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PurposeThis paper aims to analyze the determinants of the readability non-financial disclosure prepared under the Directive 2014/95/EU in the agrifood and beverage sector.Design/methodology/approachTo reach this goal, an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model is proposed employing readability and governance variables. The sample is based on European agrifood and beverage listed firms that exceeding 500 employees and are considered public interest entities, including 744 firm-year-observations from 2017, first year after the Directive entered in force, to 2020, last year available.FindingsThe authors' results suggest the importance of corporate governance mechanisms as drivers in reaching more readability of non-financial information.Practical implicationsThis study provides useful suggestions to policy makers and managers for a better understanding of the role played by some factors on non-financial information (NFI) readability. Moreover, findings may help regulators in confirming that the establishment of a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) committee is a step in the right direction to strengthening firms' NFI readability. Lastly, this is beneficial for auditors and preparers who will pay more attention to the internal factors that can push for more (or less) understandability of NFI.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the academic and practical debate because it adds new insights into the literature on NFI readability and represents fertile area for future researches.

PurposeThis study aims to investigate whether the characteristics of the chief financial officer (CFO) have an impact on the intensity of the corporate research and development (R&D) investment.Design/methodology/approachBased on hand-collected data for the CFOs of a sample of the largest European listed companies for the period 2013–2016, this study uses regression analyses to test empirically the association of CFO education, CFO gender and CFO age with R&D investment intensity.FindingsThe presence of female CFOs, CFOs with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree and older CFOs is positively associated with the intensity of R&D investment.Research limitations/implicationsThis study relies on some observable characteristics of CFOs and focuses on large listed companies.Practical implicationsThe results of this study may help investors, stakeholders and practitioners to understand better which type of CFO characteristics are more likely to result in higher firm-level R&D investment intensity.Originality/valueThis study offers the first insights into the impact of CFOs, as the most prominentC-suite executives, on the level of corporate investments in R&D activity.

Purpose This study aims to provide an empirically informed view on the auditing profession’s readiness to embrace “disruptive” technologies. Relying on evidence from Big 4 employees in Italy, this study examines the factors that motivate auditors to use blockchain technology (BT). Design/methodology/approach To this aim, this study uses an integrated theoretical frame merging the third version of the technology acceptance model (TAM3) and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). The analytical model is based on an application of the structural equation modelling with partial least square estimation on data gathered through a Likert-based questionnaire. Findings The findings reveal that the main predictors of auditors’ intention to use blockchain are performance expectancy and social influence. Moreover, auditors’ effort expectancy in relation to this technology implementation and use appears to be a reasonably reliable predictor. Originality/value This paper contributes an evidence-based view to the discussion on the impact of automation and disruptive information and communication technologies, on the roles of accounting and auditing professionals. It uses a novel approach to analysis by integrating TAM3 and UTAUT within its theoretical model. It complements and extends the field of studies on technology acceptance by offering fresh insights into auditors’ perceptions. Finally, the paper highlights practical implications for business leaders aiming to use the advantages of BT in audit firms.

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the factors influencing chief executive officers’ (CEOs') intentions to implement cloud technology in Italian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachThe study proposes a model that integrates the theoretical construct of the technology acceptance model (TAM) with a classification of perceived benefits and risks related to cloud computing. The study employs a structural equation modeling approach to analyze data gathered through a Likert scale-based survey.FindingsThe findings indicate that risk perception has a strong negative effect on the intention to introduce cloud technology in firms. This effect is partially offset by the perceived ease of use of the technology.Originality/valueThe study provides a new theoretical framework that integrates the TAM and a classification of perceived risks to provide a clear view of management's cognitive processes during technological change. Moreover, the results show the main factors influencing decisions regarding the implementation of cloud computing in firms in light of the perception of risks. Finally, this study provides interesting findings for cloud service providers (CSPs) about their customers' decision-making processes.

