in either Bogota or Medellin, were Argos, EEB, EPM, ISA, Nutresa and Ocensa. The authors conducted individual interviews of reporters and performed a documentary analysis.

Findings
The few Colombian firms that use the IR framework all have ambitious expansion goals in the medium term. The main reason for the adoption of the IR framework in these firms is that it facilitates access to resources from new foreign investors.

Research limitations/implications
Since the framework was published recently, only a few Colombian firms follow it, and several of them do not apply all of its components. In the future, there will be more reports and a higher level of framework application.

Practical implications
In the firms studied, the IR framework is an important tool to support the search strategies of new sources of financial capital.

Social implications
If the use of the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) framework were to diminish the application of the GRI, firms would be less likely to evaluate the impact of their activities on numerous stakeholders (other than shareholders).

Originality/value
This is the first Colombian study of IR to include both documentary analysis and personal interviews.
Needs assessment of international capacity building using a Delphi technique
Authors: Strang Kenneth David 
Published: August 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to engage African subject matter experts to assist with a needs assessment of international capacity building for developing countries in Africa, to establish a prioritized list of capacity building keywords substantiated by a current literature review.

Design/methodology/approach
A pragmatic mixed-method research design was used which involved conducting literature reviews and applying a modified Delphi technique to determine future research needs. The credibility of these results was strengthened by selecting a Delphi subject matter expert panel from African countries including Benin, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Cameroon, Congo, Burkina Faso, Eritrea, Algeria and Nigeria. Non-parametric statistical techniques were used to objectively analyze the qualitative data and prioritize the findings.

Findings
The results clearly identified seven literature keywords which could improve future African capacity building research (in order of highest importance first): Trade Union (regional economic integration), Governance, FDI, Emigration, Education, Economic (small business stimulation), and Brain Gain. Additional keywords surfaced in the literature related to these ones, namely healthcare and brain drain (emigrating academics and scholars).

Research limitations/implications
The results of this study should generalize to government and capacity building policy administrators in Africa as well as to other researchers and practitioners in this field. The use of a novel modified Delphi technique should also be of interest to other researchers.

Originality/value
The modified Delphi technique commenced with a knowledge sharing conference where pre-selected subject matter experts collaborated to define the initial scope of questions. Another novel aspect of the customized Delphi technique was that the subject matter experts were required to conduct a literature review to substantiate their responses to questions.
Environmental disclosure studies in Middle East and Northern Africa in shadow of theoretical context
Authors: Eljayash Kamal 
Published: August 2017

PurposeOver the past few decades, accounting research has received considerable attention from academics and researchers in an effort to understand and interpret accounting events in firms. Environmental disclosure research is featured in those studies because of its effect on the number of groups within society where companies operate. Therefore, many studies, especially in developing countries, have been conducted in order to interpret and reach an understanding of the determinants of disclosure in companies through using accounting and social theories. In the Middle East and North Africa, a substantial number of accounting studies have been undertaken aimed at addressing the environmental disclosure in companies. The purpose of this paper is to examine these studies conducted in the Middle East and North Africa in order to establish an overview of the theoretical approach in the interpretation of the environmental disclosure in companies.Design/methodology/approachReview of studies of the environmental disclosure in the Gulf region and North Africa by focusing on a theoretical method that interpreted the environmental disclosure.FindingsStudies have shown a difference in the theoretical interpretation of the environmental disclosure with emphasis on the theory of stakeholder, the most common in such studies.Originality/valueThe value of this study is to add to the accounting literature in this area which, thus, is considered as a starting point for future studies on the most important theories used in the interpretation of environmental disclosure in the Gulf region and North Africa.
Preliminary Data on the Role of Emotional Intelligence in Moderating the Link between Psychopathy and Aggression in a Nonforensic Sample
Authors: Lanciano Tiziana , Curci Antonietta , Guglielmi Francesca , Soleti Emanuela , Grattagliano Ignazio 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis short report presents preliminary data on the role of emotional intelligence (EI) in moderating the relationship between psychopathy and aggression in a nonforensic sample. A sample of 109 volunteer men was administered the Psychopathic Personality Inventory‐Revised (PPI‐R), the Reactive‐Proactive Aggression Questionnaire, and the Mayer‐Salovey‐Caruso emotional intelligence Test in individual sessions. Correlation and moderation analyzes showed that, at low levels of EI (in terms of strategic ability to understand and manage one's own and others’ emotions), people scoring high on the total PPI‐R and impulsivity dimension seemed to be both reactively and proactively aggressive. By contrast, at high levels of strategic ability, the relationships between psychopathy and aggression were no longer significant. These preliminary results encourage further investigation into the role of EI ability in mitigating aggressive outcomes in psychopathic subjects.
Implications of Pseudologia Fantastica in Criminal Forensic Evaluations: A Review and Case Report
Authors: Frierson Richard L. , Joshi Kaustubh G. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPseudologia fantastica, a psychological phenomenon that has been described in the literature for at least a century, is an understudied and poorly understood entity. Sometimes referred to as pathological lying, pseudologia fantastica involves disproportionate fabrication that may be present for many years or a lifetime. In a forensic context, it can significantly complicate the evaluation of capacity to stand trial and, in certain jurisdictions, criminal responsibility. We review the current literature regarding pseudologia fantastica and present a case to highlight the clinical and forensic challenges it may create. We specifically discuss the complications that pseudologia fantastica may have on the assessment of a defendant's rational ability to consult with an attorney, a required element of capacity to stand trial. In addition, we discuss the implications of pseudologia fantastica in the evaluation of criminal responsibility.
Homicide Rates in Lithuania
Authors: Chmieliauskas Sigitas , Laima Sigitas , Andriuskeviciute Gerda , Jurolaic Eleonora , Jasulaitis Algimantas 
Published: August 2017

