bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pulse trains to percepts: A virtual patient describing the perceptual effects of human visual cortical stimulation
Authors: Fine Ione , Boynton Geoffrey M. 
Published: March 2023

SUMMARYThe field of cortical sight restoration prostheses is making rapid progress with three clinical trials of visual cortical prostheses underway. However, as yet, we have only limited insight into the perceptual experiences produced by these implants. Here we describe a computational model or ‘virtual patient’, based on the neurophysiological architecture of V1, which successfully predicts the perceptual experience of participants across a wide range of previously published cortical stimulation studies describing the location, size, brightness and spatiotemporal shape of electrically induced percepts in humans. Our simulations suggest that, in the foreseeable future the perceptual quality of cortical prosthetic devices is likely to be limited by the neurophysiological organization of visual cortex, rather than engineering constraints.
An astrocyte-derived cytokine TIMP-1 restores synaptic plasticity in an Alzheimer’s disease model
Authors: Sarkar Sukanya , Gharami Kusumika , Paidi Ramesh Kumar , Srikumar B.N. , Biswas Subhas C. 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACTThe influence of astrocyte-secreted cytokines on neuronal health in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is poorly understood, despite their increasing recognition as potential molecules for therapeutic targeting. Recently, we demonstrated that an anti-inflammatory cytokine, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) is robustly secreted by astrocytes early in response to amyloid-β (Aβ) but is reduced in its prolonged presence. Here, we found strikingly diminished levels of TIMP-1 in the brain of six-month-old 5xFAD mice concomitant with high levels of Aβ, versus wild-type mice. Intracerebroventricular injection of TIMP-1 in 5xFAD mice ameliorated their cognitive functions. TIMP-1 not only ensured neuronal viability against apoptosis and aberrant autophagy in the AD model by binding to neuronal CD63 receptors, but also conferred synapse–specific effects. Synaptosomal analysis revealed TIMP-1 elevates dendritic spine size and protein levels, likely by promoting post-synaptic long-term potentiation in hippocampus, independent of pre-synaptic activity. TIMP-1 induced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and BDNF-mediated post-synaptic signaling. Therefore, we identify TIMP-1 as a multifunctional cytokine with distinct protective mechanisms-of-action on neurons and propose it as a promising therapeutic candidate in AD.GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Sensorimotor memories influence movement kinematics but not associated tactile processing
Authors: Beyvers Marie C. , Voudouris Dimitris , Fiehler Katja 
Published: March 2023

AbstractWhen interacting with objects, we often rely on visual information. However, vision is not always the most reliable sense for determining relevant object properties. For example, when the mass distribution of an object cannot be inferred visually, humans may rely on predictions about the object’s dynamics. Such predictions may not only influence motor behavior but also associated somatosensory processing, as sensorimotor predictions lead to reduced tactile sensitivity during movement. We examined whether predictions based on sensorimotor memories influence grasping kinematics and associated tactile processing. Participants lifted an object of unknown mass distribution and reported whether they detected a tactile stimulus on their grasping hand during the lift. In Experiment 1, the mass distribution could change from trial to trial, whereas in Experiment 2, we intermingled longer with shorter parts of constant and variable mass distributions, while also providing implicit or explicit information about the trial structure. In both experiments, participants grasped the object by predictively choosing contact points that would compensate the mass distribution experienced in the previous trial. Tactile suppression during movement, however, was invariant across conditions. These results suggest that predictions based on sensorimotor memories can influence movement kinematics but may not affect associated tactile perception.Public significance statementTo perform a goal-directed movement, such as grasping an object, humans combine the available sensory information with predictions about the prevailing dynamics. Sensorimotor predictions also lead to a decrease of movement-related tactile signals, a phenomenon termed tactile suppression. Tactile suppression is supposed to rely on a dynamic weighting of sensory feedback and predictive signals. When sensory feedback is not reliable, reliance on memory-based predictions may be desired. Here we show that motor behavior is influenced by predictions based on sensorimotor memories, but associated tactile processing appears to be robust.