Recent evidence has shown that transcatheter heart valve (THV) anchoring in bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients occurs at the level of the raphe, known as the LIRA (Level of Implantation at the RAphe) plane. Our previous work in a cohort of 20 patients has shown that the delineation of the perimeter and device sizing at this level is associated with optimal procedural outcome. The goals of this study were to confirm the feasibility of this method, evaluate 30-day outcomes of LIRA sizing in a larger cohort of patients, assess interobserver variation and reproducibility of this sizing methodology, and analyse the interaction of LIRA-sized prostheses with the surrounding anatomy. The LIRA sizing method was applied to consecutive patients presenting to our centre with raphe-type BAV disease between November 2018 and October 2021. Supra-annular self-expanding THVs were sized based on baseline CT scan perimeters at the LIRA plane and the virtual basal ring. In cases where there was discrepancy between the two measurements, the plane with the smallest perimeter was considered the reference for prosthesis sizing. Post-procedural device success, defined according to Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 (VARC-2) criteria, was evaluated in the overall cohort. A total of 50 patients (mean age 80 ± 6 years, 70% male) with raphe-type BAV disease underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) using different THV prostheses. The LIRA plane method appeared to be highly successful (100% VARC-2 device success) with no procedural mortality, no valve migration, no moderate-severe paravalvular leak, and low transprosthetic gradients (residual mean gradient 8.2 ± 3.4 mmHg). There were no strokes, no in-hospital or 30-day mortality, and an incidence of in-hospital pacemaker implantation of 10%. Furthermore, measurement of the LIRA plane perimeter was highly reproducible between observers (r = 0.980; P

PurposeThis study aims to present an overview of topics addressed in the papers appearing in this AAAJ special issue: Blockchain in accounting, accountability and assurance.Design/methodology/approachThe authors present a review focussing on the papers published in this special issue. The authors imported the eight accepted papers into NVivo, coding them according to the research topics posed in the call for papers. Then, the authors conducted an in vivo coding for the emerging themes found in the papers.FindingsBlockchain is a multifaced topic with multiple implications for accounting, auditing and accountability, the accounting professions, and governance. However, blockchain is still a developing topic. Blockchain research traditionally has four stages. More recently, a new research stage deserving more investigation is emerging based on the interaction of blockchain with other technological developments such as virtual reality and the metaverse.Originality/valueThe review not only uncovers and systematises the multiple implications of blockchain for accounting research. It also unveils the dark side of blockchain, focusing on the technology's negative environmental and social implications. Last, the authors highlight why accounting research should more extensively examine contemporary issues.

Purpose This study aims to investigate the readability of financial risk disclosure divulged by listed banks of the first five European countries according to gross domestic product. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts the management obfuscation hypotheses and tests data gathered for a sample of 790 observations from listed banks in Europe covering the 2007–2018 period. This study uses a readability index (Gunning’s fog index) as the dependent variable for measuring the readability of banks’ mandatory financial risk disclosures. Moreover, it relies on a completeness index, discretionary accruals and several control variables for identifying the determinants of risk disclosure readability using ordinary least square regression for testing the hypotheses. Findings The findings show the existence of a positive relation\nship between readability and completeness of risk disclosure. In contrast, a negative relationship exists between readability and banks’ discretionary accruals. Originality/value This study expands the stream of accounting literature analyzing the lexical characteristics of narrative risk disclosure, and, by focusing on the financial risk disclosure of banks, it extends the readability-related debate, which has primarily concentrated on other types of disclosure to date. This study is relevant to regulators and policymakers for fostering reflections as actions for improving the financial risk disclosures readability. This study is also of potential interest for investors to better delve into the questions surrounding risk disclosure.

Aims Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) still represents a challenge due to the peculiar anatomy and the lack of consensus for the optimal CT scan sizing method for prosthesis selection. Recent evidences have shown that transcatheter heart valve (THV) anchoring in BAV patients might occur at the raphe-level, known as the LIRA (Level of Implantation at the RAphe) plane. Furthermore, a novel supra-annular sizing method based on the measurement of the perimeter at the raphe-level (LIRA-method) was shown to be safe and effective in 20 consecutive BAV patients with severe aortic stenosis. The purpose of this study was to confirm the safety and the efficacy of the LIRA method in a larger study population. Methods and results the LIRA plane method was applied to all consecutive patients with raphe-type BAV disease between November 2018 to September 2021 in our centre. We prospectively sized TAVI prosthesis according to the manufacture recommendations on the basis of baseline CT scan perimeters at the LIRA plane. Post-procedural device success, defined according to Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 (VARC-2) criteria, was evaluated in the overall cohort. Forty-four patients were identified as having a raphe-type BAV disease at pre-TAVI CT scans. Mean patient age was 80 ± 6.2 years and 74% were males; median Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) predicted risk of mortality score was 4.3 (3.0–6.5). Three different BAV anatomies (36 patients with BAV type 1 with calcific raphe, 5 patients with BAV type 1 with fibrotic raphe, and 3 patients with BAV type 2) were implanted with different types of TAVI prostheses (6 Acurate Neo 2,16 Acurate Neo, 21 Core Valve Evolut R/Pro , 1 Lotus) sized prospectively according to the LIRA plane method. In all patients, there was a significant discrepancy between LIRA and virtual basal ring (VBR) measurements with LIRA plane perimeter smaller than VBR perimeter (mean perimeter LIRA 73.1 ± 8.3 mm vs. mean perimeter VBR 81.5 ± 6.6 mm; P 20 mmHg pre-discharge. The rate of new pacemaker implantation was 9%. Conclusions Supra-annular sizing according to the LIRA plane method confirmed to be safe with a high device success in a larger study population. The application of the LIRA plane method might optimize TAVI prosthesis sizing in patients with raphe-type BAV disease.

