bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does a unique “T+1 trading rule” in China incur return difference between daytime and overnight periods?
Authors: Diao Xundi , Qiu Hongyang , Tong Bin
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the difference between the daytime (open-to-close) and overnight (close-to-open) returns of CSI 300 index and its derivative futures.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores the difference between the daytime and overnight time returns by using nonparametric techniques. Moreover, investigation on some factors such as short selling, trading rules, risks are made to seek the sources of the day and night effects based on a large number of empirical analysis. In the end, further analyses on daytime and overnight returns are given by the use of high-frequency data and linear regression technique.

Findings

The authors show that the daytime returns of CSI 300 index are no less than its overnight returns, while the daytime returns of CSI 300 index futures are no more than its overnight returns, even after removing the heteroscedasticity of the researched time series. Specifically, the PM returns (13:05 to close) play a quite important role in the intra-day time. The findings also suggest that the unique “T+1 trading rule” in China may be a reason that incurs the lower opening price in the morning and the higher closing price in the afternoon, resulting in the statistically significant differences between the daytime and overnight returns.

Practical implications

The findings are of great importance for investors to decide when to buy and sell stock and futures portfolios in Chinese financial markets.

Originality/value

This study empirically analyzes why there the higher daytime returns and the lower overnight returns exist in the Chinese stock markets from different aspects and contributes the existing literature on day and night effects because of periodic market closures.
Implementation fidelity of a voluntary sector-led diabetes education programme
Authors: Kok Michele S.Y. , Jones Mat , Solomon-Moore Emma , Smith Jane R.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The quality of voluntary sector-led community health programmes is an important concern for service users, providers and commissioners. Research on the fidelity of programme implementation offers a basis for assessing and further enhancing practice. The purpose of this paper is to report on the fidelity assessment of Living Well Taking Control (LWTC) – a voluntary sector-led, community-based education programme in England focussing on the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes.

Design/methodology/approach

This fidelity of implementation (FoI) study was conducted with the Devon-based LWTC programme. A fidelity checklist was developed to analyse audio records of group-based lifestyle education sessions – implementation was rated in terms of adherence to protocol and competence in delivery; the influence of wider contextual factors was also assessed. Kappa statistics (κ) were used to test for inter-rater agreement. Course satisfaction data were used as a supplementary indicator of facilitator competence.

Findings

Analysis of 28 sessions, from five diabetes prevention and two diabetes management groups (total participants, n=49), yielded an overall implementation fidelity score of 77.3 per cent for adherence (moderate inter-rater agreement, κ=0.60) and 95.1 per cent for competence (good inter-rater agreement, κ=0.71). The diabetes prevention groups consistently achieved higher adherence scores than the diabetes management groups. Facilitator competence was supported by high participant satisfaction ratings.

Originality/value

An appropriate level of implementation fidelity was delivered for the LWTC group-based education programme, which provides some confidence that outcomes from the programme reflected intervention effectiveness. This study demonstrates the viability of assessing the FoI in a voluntary sector-led public health initiative and the potential of this method for assuring quality and informing service development.
Consumer engagement in online brand communities: a solicitation of congruity theory
Authors: Islam Jamid Ul , Rahman Zillur , Hollebeek Linda D.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, to study the influence of self-brand image congruity and value congruity on consumer engagement in online brand communities (OBCs); second to test whether gender moderates this effect; and third, it also examines the role of consumer engagement as a driver of brand loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an online questionnaire, 443 responses were collected from consumers who are members of at least one OBC on Facebook. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results revealed that both self-brand image congruity and value congruity significantly affect consumer engagement. A positive effect of consumer engagement on brand loyalty was also attained. Third, the results revealed that gender did not moderate the examined relationships.

Practical implications

This research integrates and broadens existing explanations of different congruity effects on consumer engagement. This study thus suggests the value of developing their OBCs to exhibit congruence with customers’ self-image and value, which in turn, will contribute to the development of brand loyalty.