Investor reaction to ESG news sentiment: evidence from South Africa
Authors: Nyakurukwa Kingstone , Seetharam Yudhvir 
Published: March 2023

PurposeUtilising a database that distinctly classifies firm-level ESG (environmental, social and governance) news sentiment as positive or negative, the authors examine the information flow between the two types of ESG news sentiment and stock returns for 20 companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange between 2015 and 2021.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use Shannonian transfer entropy to examine whether information significantly flows from ESG news sentiment to stock returns and a modified event study analysis to establish how stock prices react to changes in the two types of ESG sentiment.FindingsUsing Shannonian transfer entropy, the authors find that for the majority of the companies studied, information flows from the positive ESG news sentiment to stock returns while only a minority of the companies exhibit significant information flow from negative ESG news sentiment to returns. Furthermore, the study’s findings show significantly positive (negative) abnormal returns on the event date and beyond for both upgrades and downgrades in positive ESG news sentiment.Originality/valueThis study is among the first in an African context to investigate the impact of ESG news sentiment on stock market returns at high frequencies.
Ten years after the Jasmine Revolution: do social audits matter for investment and credit-granting decision-making?
Authors: Arfaoui Feten , Kammoun Ines , Ben Slimene Imen 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThis research aims to explore the perceived usefulness of audited social information in making economic decisions, in the eyes of both Tunisian financial analysts and bankers.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conduct an exploratory qualitative study using twelve semi-structured interviews: seven are carried out with financial analysts, and five are performed among bankers.FindingsThis study’s results reveal that financial analysts and bankers paid little attention to the audited social information in making investment/credit granting decisions. The authors also show that the low perceived usefulness of social audit is due to many reasons related to political, economic, regulatory, educational, cultural and cognitive factors.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the current literature in several ways. First, it enriches the knowledge about the perceived usefulness of social audit. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore the perception of financial analysts and bankers to audited social information and its usefulness for decision-making. Second, the focus on the Tunisian context is interesting as it was marked, since the outbreak of the Jasmine Revolution, by the uncertainty and the instability of political, economic and social conditions. Third, this research goes further by exploring the most important factors affecting the perceiveness of social auditing.
The influence of personality traits on investment decision-making: a moderated mediation approach
Authors: Sachdeva Muskan , Lehal Ritu 
Published: March 2023

PurposeBehavioral finance proposes that psychology of the individual plays a vital role in investment decisions. Therefore, this study aims to examine the influence of one of the important disciplines of psychology, i.e. personality on investment decision-making by incorporating financial satisfaction as an intervening variable and gender as a moderator.Design/methodology/approachThe data of 406 valid responses were collected through structured questionnaires from individual investors of Indian stock market and analyzed using structural equation modeling. Several invariance tests were also conducted to perform the multigroup analysis of gender on the mediated model.FindingsThe results revealed that extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness and neuroticism significantly influence investment decision-making through financial satisfaction. While financial satisfaction significantly mediates the indirect relationships between personality traits and investment decision-making for both males and females, no significant differences among males and females were found in the mediated model.Research limitations/implicationsThe current study covers a limited geographical area of North India. In addition to this, it is cross-sectional in nature and incorporates only limited factors for predicting investment decisions.Practical implicationsThe study possesses numerous significant implications for financial practitioners, advisors, investors, academicians and researchers in the field of behavioral finance.Originality/valueThis study suggests a moderated mediation approach, which incorporates financial satisfaction as a mediator and gender as a moderator. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, so far, no study has been conducted in this context, and it will enhance the understanding of investment decisions of individual investors.