This study aims to identify the factors motivating the intentions of university students to become entrepreneurs. Leveraging data from a survey of 941 Italian students and adopting Ajzen’s theory of planned behaviour, this paper employs the structural equation model to identify factors explaining students’ entrepreneurial intentions. The findings show that attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control positively shape Italian students’ intentions. Moreover, the findings signal that the skills acquired during the university pathway play a crucial role in encouraging students to consider entrepreneurial choices. The paper extends and complements the academic and policy debate in the field of entrepreneurship offering a comprehensive investigation of the factors affecting entrepreneurial intentions. It also allows us to contend that higher education may have an important role to play in fostering the entrepreneurial intentions of young people. This is especially significant given current global economic conditions and the renewed importance of self-employment strategies.

Background Lung cancer is still the main cause of cancer death worldwide despite the availability of targeted therapies and immune-checkpoint inhibitors combined with chemotherapy. Cancer cell heterogeneity and primary or acquired resistance mechanisms cause the elusive behaviour of this cancer and new biomarkers and active drugs are urgently needed to overcome these limitations. p65BTK, a novel isoform of the Bruton Tyrosine Kinase may represent a new actionable target in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods p65BTK expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 382 NSCLC patients with complete clinico-pathological records including smoking habit, ALK and EGFR status, and in metastatic lymph nodes of 30 NSCLC patients. NSCLC cell lines mutated for p53 and/or a component of the RAS/MAPK pathway and primary lung cancer-derived cells from Kras/Trp53 null mice were used as a preclinical model. The effects of p65BTK inhibition by BTK Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) (Ibrutinib, AVL-292, RN486) and first-generation EGFR-TKIs (Gefitinib, Erlotinib) on cell viability were evaluated by MTT. The effects of BTK-TKIs on cell growth and clonogenicity were assessed by crystal violet and colony assays, respectively. Cell toxicity assays were performed to study the effect of the combination of non-toxic concentrations of BTK-TKIs with EGFR-TKIs and standard-of-care (SOC) chemotherapy (Cisplatin, Gemcitabine, Pemetrexed). Results p65BTK was significantly over-expressed in EGFR-wild type (wt) adenocarcinomas (AdC) from non-smoker patients and its expression was also preserved at the metastatic site. p65BTK was also over-expressed in cell lines mutated for KRAS or for a component of the RAS/MAPK pathway and in tumors from Kras/Trp53 null mice. BTK-TKIs were more effective than EGFR-TKIs in decreasing cancer cell viability and significantly impaired cell proliferation and clonogenicity. Moreover, non-toxic doses of BTK-TKIs re-sensitized drug-resistant NSCLC cell lines to both target- and SOC therapy, independently from EGFR/KRAS status. Conclusions p65BTK results as an emerging actionable target in non-smoking EGFR-wt AdC, also at advanced stages of disease. Notably, these patients are not eligible for EGFR-TKIs-based therapy due to a lack of EGFR mutation. The combination of BTK-TKIs with EGFR-TKIs is cytotoxic for EGFR-wt/KRAS-mutant/p53-null tumors and BTK-TKIs re-sensitizes drug-resistant NSCLC to SOC chemotherapy. Therefore, our data suggest that adding BTK-TKIs to SOC chemotherapy and EGFR-targeted therapy may open new avenues for clinical trials in currently untreatable NSCLC. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-019-1199-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