AbstractHomicide rate in Lithuania between 2004 and 2013 decreased and reached an average of 6.7 per 100,000 people in 2013. The data regarding forensic autopsies of intentional homicide victims were obtained from the State Forensic Medicine Service. Spearman's correlation test was used to assess trends in the homicide rates. A significant correlation was observed between homicide distribution and the following variables: Lithuania's gross domestic product (r = −0.85, p = 0.003), the number of alcohol intoxication cases of victims (r = 0.97, p < 0.05). After regression model adjustments, these variables remained significantly associated with the homicide distribution (p < 0.05). 73% of victims were men, with a mean age of 45.5 ± 15. Alcohol intoxication was present in 58% of victims. 66% of homicides were carried out indoors, 57% in urban area. The presented findings help decide which prevention programs may be the most effective in homicide rate reduction.
Brexit, Trade Agreements and CAP Reform
Authors: Swinbank Alan 
Published: August 2017

SummaryAlthough a number of reforms have significantly changed the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) over the past two decades, a defining characteristic of the policy is its prohibitively high import tariffs on a number of key commodities as tariff cuts have not formed part of CAP reform. These high tariffs, whilst protecting EU producers, complicate the EU's attempts to negotiate Free Trade Area (FTA) agreements around the world, and will likewise be problematic for agri‐food trade with a post‐Brexit UK, particularly over the politically sensitive border between the EU‐27 and the UK on the island of Ireland. An open border could be more easily secured if the UK's tariff barriers on CAP products matched those of the EU‐27. This, however, implies either that the UK will have to abandon its plans to pursue ‘free‐trade’ policies with other countries around the world, or that the EU‐27 needs to complete its reform of the CAP by unilaterally reducing its tariff barriers. It seems highly unlikely that the challenges posed by Brexit would prompt the EU to unilaterally reduce its excessively high CAP tariffs.
Relative importance of natural enemies and abiotic factors as sources of regulation of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Brazilian coffee plantations
Authors: Rodrigues‐Silva N. , de Oliveira Campos S. , de Sá Farias E. , de Souza T.C. , Martins J.C. , Picanço M.C. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn the present study, we determined the critical stages and the key factors of mortality for Planococcus citri (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Brazilian coffee plantations using a life table to understand the role of natural biological control on its population. Predators, parasitoids, rainfall, sunlight, physiological disturbances and fungal diseases were collectively responsible for 98.79% in the total mortality of P. citri. Predators belonging to the Chrysopidae, Syrphidae, Dolichopodidae and Coccinellidae families were the most important mortality factors in the early developmental stages of P. citri (i.e. eggs and 1st and 2nd instar nymphs), whereas predators belonging to the Coccinellidae and Chrysopidae families were the most important mortality factors for the last instars (i.e. 3rd instars and adults) for P. citri. The generalist predators Harmonia axyridis, Chrysoperla genanigra and Chrysoperla externa were the key mortality factors for P. citri. The third nymph stage was considered the critical life stage (i.e. the life stage that most influences population size). Our results show that generalist predators and climatic factors are important sources of natural mortality of P. citri governing the population dynamics of this pest in the field.