Determinants of the financial wellbeing of individuals in an emerging economy: an empirical study
Authors: Kumar Jitender , Rani Vinki , Rani Garima , Sarker Tapan 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThe current study aims to identify the impact of financial literacy, financial risk-tolerance, financial socialization, financial stress, socio-demographic factors and financial behavior on the individual financial wellbeing residing in India's National Capital Region (NCR) region. Understanding financial wellbeing is crucial as it helps individuals understand personal finance better and develop a more favorable financial attitude. The information can depict individuals' financial skills, knowledge and attitudes toward achieving financial wellbeing in emerging economies.Design/methodology/approachThrough self-administered survey questionnaires, data are obtained using convenience sampling from 420 (394) respondents regarding individual financial wellbeing levels in India. The survey responses were collected between May 2022 and July 2022. The authors use the “partial least squares structural equation modeling” (PLS-SEM) technique to test the research hypotheses.FindingsThe present study's outcome confirms that five determinants, such as financial literacy, financial risk-tolerance, financial socialization, financial stress and socio-demographic factors, significantly influence the financial behavior of individuals. Further, financial behavior, financial literacy, financial risk-tolerance and financial socialization significantly influence financial wellbeing. However, financial stress and socio-demographic factors have statistically insignificant impacts on financial wellbeing.Originality/valueThe present study is exclusive in which an effort is being made to acquire relative importance on financial behavior and an individual's financial wellbeing. The present paper will help the government, financial services providers, and policymakers in offering innovative economic schemes and designing policies that may enhance the financial wellbeing of individuals. Finally, this article provides the road map for future research in this field.
Women’s employment in rural Senegal: what can we learn from non-farm diversification strategies?
Authors: Diallo Thierno Malick , Mazu Amoudath Adebomi , Araar Abdelkrim , Dieye Abdoulaye 
Published: March 2023

PurposeAs rural nonfarm activities grow in developing countries, less attention is being paid to the opportunities they may provide for women. The purpose of this study is to examine the gender-differentiated impact of nonfarm diversification strategies in rural Senegal.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses data collected from the Senegalese poverty monitoring survey and employs an instrumental variable (IV) approach and a multinomial endogenous treatment model to investigate the extent to which diversification strategies lead to improved outcomes for rural women and their households.FindingsWhile nonfarm diversification is a male-dominated livelihood strategy, rural women make the most of it, regardless of whether they diversify into low- or high-return nonfarm activities. At the individual level, diversification improves rural women’s well-being through large income-increasing effects and higher empowerment but has no effect on rural men’s well-being. At the household level, the authors find that, when only women diversify, households have lower per capita income but are less likely to be food insecure than when only men or both genders diversify.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is based on cross-sectional data, making it impossible to examine the dynamic effects of nonfarm diversification strategies on well-being outcomes.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the current literature on rural livelihood diversification. While much attention has been paid to the feminization of agriculture, remarkably little is known about the expanding role of rural women in the nonfarm sector.
Book-tax conformity and the demand for auditor-provided tax services: European evidence
Authors: Sun Xuan Sean , Habib Ahsan , Yao Daifei Troy 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThis study aims to examine the impact of different levels of required book-tax conformity (BTC) on audit clients' demand for auditor-provided tax services (APTS). In addition, the authors also investigate the effects of the European Union (EU) Regulation (2014).Design/methodology/approachThis study utilizes a sample of listed companies from 10 EU countries between 2010 and 2019. The final sample consists of 16,049 firm-year observations from 2,515 unique firms, and the authors use both probit and ordinary least square (OLS) regression models in this study.FindingsThe main finding of this paper is that companies listed in countries with a higher level of BTC are less likely to purchase tax services from incumbent auditors and pay fewer auditor-provided tax service fees. Results from further analyses confirm that firms substantially reduced their purchase of APTS after the EU Regulation (2014) was implemented, but these reduced purchases were found to be more pronounced for firms located in countries with low BTC.Originality/valueThis study advances the understanding of the determinants of APTS and the consequences of BTC. Specifically, the authors report that variation in a country-specific feature (i.e. BTC) also affects firms' decision to purchase APTS. Moreover, this paper provides some preliminary evidence of the new regulation and contributes to the literature on APTS regulation. The findings of this study have important policy implications for regulators and are also relevant for various capital market participants.