urpose – This study aims to investigate whether the characteristics of the chief financial officer (CFO) have an impact on the intensity of the corporate research and development (R&D) investment. Design/methodology/approach – Based on hand-collected data for the CFOs of a sample of the largest European listed companies for the period 2013–2016, this study uses regression analyses to test empirically the association of CFO education, CFO gender and CFO age with R&D investment intensity. Findings – The presence of female CFOs, CFOs with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree and older CFOs is positively associated with the intensity of R&D investment. Research limitations/implications – This study relies on some observable characteristics of CFOs and focuses on large listed companies. Practical implications – The results of this study may help investors, stakeholders and practitioners to understand better which type of CFO characteristics are more likely to result in higher firm-level R&D investment intensity. Originality/value – This study offers the first insights into the impact of CFOs, as the most prominent C-suite executives, on the level of corporate investments in R&D activity.

Background: Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a neurodegenerative disease where synaptic loss and reduced synaptic integrity are important neuropathological substrates. Neuronal Pentraxin 2(NPTX2) is a synaptic protein that drives the GABAergic inhibitory circuit. Our aim was to examine if NPTX2 cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) levels in DLB patients were altered and how these levels related to other synaptic protein levels and to cognitive function and decline. Methods: NPTX2, VGF, and α-synuclein levels were determined in CSF of cognitive healthy (n = 27), DLB (n = 48), and AD (n = 20) subjects. Multiple cognitive domains were tested, and data were compared using linear models. Results: Decreased NPTX2 levels were observed in DLB (median = 474) and AD (median = 453) compared to cognitive healthy subjects (median = 773). Strong correlations between NPTX2, VGF, and α-synuclein were observed dependent on diagnosis. Combined, these markers had a high differentiating power between DLB and cognitive healthy subjects (AUC = 0.944). Clinically, NPTX2 levels related to global cognitive function and cognitive decline in the visual spatial domain. Conclusion: NPTX2 CSF levels were reduced in DLB and closely correlated to decreased VGF and α-synuclein CSF levels. CSF NPTX2 levels in DLB related to decreased functioning in the visual spatial domain.

This case shows how interaction between imaging experts and interventionists allowed us to overcome the challenge of plug-prosthesis interaction in a complex procedure.

Individuals with severe psychiatric disorders have a reduced life expectancy compared to the general population. At the biological level, patients with these disorders present features that suggest the involvement of accelerated aging, such as increased circulating inflammatory markers and shorter telomere length (TL). To date, the role of the interplay between inflammation and telomere dynamics in the pathophysiology of severe psychiatric disorders has been scarcely investigated. In this study we measured T-lymphocytes TL with quantitative fluorescent in situ hybridization (Q-FISH) and plasma levels of inflammatory markers in a cohort comprised of 40 patients with bipolar disorder (BD), 41 with schizophrenia (SZ), 37 with major depressive disorder (MDD), and 36 non-psychiatric controls (NPC). TL was shorter in SZ and in MDD compared to NPC, while it was longer in BD (model F(6, 137) = 20.128, p = 8.73 × 10(−17), effect of diagnosis, F(3) = 31.870; p = 1.08 × 10(−15)). There was no effect of the different classes of psychotropic medications, while duration of treatment with mood stabilizers was associated with longer TL (Partial correlation controlled for age and BMI: correlation coefficient = 0.451; p = 0.001). Levels of high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) were higher in SZ compared to NPC (adjusted p = 0.027), and inversely correlated with TL in the whole sample (r = −0.180; p = 0.042). Compared to NPC, patients with treatment resistant (TR) SZ had shorter TL (p = 0.001), while patients with TR MDD had higher levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) compared to NPC (p = 0.028) and to non-TR (p = 0.039). Comorbidity with cardio-metabolic disorders did not influence the observed differences in TL, hsCRP, and TNFα among the diagnostic groups. Our study suggests that patients with severe psychiatric disorders present reduced TL and increased inflammation.