Originality/value

This research applies congruity theory to examine the impact of self-brand image- and value congruity on consumer engagement in OBCs. Through the establishment of this novel theoretical link, this study furthers insight into the domain of social media marketing.
What promotes smartphone-based mobile commerce? Mobile-specific and self-service characteristics
Authors: Choi Sujeong
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Given that smartphones are widely used as a key means for mobile commerce, the purpose of this paper is to provide in-depth understanding of determinants of the utilitarian value that customers seek to obtain from using smartphone-based mobile commerce. Drawing on the technology acceptance model (TAM), the study proposes that usefulness and ease of use are two typical factors representing utilitarian value and verifies their impacts on smartphone-based m-commerce use. Moreover, the paper expands the TAM by considering mobile-specific characteristics (i.e. service ubiquity and location-based service (LBS)) and a self-service technology (SST) characteristic (i.e. user control) as determinants of utilitarian value.

Design/methodology/approach

The study entailed conducting a survey, and analyses were conducted based on a total of 379 responses from undergraduate and graduate students who had experience using smartphones for mobile commerce. The analyses used structural equation modeling to test the research model and hypotheses.

Findings

First, in the context of the various technologies-involved m-commerce, TAM serves as a theoretical lens to predict user behavior. Second, usefulness is greatly increased by service ubiquity, LBS, and user control. Third, ease of use is enhanced by service ubiquity and user control. Finally, ease of use is a determinant of usefulness.

Originality/value

The findings imply that mobile-specific and SST characteristics are the key determinants of utilitarian value in performance-oriented mobile commerce, and utilitarian value is a key determinant of smartphone-based mobile commerce use.
Unpacking the organizational impacts of enterprise mobility using the repertory grid technique
Authors: Wang Yi , Chen Yang , Zhu Tengteng , Lin Danming
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the organizational impacts of enterprise mobility and the configurations of mobile information technology (IT) impacts in companies with various value creation logics.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory approach combining semi-structured interview and repertory grid method was used to evaluate managers’ perspectives on the effects of mobile technologies.

Findings

The qualitative findings unearth managers’ perspectives about the organizational impacts of enterprise mobility, which are categorized into six intermediary dimensions and two fundamental impacts. A further analysis of material collected from interviews also shows the differential context-related configurations of mobile IT impacts in companies.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to literature on the business value of IT in general and mobile IT in particular by examining managers’ cognitive constructions of the organizational impacts of enterprise mobility and highlighting the complexity and context-related variety of mobile IT impacts.

Practical implications

This study provides valuable insights for managers and decision makers that enterprise mobility shows promise in enhancing a firm’s operational and marketing performance.

Originality/value

Different from prior literature, this study is an exploratory attempt to investigate complex enterprise-mobility-performance relationship and preliminarily uncovers that the mechanisms with which mobile IT influences firm performance vary in different organizational contexts.
Examining the impact mechanism of social psychological motivations on individuals’ continuance intention of MOOCs
Authors: Shao Zhen
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact mechanism of psychological motivations, social influence and institutional influence on individuals’ continuance intention of MOOCs, and further, to explore if there exist behavioral differences between males and females.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the social cognitive theory (SCT) and the technology acceptance theory, this study developed a theoretical model and conducted an empirical study in China. In total, 247 valid data were collected from college students using online survey, and the structural equation modeling technique was used to examine the research model.

Findings

The empirical results suggest that self-efficacy, self-enjoyment, self-development and social norm are positively associated with individuals’ continuance intention of MOOCs, while management commitment in the university has little influence on continuance intention. The moderating test further suggests that males are more likely to be influenced by self-development and perceived usefulness compared with females.

Practical implications

This study can provide several guidelines to the administrators of the MOOC platform regarding platform design, course selection and social community establishment, so as to encourage more students to participate in the MOOC platform.

Originality/value

This study applied the SCT in the new context of MOOCs to examine the joint effects of social, institutional and psychological motivation factors on individuals’ continuance intention, and unpacks the moderating effect of gender.
Does college students’ social media use affect school e-mail avoidance and campus involvement?
Authors: Ha Louisa , Joa Claire Youngnyo , Gabay Itay , Kim Kisun
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how college students’ social media use affects their school e-mail avoidance and campus involvement.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed face-to-face interviews and self-administered survey/quantitative data.