The role of fantasy in architectural heritage conservation – a systematic review
Authors: Gooi Liangjun , Kusumo Camelia , Widodo Johannes 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThis paper has aimed to systematically review the existing literature regarding the role of fantasy in heritage conservation, establishing a research gap and investigating the different facets of fantasy that contribute to a conservation undertaking.Design/methodology/approachThis systematic literature review adopted the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) model with literature from the SCOPUS-indexing database.FindingsThis review has indicated a lack of input from Eastern scholarship, the absence of quantitative research, the lack of discussion concerning fantasy within the architecture discipline and the lack of attention towards fantasy's role in architectural heritage conservation.Practical implicationsA better understanding of the role of fantasy within architectural heritage studies would improve conservation practice, specifically the existing cultural significance value evaluation framework and the management of stakeholders' expectations.Originality/valueThe present paper serves as a preliminary insight into the value of fantasy within the architecture discipline, allowing for more empirical-based research and knowledge to be added in this domain in the future.
Testing the relationship between employment and tourism: a fresh evidence from the ARDL bounds test with sharp and smooth breaks
Authors: Yılancı Veli , Kırca Mustafa 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the effect of the tourism sector on employment in 13 Mediterranean countries. In addition, the impact of economic growth and inflation rate, which are included in the analysis as control variables, on the employment rate are investigated.Design/methodology/approachFor this study, data from 1995 to 2018 and the ratio of the employed population, the number of international tourist arrivals, the annual growth rate of real gross domestic product (GDP) and the annual percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) were used. First, the authors investigated the relationship between variables using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Bounds Test with Sharp and Smooth Breaks. Then, after determining the significant cointegration relationship, the long-term and short-term coefficients were also estimated.FindingsThe results show a cointegration relationship for Cyprus, Greece, Israel, Malta and Tunisia. Tourism demand has a positive effect on all these countries and economic growth positively affects the employment rate only in Greece, Israel and Tunisia. Besides, the inflation rate has a negative effect in Israel and Tunisia and a positive effect in Malta. Overall, the authors' results provide important policy suggestions, such as the training of the employees in the tourism sector should be improved to keep up with the requirements of the times.Practical implicationsThe impact of the tourism sector on total employment varies from country to country. In particular, the employment creation policies of the sector need to be changed by taking technological changes into consideration.Originality/valueSince tourism is a labor-intensive sector, tourism's impact on employment is an important research topic. However, whether this effect applies to all countries is debatable. Furthermore, the development of technology can also reduce employment in labor-intensive sectors. Therefore, this research can be regarded as important as this research addresses such a critical current issue and suggests a novel econometric method such as the ARDL Bounds Test with Sharp and Smooth Breaks.
Analyzing the strategy–performance relationship in Germany – can we still use the common strategic frameworks?
Authors: Eulerich Marc , Eulerich Anna , Fligge Benjamin 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThis study examines the strategy–performance relationship within publicly traded German firms. Strategic management literature provides several strategic frameworks that offer guidance on promising strategies. However, given major changes, such as globalization, managers wonder whether strategic frameworks are still applicable.Design/methodology/approachThe authors employ principal component analysis (PCA) to measure competitive strategy and analyze a sample of 6,037 firm-years among 651 firms between 2000 and 2019.FindingsWhile the authors find evidence for the existence of efficiency-based strategies, differentiation-based strategies and mixed strategies, only differentiation-based strategies are positively related to performance.Originality/valueThe study’s results contribute to the discourse on the strategy–performance relationship, as they provide insights into promising strategies that are of interest to researchers and practitioners. Further, the authors introduce a new measure of competitive strategy based on PCA.
Mechanical properties of PLA based closed porous structures manufactured using FDM process
Authors: Yavuz Ibrahim , Yildirim Abdulkadir 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this article covers the design and manufacture of porous materials that can be used in different engineering applications by additive manufacturing.Design/methodology/approachThe most important design parameters of the porous materials are the cell structure and wall thickness. These two design criteria are difficult to control in porous materials produced by conventional production methods. In the study, two different wall thicknesses and four different pore diameters of the porous structure were determined as design parameters.FindingsA compression test was applied to the produced samples. Also, the densities of the produced samples were compared. As a result of the study, changes in mechanical properties were observed according to the cell wall thickness and pore size.Originality/valueThe originality of the study is that, unlike traditional porous structure production, the pore structure and cell wall thicknesses can be produced in desired dimensions. In addition, a closed pore structure was tried to be produced in the study. Studies in the literature generally have a tube-type pore structure.