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and clinical significance of Anti-neuronal antibodies (AnAb) in a cohort of neuropsychiatric (NP) Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients. Methods Overall, 28 SLE patients (age 45.6 ± 14.4 years) with inflammatory neuropsychiatric syndromes, classified according to existing criteria (1, 2) were enrolled and serum samples were collected before starting treatment for the specific NP event; 41 consecutive SLE patients (44.2 ± 14.2 years) without NP involvement, 22 Multiple Sclerosis patients (37.9 ± 11.0 years) and 82 healthy subjects (44.8 ± 15.0 years) served as controls. Search for AnAb was performed by tissue-based immunohistochemistry assays (IHC) on male Sprague Dawley rat’s brain sections and confirmed by cell-based immunocytochemistry assays on SH-SY5Y (human neuroblastoma) cell cultures. The association between serum positivity for AnAb by IHC and a large panel of data (demographic, serologic, SLEDAI, conventional brain MRI, treatment) was investigated by univariate analysis. Multivariate models were fitted with covariates with p Results AnAb were detected in 23 (82.1%) NPSLE patients and in 16 (39.0%) SLE patients without NP involvement resulting in 82% specificity (95%CI 71%-90%) and 61% sensitivity (95%CI 48%-72%) in differentiating NPSLE from SLE without NP involvement. None of the sera from MS patients (0%) and healthy subjects (0%) showed AnAb. Serum AnAb by IHC were independently associated with NPSLE (p Conclusion AnAb are significantly more frequent in patients with NPSLE than SLE. Further studies are needed to identify the unknown neuronal antigens targeted by AnAb in SLE patients.

While the VGF-derived TLQP peptides have been shown to prevent neuronal apoptosis, and to act on synaptic strengthening, their involvement in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) remains unclarified. We studied human ALS patients’ plasma (taken at early to late disease stages) and primary fibroblast cultures (patients vs controls), in parallel with SOD1-G93A transgenic mice (taken at pre-, early- and late symptomatic stages) and the mouse motor neuron cell line (NSC-34) treated with Sodium Arsenite (SA) to induce oxidative stress. TLQP peptides were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, in parallel with gel chromatography characterization, while their localization was studied by immunohistochemistry. In controls, TLQP peptides, including forms compatible with TLQP-21 and 62, were revealed in plasma and spinal cord motor neurons, as well as in fibroblasts and NSC-34 cells. TLQP peptides were reduced in ALS patients’ plasma starting in the early disease stage (14% of controls) and remaining so at the late stage (16% of controls). In mice, a comparable pattern of reduction was shown ( vs wild type), in both plasma and spinal cord already in the pre-symptomatic phase (about 26% and 70%, respectively). Similarly, the levels of TLQP peptides were reduced in ALS fibroblasts (31% of controls) and in the NSC-34 treated with Sodium Arsenite (53% of decrease), however, the exogeneous TLQP-21 improved cell viability (SA-treated cells with TLQP-21, vs SA-treated cells only: about 83% vs. 75%). Hence, TLQP peptides, reduced upon oxidative stress, are suggested as blood biomarkers, while TLQP-21 exerts a neuroprotective activity.

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To evaluate the impact of left ventricular outflow tract calcification (LVOT-CA) localization and extension on permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) rates after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with second-generation devices.This single-center retrospective study included all consecutive patients who underwent transfemoral TAVI with second-generation devices at San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, Italy from January 2014 to June 2017. The localization and extension of LVOT-CA were evaluated using computed tomography imaging; LVOT regions were categorized according to the overlying coronary cusps.The study population consisted of 377 patients, of which LVOT-CA was present in 133 patients (35.3%). Patients with LVOT-CA had significantly a higher rate of post-TAVI PPI (32.0% vs 19.2% in patients with no LVOT-CA; P.01). Multivariable analysis demonstrated LVOT-CA in the non-coronary cusp, as well as preprocedural right bundle-branch block, age, body mass index, and mechanically expanded prosthesis implantation, to be strong independent predictors of PPI.LVOT-CA in the non-coronary cusp is a strong independent predictor of PPI after TAVI with second-generation devices. Further studies are needed to confirm these data in a larger, multicenter population.

This paper focuses on the implementation of cloud-based systems in startups to answer how and why hi-tech startups use cloud computing, an overlooked question to date. Thus, referring to an extende...