Findings

Communication and business students are more involved on campus and likely to use social media as the primary communication medium than other majors. Social media and text messages are not the culprits of school e-mail avoidance. University departments, student organizations, and faculty advisors’ e-mails are most likely to be avoided. Social media users can be categorized as either “instant communicators” or “online content curators.” Facebook is the only social media brand conducive to campus involvement.

Research limitations/implications

This study only used one university’s students as sample. In examining school e-mail avoidance, it only focused on the source of e-mail. The study is limited by its sole reliance on quantitative behavioral data.

Practical implications

University administrators and academic advisors need to reconsider the e-mail communication to students, target at the instant communicator social media users, and use Facebook to create a strong sense of community and campus involvement for their students. Marketers can utilize the two social media user groups in selecting social media in targeting to students.

Originality/value

The study offered empirical evidence to explain how social media affect students’ school e-mail avoidance and the role of campus media and specific social media outlet on campus involvement. It advances the knowledge of media choice of students and the social media user groups.
Comparative study of Asian economies: lessons for India
Authors: Bhardwaj Mamta , Naosekpam Ajit Singh , Tewari Rupinder
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This paper represents a comparative study of five Asian countries, namely, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, China and India, based on the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) 2015-2016 published by the World Economic Forum. The purpose of this study is to assess India’s position vis-a-vis the various comparator Asian economies and to identify areas for improvement so as to enhance India’s competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on the comparisons and analysis of the ranks of each country. These ranks are based on the indicators related to three categories, i.e. “Basic Requirements”, “Efficiency Enhancers” and “Innovation and Sophistication” Factors. The GCI included data from internationally recognised agencies such as the IMF, the WHO and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Findings

On the basis of the aforementioned comparisons among these five Asian economies, it was found that Singapore (Rank-2) has made stupendous economic progress and is amongst the top five successful economies of the world. Taiwan, South Korea and China also have taken significant economic strides and are ranked globally at 15, 26 and 28, respectively. India, on the other hand, is ranked 55 out of 140 nations.

Research limitations/implications

In this paper, the countries were compared on the basis of their rank in the GCI Report 2015-2016. For an in-depth and more holistic study, comparison can be done by taking into consideration other important reports and analysis in this regard.

Originality/value

This is an original study where the developments that have taken place in the five Asian economies have been analysed based on the GCI. Most importantly, this study identifies the area/indicator in which India needs to improve to be placed among the developed nations.
Sustainable development of agriculture: a system dynamics model
Authors: Bastan Mahdi , Ramazani Khorshid-Doust Reza , Delshad Sisi Saeid , Ahmadvand Alimohammad
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Sustainable development is the management and conservation of the basic natural resources through which organizational and technological changes are lead to meet present and future needs of humans. In developing and analyzing the solutions based on sustainable development principles, an integrated and holistic approach needs to be pursued. Not only system dynamics has the essential tools for systemic analysis, but also it is an appropriate approach for perceiving problems and offering solutions. The aim of this study is to present an integrated and systemic model to analyze the existent dynamics in sustainable development of Iran’s farming industry.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the mathematical equations and values of model’s variables, a simulation is carried out using the data gathered from Damavand city, Tehran, Iran. The parameters of the model are selected and calculated considering the specifications of this case study. After modeling the system, Vensim simulation software has been employed, followed by identifying the leverage points of the model; then, a set of scenarios have been generated and tested through simulation to achieve a much improved understanding of the system’s dynamic behavior.

Findings

The results show that two factors are among the most important leverage points: “profit gained from agriculture” and “required water”. The authors could also observe that the main issue in Damavand is the lack of water for which saving policies would be a major step toward agriculture’s sustainable development in this area.

