Capital Market Penalties and Corporate Violations of the Three Pillars (Operations, Reporting, and Compliance) after COSO 2013 Internal Controls: Integrated Framework

Current literature is somewhat unclear on how corporate violations under the new set of governance environments versed in the Internal Controls Integrated Framework issued by COSO (acronym of Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission) influence shareholders’ activism. Initially published in 1992, these guidelines faced a significant revision with proactive improvements in 2013. Since the first emission, this guidance has focused on providing safe-keeping basic standards for organizations to follow regarding the integrity of corporate governance and enterprise risk management by designing and implementing stable internal controls. The handbooks’ primary approach builds upon an environment of permanent improvement of self-regulatory governance in three main catalysts or pillars: (i) operational safety; (ii) financial statements reporting assurance; and (iii) regulatory compliance

Spark Plug Simulation with the Use of Three Types of Fuels in Direct Injection Engines for the Evaluation of Polluting Factors

The present work has as main objective the use of a biofuel (Ecopaís) in a direct injection vehicle, it is an option to reduce damage to health and the environment, for this a static thermal simulation will be done in the spark plug, to compare the results of the aforementioned software using On Board tests, in a 1500 cc engine. The measurements of the emission factors of CO, HC and NOx gases will be considered in a route established in the city of Quito from 2399 to 2870 meters above sea level. The interaction of the element is carried out in the ANSYS Academic program which is 14977 nodes and 7523 elements to be studied with automatic meshing, obtaining that the Ecopaís and Ecopaís + Ferox fuels have the highest heat flow with a 5% divergence compared to the Extra fuel + Ferox. There is a significant reduction in pollutant emissions of 3% of CO with the use of Ecopaís in comparison to Extra + Ferox fuel, in the case of HC, Ecopaís and Ecopaís + Ferox fuels with 3% lower emissions compared to Extra fuel + Ferox, and in NOx, fuels that have Extra + Ferox and Ecopaís + Ferox solid additives are 3 and 3.5% lower compared to Ecopaís fuel, respectively. Keywords: biofuel, termal, on board, ferox, emission factors. Resumen El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo fundamental la utilización de un biocombustible (Ecopaís) en un vehículo de inyección directa, es una opción para disminuir daños a la salud y al medio ambiente, para ello se hará una simulación térmica estática en la bujía de encendido, para comparar los resultados del mencionado software mediante pruebas On Board, en un motor de 1500 cc. Las mediciones de los factores de emisión de gases de CO, HC y NOx, se contemplará en una ruta establecida en la ciudad de Quito de 2399 hasta 2870 m.s.n.m. La interacción del elemento se realiza en el programa ANSYS Academic que es de 14977 nodos y 7523 elementos a estudiar con el mallado automático, obteniendo que los combustibles Ecopaís y Ecopaís+Ferox tienen el mayor flujo de calor con una divergencia del 5% en comparación del combustible Extra + Ferox. Se evidencia una reducción significativa de emisiones contaminantes del 2.5% del CO con el uso del Ecopaís en comparación del combustible Extra + Ferox, en el caso de HC los combustibles Ecopaís y Ecopaís + Ferox con un 1% menor en emisiones en comparación al combustible Extra + Ferox, y en el NOx los combustibles que tienen aditivo sólido Extra+Ferox y Ecopaís+Ferox son menores en un 6 y 4% con respecto al combustible Ecopaís respectivamente. Palabras clave: biocombustible, térmica, on board, ferox, factores de emisiones

Skin in the Game? Experimental Reactions to Prospective Reputational Damage by Corporate Personnel

All organizations confront the possibility of scandal; however, the reputational threat caused by scandal is exacerbated when these events are not properly addressed. Since scandals also have the potential to adversely affect organizational personnel, dilemmas arise regarding traditional ideas of employee agency. In this study, we conduct an experiment manipulating the severity of the reputational threat and its financial consequences for decision-makers, using actual corporate officers and internal auditors. One key question is this: “Are corporate decision-makers’ responses to potential scandals affected by whether they, as incentivized individuals (via stock options), have “skin in the game?” Findings indicate that corporate personnel believe corporations should respond aggressively to scandals having potential reputational consequences; however, they prefer not to proactively respond to reputational threats when expected personal gains are likely to be jeopardized. Internal auditors, by contrast, are less sensitive to personal gains. An archival supplementary analysis supports these findings by suggesting that equity compensation was 17.7% higher before a severe reputational event

Dynamic object detection fusing LIDAR data and images

We present a method to segment dynamic objects on point clouds using images and 3D laser data. Per-pixel background classes are adapted online as Gaussian Mixtures independently for each sensor. The learned classes are fused labeling pixels/voxels that belong to either the background, or the dynamic objects We pay special attention in the calibration and synchronization modules to reach accuracy in registration and data association. We show results of people segmentation in indoor scenes using a Velodyne sensor at a high frame-rate .Postprint (author’s final draft