The current paper relies upon Broadbent and Laughlin’s (Manag Account Res 20(4):283–295, 2009, Accounting control and controlling accounting: interdisciplinary and critical perspectives, Emerald, Bingley, 2013) notion of culture, context, and steering mechanisms to understand how context and culture mould PMS change in healthcare switching from one pathway to another. It employs the case study of an Italian regional health service carried out over a 3-year period (2010–2013) with 25 semi-structured interviews with relevant actors (regional councillors, CEOs of healthcare organisations, and physicians that are heads of health departments), and including the retrospective collection of data on the period 2005–2009 through respondents’ views supported by secondary data. The findings show a switch from the reorientation trough absorption response of the first period (2005–2009) to the reorientation trough boundary management towards evolution response of the second period (2010–2013). They highlight that this is the result of a change in context and the leading rationalities towards a policy based on cooperation and stakeholder dialogue through the development of a common language helping to supersede previous inability to interact. It enlightens that the change in the RHS came about in the wake of a hybridisation of all the actors involved which can be construed as an enlargement in their interpretive schemes happening at the individual level and influencing the organisational level. In the study RHS the change in context and culture favoured the formation of a managerial logic and an enrichment of the value system of the organisation towards a well-functioning PMS. In turn the PMS daily helps to reinforce the cooperative and dialogic approach, prompting a virtuous circle, and offering broader insights relevant to theory, practice, and the policymakers.

Additional file 1.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth cause of death from cancer worldwide mainly due to the high incidence of drug-resistance. During a screen for new actionable targets in drug-resistant tumours we recently identified p65BTK–a novel oncogenic isoform of Bruton's tyrosine kinase. Studying three different cohorts of patients here we show that p65BTK expression correlates with histotype and cancer progression. Using drug-resistant TP53-null colon cancer cells as a model we demonstrated that p65BTK silencing or chemical inhibition overcame the 5-fluorouracil resistance of CRC cell lines and patient-derived organoids and significantly reduced the growth of xenografted tumours. Mechanistically, we show that blocking p65BTK in drug-resistant cells abolished a 5-FU-elicited TGFB1 protective response and triggered E2F-dependent apoptosis. Taken together, our data demonstrated that targeting p65BTK restores the apoptotic response to chemotherapy of drug-resistant CRCs and gives a proof-of-concept for suggesting the use of BTK inhibitors in combination with 5-FU as a novel therapeutic approach in CRC patients. © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This study investigates individuals’ blockchain adoption behavior focusing on the Italian setting, and gathering perceptions from information systems practitioners and entrepreneurs. The aim of the paper is to understand what are the factors that push organizational actors to use the blockchain. To this aim we embrace the second version of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). The model was estimated using the structural equation modeling with partial least square estimation (PLS-SEM). Our results show that performance expectancy and social influence are factors that have a strong positive effect on people intention to adopt blockchain. Surprisingly, the findings unveil that experience has a negative effect on blockchain use intention. This allows us to argue that the technology under scrutiny has such a disruptive nature that individuals with previous experience look at it with skepticisms as its implementation involves a full re-think of all routines and practices.

The current paper moves from the awareness that the literature on accounting change, especially for the public sector, is still inconclusive and leaves room for more inquiry, because of a compartmentalized approach to the understanding of these phenomena. Thus, the aim of the current paper is to realize a review of the studies on accounting change in public sector, identifying the approaches (i.e. mainstream, critical and interpretive) and focusing on the determinants of such processes, to enucleate in the debate the issues of accountability, power and politics, context and culture, as well as complexity, thus overcoming the existing lack of systematic comprehension. This will allow us to offer a bases for a unitary view of these phenomena, better encompassing the effects of those internal and external forces mounding change. Methodologically, the paper employs a systematic review approach to gather data, then analyzed by means of a linear regression.

This study investigates the effects of firm and country factors, considered as determinants of the financial instruments risk disclosure (FIRD) proxied by IFRS 7 in the European banking system. We select 582 banks-year observations based on the largest five European economies (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK) as provided by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Our analysis covers a period of 8 years (2007-2014) and adopts an OLS model. Results show that both firm (the type of auditor, board size and profitability) and country factors (financing environment, regulatory environment, and organizational status) affect FIRD. Limitations for this paper could relate to country selection, as well as on the breadth of the sample. Nevertheless, these aspects could unveil possible areas of future inquiry. The contribution of the study is twofold. It enriches the literature about firm and country determinants on financial instruments risk disclosure, as combined rather than single-standing variables. Yet, it draws the attention of banks’ management and investors on what the crucial factors to reach an optimal level of FIRD are and gain the confidence of capital markets, reducing information asymmetries. This is the first empirical investigation on the determinants of FIRD, using IFRS 7, in the European banking sector that adopts firm and country factors in a combined effort.