Originality/value

The paper shows how System Dynamics simulation approach can provide deep insights into the field of sustainable development and present efficient policies for agriculture sustainability.
Assurance for service organisations: contextualising accountability and trust
Authors: Channuntapipat Charika
Published: December 2017

Purpose

A number of organisations outsource their information systems and information technology infrastructure to a type of organisation called a “service organisation”. In the current business environment, where cyber risks are increasing, it is important to have a mechanism to ensure the credibility of these service organisations. This paper, therefore, aims to understand the contextualisation of accountability and trust of related organisations through the use of assurance engagements.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is conceptual in nature; however, textual data sources are used to support the theorisation of accountability and trust in the context of companies using service organisations. It uses publicly available assurance reports and related assurance standards for observing the accountability mechanism in practice, to understand the purpose of the assurance.

Findings

Assurance statements for service organisations mainly provide reputation-based, not contract-based, accountability. Limited access to the assurance reports and limited responsibility of service auditors potentially decrease the degree of this reputation-based accountability. The findings reveal a potential accountability paradox regarding the role of assurance practice, as to whether it serves as a managerial tool to build trust or as an accountability mechanism for stakeholders.

Originality/value

This paper extends the understanding of accountability and trust in the context of this unconventional form of organisational relationship. It urges more transparency in terms of the accessibility of assurance reports to provide information to wider stakeholders. The findings add to the latent literature on organisational trust and voluntary assurance practice.
Helping behaviors can negatively impact long-term well-being
Authors: Von Bergen Clarence W. , Bressler Martin S. , Boatmun Tim
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Recently, organizational scholars and social scientists began emphasizing the importance of compassion and altruism and called for increased demonstrations of assistance, giving, empathy and other prosocial conduct toward those in need. Generally, we assume that help is beneficial to those who receive it, and current research on these positive behaviors primarily focuses on the advantages to those who provide it. Despite recent calls for increased levels of aiding the needy and underprivileged, helping may have downsides and adaptive costs to those who receive support that are frequently overlooked. The purpose of the study is to bring to light the potential harm in helping those who lack commitment to improvement, having “skin in the game”.

Design/methodology/approach

In addition to a literature review, the authors present a model to explain how support in response to human pain and suffering can sometimes result in negative effects on aid recipients. The model specifies two mechanisms, including participation of affected beneficiaries of assistance in the actual aid process and duration of help as factors that may expose vulnerable populations to more risk.

Findings

The literature strongly suggests that in some instances, helping can be detrimental, to the point where helping can even result in dependency. The authors do not suggest casting a blind eye to those in need, but rather to provide assistance that leads to self-sufficiency.

Research limitations/implications

Additional research – especially over the long-term – can provide researchers with more detailed results of this approach.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper can serve as a model approach to provide help that does not create dependency.

Social implications

Using this approach could provide the ideal method to address long-term social issues that would break the cycle of dependency.

Originality/value

The authors believe that this approach to helping based upon the two-stage model could become the primary effective method for providing assistance to those in need without creating dependency in the long run.
A novel calibration method based on Kirchhoff theory for piezoelectric dynamometer
Authors: Tian Yu , Zhang Jun , Ren Zongjin , Liu Wei , Jia Zhenyuan , Chang Qingbing
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to improve calibration and force measurement accuracy of multi-sensors’ piezoelectric dynamometer used in thrust measurement of rocket/air vehicle engine.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a mapping solution method of sensors’ outputs based on the Kirchhoff thin plate theory, builds force-deformation differential equations with specific boundary conditions, uses finite difference (FD) method to solve the equations and analyzes outputs in offset loading forces in four-sensor square layout in main direction. The resultant force deviations calculated by the Kirchhoff theory are optimized with sequence quadratic program (SQP) method, and a calibration method of multiple loading points (MLP) based on the Kirchhoff theory is presented. Experiments of static calibration and verification are complemented to contrast the novel and single loading point (SLP) calibration method.

Findings

Experiments of static calibration and its verification show that at a loading force of 5,000N, the average resultant force deviations with MLP is 17.87N (0.35% FS) compared with single loading point method 26.45N (0.53% FS), improving calibration and measurement precision.