Galileo and EGNOS as an asset for UTM safety and security

GAUSS (Galileo-EGNOS as an Asset for UTM Safety and Security) is a H2020 project1 that aims at designing and developing high performance positioning systems for drones within the U-Space framework focusing on UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) VLL (Very Low Level) operations. The key element within GAUSS is the integration and exploitation of Galileo and EGNOS exceptional features in terms of accuracy, integrity and security, which will be key assets for the safety of current and future drone operations. More concretely, high accuracy, authentication, precise timing (among others) are key GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) enablers of future integrated drone operations under UTM (UAS Traffic Management) operations, which in Europe will be deployed under U-Space [1]. The U-Space concept helps control, manage and integrate all UAS in the VLL airspace to ensure the security and efficiency of UAS operations. GAUSS will enable not only safe, timely and efficient operations but also coordination among a higher number of RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) in the air with the appropriate levels of security, as it will improve anti-jamming and anti-spoofing capabilities through a multi-frequency and multi-constellation approach and Galileo authentication operations. The GAUSS system will be validated with two field trials in two different UTM real scenarios (in-land and sea) with the operation of a minimum of four UTM coordinated UAS from different types (fixed and rotary wing), manoeuvrability and EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) operational categories. The outcome of the project will consist of Galileo-EGNOS based technological solutions to enhance safety and security levels in both, current UAS and future UTM operations. Increased levels of efficiency, reliability, safety, and security in UAS operations are key enabling features to foster the EU UAS regulation, market development and full acceptance by the society.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

A role for antizyme inhibitor 2 in the biosynthesis and content of serotonin and histamine in mouse mast cells

Polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and spermine; PAs) are essential for the majority of living cells. Antizymes and antizyme inhibitors are key regulatory proteins of PA levels by affecting ornithine decarboxylase and PA uptake. In addition to PAs, mast cells (MC) synthesize and store in their granules histamine (Hia) and serotonin (5-HT), which are critical for their function. Our previous studies have indicated a metabolic interplay among PAs, Hia and 5-HT in this cell type. For instance, we showed that PAs affect Hia synthesis during early stages of IL-3-induced bone marrow cell differentiation into bone marrow derived MCs (BMMCs) and demonstrated that PAs are present in MC secretory granules and are important for granule homeostasis, including Hia storage and 5-HT levels. A few years ago, a novel antizyme inhibitor (AZIN2) was described whose expression is restricted to a few tissues and cell types including brain, testis and MCs. In MCs, it was recently proposed that AZIN2 could act as a local regulator of PA biosynthesis in association with 5-HT-containing granules and with 5-HT release following MC activation. To gain insight into the role of AZIN2 in the biosynthesis and storage of 5-HT and also Hia, we have generated BMMCs from both wild-type and transgenic mice with severe Azin2 hypomorphism, and have analyzed the content of PAs, 5-HT and Hia, and some elements of their metabolisms. Spermine and 5-HT levels were reduced in Azin2 hypomorphic BMMCs compared with wild-type controls, whereas the amount of Hia was increased. Accordingly, the level of tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (the key enzyme for 5-HT biosynthesis) was reduced and the amount of enzymatic activity of histidine decarboxylase (the enzyme responsible for Hia biosynthesis) was increased in Azin2 hypomorphic BMMCs. Taken together, our results show evidence that AZIN2 has an important role in the regulation of 5-HT and Hia biosynthesis and storage in MCsUniversidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech. This work was supported by SAF2011-26518 (MINECO, Spain) and P10-CVI-6585 and Bio-267 (Junta de Andalucia, Spain). CIBERER is an iniciative of Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Spain)

A role for antizyme inhibitor 2 in the biosynthesis and content of histamine and serotonin in mouse mast cells

Polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and spermine; PAs) are required for the survival of the majority of living cells. Antizymes and antizyme inhibitors are key regulatory proteins of PA levels by affecting ornithine decarboxylase, the rate-limiting biosynthetic enzyme, and PA uptake. In addition to PA, mast cells (MC) synthesize and store in their granules the biogenically active amines histamine (Hia) and serotonin (5-HT), which are of critical importance for their function. Previously, we have performed several studies in this cell type regarding the interplay between the metabolisms of PAs and Hia and 5-HT. Our results showed that PAs affect Hia synthesis during early stages of IL-3-induced bone marrow cell differentiation into bone marrow derived MCs (BMMCs) and demonstrated that PAs are present in MC secretory granules and are important for granule homeostasis, including Hia storage and 5-HT levels. A few years ago, a novel antizyme inhibitor (AZIN2) was described. In contrast to AZIN1, AZIN2 expression is restricted to a few tissues and cell types including brain, testis and MCs. In MCs, it was recently described that AZIN2 could act as a local regulator of PA biosynthesis in association with the 5-HT granule content and release. At present, our aim is to gain further insight into the role of AZIN2 in the biosynthesis, storage and release of both Hia and 5-HT. In this study, we have generated BMMCs from both wild-type and transgenic mice with severe Azin2 hypomorphism, and have analyzed the content of PAs, Hia and 5-HT, and some elements of their metabolisms. Both PAs and 5-HT levels were reduced in Azin2 hypomorphic BMMCs compared with wild-type controls, whereas the amount of Hia was increased. Accordingly, the level of tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (the key enzyme for 5-HT biosynthesis) was reduced and the amount of enzymatic activity of histidine decarboxylase (the enzyme responsible for histamine biosynthesis) was increased in Azin2 hypomorphic BMMCs. Taken together, our results show evidence that AZIN2 has an important role in the regulation of Hia and 5-HT biosynthesis and storage in MCs. Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, and CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBER-ER), Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Málaga 29071, Spain. Corresponding author: I. Fajardo ([email protected]) This work was supported by SAF2011-26518 (MINECO, Spain) and P10-CVI-6585 and Bio-267 (Junta de Andalucia, Spain). CIBERER is an iniciative of Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Spain).Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía-Tech. SAF2011-26518 (MINECO, Spain) and P10-CVI-6585 and Bio-267 (Junta de Andalucia, Spain. CIBERER is an iniciative of Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Spain)

Post-scandal Organizational (Dis)order: A Grounded-Theory Approach Shifting from Murphy’s Law to Safer Regulatory Environments

The literature shows that, in the wake of negative media exposition, organizations’ self-regulation tends to be strengthened. We investigate such motivation from the perspective of the psychosocial consequences in executives’ and organizational self-confidence. A grounded-theory approach supports findings from 27 different events described by top-level executives from major publicly traded organizations. Their testimonies document that scandalous episodes, when they occur, leave a trauma footprint within the organizational and individual consciousness because of the perceived post-event humiliation, remorse, guilt, and fear. The paradigm of reliance and trust in the designed structures is severely altered. In turn, a climate of excessive self-regulation explains the recovery from the traumatic experience. New boundaries for regulatory balance, also called “the confidence zone,” exists until design changes coalesce with organizational blame to create the perception that reputational safety has been achieved. Fears of subsequent media scrutiny are mitigated by the perception of moral safety based on governance. Consequently, the over-regulatory response comprises the organizations’ healing process as they recover from the psychosocial trauma caused by media exposition

A Multicriteria Approach to Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Heritage: Case Studies of Riverside Power Plants

City riverbanks usually have great landscape value and are iconic public spaces. However, there are many cities with large abandoned industrial buildings, such as power plants, on their riverbanks. Such buildings run the risk of being demolished in order to recover the surrounding natural landscape, despite having an important presence in the collective memory of the citizens and in the history of the city. This article seeks to analyse the reuse and refurbishment of industrial power plants on riversides from a modern artistic/recreational approach in order to restore and enhance the landscape value of the site by regenerating the environs and turning them into hubs of activity. Two case studies from different locations are considered in order to extract the information. A methodology is used that allows us to analyse and study a complex reality in a straightforward, concise and direct way. That means it can be used by many agents currently involved in those reuse processes to compare and to monitor the different cases over time. This research has sought to highlight the power plant typology, its relationship with the riverside, and subsequently, to extrapolate the criteria used to study other industrial buildings.This research was funded by UMA, University of Malaga, under the Research Project with the reference B3-2018_02. Partial funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málag

Counselors, Judges, or Executioners: The Role of Financial Analysts in Capital Markets’ Responses to Alleged FCPA Violations

Academic models grounded in market efficiency and reputational principles argue that market firms value suffer investors punishment as consequence of international bribery allegations. However, there are indicators of potential mispricing when authorities reveal the details of the allegations. To reconcile this phenomenon, this research theorizes the influence of analysts revised expectations as moderators and/or mediators of the relationship between the reputational and economic penalties, and investors’ response. Findings from 124 documented cases (2007 to 2018) suggest that analysts positively moderate (not mediate) the relationship concerning reputational (not economic) penalties and stock returns in the short-term after the press release (three-day window). These results potentially explains the mispricing and the accentuated reputational penalties (over the economic penalties) to stockholders’ returns. Several statistical and theoretical procedures robust the quality of the findings