TLQP-21, a peptide encoded by the highly conserved vgf gene, is expressed in neuroendocrine cells and has been the most prominent VGF-derived peptide studied in relation to control of energy balance. The recent discovery that TLQP-21 is the natural agonist for the complement 3a receptor 1 (C3aR1) has revived interest in this peptide as a potential drug target for obesity. We have investigated its function in Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus), a rodent that displays natural seasonal changes in body weight and adiposity as an adaptation to survive winter. We have previously shown that intracerebroventricular administration of TLQP-21 reduced food intake and body weight in hamsters in their long-day fat state. The aim of our current study was to determine the systemic actions of TLQP-21 on food intake, energy expenditure and body weight, and to establish whether adiposity affected these responses. Peripheral infusion of TLQP-21 (1mg/kg/day for 7 days) in lean hamsters exposed to short photoperiods (SP) reduced cumulative food intake in the home cage (p

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by a progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). At disease onset, a diagnosis is often difficult. VGF peptides are abundant in the SN and peripheral circulation; hence, we investigate whether their plasma profile may reflect the brain dopamine reduction. Using antibodies against the VGF C-terminal portion, we analyzed the rat brain and human plasma, with immunohistochemistry and ELISA. Rats were unilaterally lesioned with 6-hyroxydopamine and sacrificed either 3 or 6 weeks later with or without levodopa treatment. Plasma samples were obtained from PD patients, either at the time of diagnosis (group 1, drug naïve, n = 23) or upon dopamine replacement (group 2, 1-6 years, n = 24; group 3,6 years, n = 16), compared with age-matched control subjects (group 4, n = 21). Assessment of the olfactory function was carried out in group 2 using the "Sniffin' Sticks" test. VGF immunoreactivity was present in GABAergic neurons and, on the lesioned side, it was reduced at 3 weeks and abolished at 6 weeks after lesion. Conversely, upon levopoda, VGF labeling was restored. In PD patients, VGF levels were reduced at the time of diagnosis (1504 ± 587 vs. 643 ± 348 pmol/mL, means ± S.E.M: control vs. naïve; p0.05) but were comparable with the controls after long-term drug treatment (6 years). A linear correlation was demonstrated between VGF immunoreactivity and disease duration, levodopa equivalent dose and olfactory dysfunction. Plasma VGF levels may represent a useful biomarker, especially in the early stages of PD.

The TLQP-21 peptide peripherally potentiates glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible endocrine mechanism through which TLQP-21 increases the insulin secretion. Using an antibody specific for the common N-terminal portion of the TLQP peptides, we studied pancreas and plasma of mice subjected to intraperitoneal glucose load, by immunohistochemistry and immunosorbent assay (ELISA), alone or coupled to High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HLPC). Mice underwent a period of starvation hence have received a glucose load, or saline, and were sacrificed 30 or 120 minutes later. In normal endocrine pancreas, the TLQP-antiserum stained either peripheral or central cells. Interestingly, 30 min after a glucose load, TLQP immunostaining was disappeared in pancreas and, when analysed by ELISA, the TLQP-levels started to increase in plasma reaching peak concentration at 120 min. (controls vs. 30 and 120 min.: ppvs. controls p

The aim of this paper is to investigate the level of comparability of the IFRS 7 Financial Instruments Disclosure in banks’ annual reports across different European countries (Italy, Spain, France, Germany and UK) from 2007 to 2014. The banking sector seems to be particularly concerned with the issue of financial risks, especially during the most recent global financial crisis. In addition, risk disclosure has led to vigorous debates at both the national and international levels among scholars and standard setters. To test the comparability across countries, we use the van der Tas C index. Our results show that there is a medium level of comparability. Despite the accounting boards’ and authorities’ commitment to regulating this information, there are still substantial differences in the practices of risk disclosure, which have negative effects on comparability. Our results show that an increase in the degree of comparability exists during the observed period but we are still far from a condition of full comparability due to the presence of factors other than regulations that may affect accounting practices. These findings could be helpful for the decisions of institutional regulatory bodies and for investors.