Originality value

A novel calibration method with MLP is presented. Force distributions of multiple sensors of main direction in piezoelectric dynamometer with offset loading force are solved with the Kirchhoff theory. The resultant force deviations calculated by Kirchhoff theory are optimized with the SQP method.
‘Environment’ Submissions in the UK's Research Excellence Framework 2014
Authors: Thorpe Andy , Craig Russell , Tourish Dennis , Hadikin Glenn , Batistic Sasa
Published: December 2017

There has been much debate about university research assessment exercises. In the UK, a major element of the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF2014) has been the research environment. Here we analyse 98 REF2014 ‘environment’ submissions in Business and Management Studies. We explore whether there are distinctive language‐related differences between submissions of high and low ranked universities and conclude that submission writers have a strong incentive to exaggerate strengths and conceal problems. In addition, innate biases such as the ‘halo’ and ‘velcro’ effects may distract the attention of assessors from a submission's strengths and weaknesses, since they are likely to influence their pre‐existing impressions. We propose several changes to improve how environment is evaluated. We also argue that the research environment would be more likely to be enhanced if the number of outputs submitted in future was an average of two and a maximum of four per academic, rather than the maximum of five currently being considered.
Review article: NEXUS criteria to rule out cervical spine injury among older patients: A systematic review
Authors: Paykin Gabriel , O'Reilly Gerard , Ackland Helen , Mitra Biswadev
Published: December 2017

The National Emergency X‐Radiography Utilization Study (NEXUS) criteria were derived from a heterogeneous group of adult blunt trauma patients, with the outcome measure assessed most commonly using plain X‐ray radiographs. Recent observations have suggested inadequacy of these criteria for excluding injury in population subgroups such as the elderly. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the sensitivity of the NEXUS criteria in excluding cervical spine injury among older patients aged ≥65 years. A systematic review of the literature published prior to 1 January 2017 that reported on the performance of the NEXUS criteria among older patients was conducted. The databases OVID Embase and OVID Medline were searched. The sensitivity of the NEXUS criteria was recalculated for each study among older patients. There were seven studies included in this review. All studies were considered to be at risk of bias and rated down for quality of evidence. Emergency physicians were assessors in all included studies. Sensitivity of the NEXUS criteria among older patients ranged from 66% to 100%. Variable sensitivity was demonstrated when the NEXUS criteria were applied to older blunt trauma patients. This questions the applicability of the NEXUS criteria in this subgroup.
Modification of the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction risk score for patients presenting with chest pain to the emergency department
Authors: Greenslade Jaimi H , Chung Kimberly , Parsonage William A , Hawkins Tracey , Than Martin , Pickering John W , Cullen Louise
Published: December 2017

Objective

To develop a modified Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) score to effectively risk stratify patients presenting to the ED with chest pain.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted at two metropolitan EDs. Data were obtained during patient interview. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within 30 days of presentation. Two separate modifications of the TIMI score were developed. These scores were compared to the original TIMI in terms of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and diagnostic accuracy statistics (sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values).

Results

Of 1760 patients, 364 (20.7%) experienced 30 day MACE. The first modified TIMI score was a simplified TIMI (s‐TIMI) including four variables: age ≥65 years, three or more risk factors, high‐sensitivity troponin (hs‐cTnI) and electrocardiogram changes. The second score included the same four variables plus two Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) variables (systolic blood pressure and estimated glomerular filtration rate). This score was termed the GRACE TIMI (g‐TIMI). s‐TIMI had a lower sensitivity compared to the original TIMI score (93.41 and 96.98%), but higher specificity (45.49 and 24.50%). The g‐TIMI had a sensitivity of 98.90% and specificity of 14.90%.

Conclusions

Attempts to modify the TIMI score yielded two scores with added predictive utility in comparison to the original TIMI model. The addition of GRACE variables (g‐TIMI) increased sensitivity for MACE, but decreased the specificity of the model. The s‐TIMI score yielded good specificity but had sensitivity that would not be acceptable by emergency physicians. The s‐TIMI may be useful as part of an accelerated chest pain protocol.
Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance and Aggressive Tax‐Reporting Activities: Evidence from Canada
Authors: Zeng Tao
Published: December 2017

This paper examines the relationship between directors’ and officers’ liability insurance (D&O insurance) and firms’ aggressive tax reporting. Using large Canadian public companies listed on the TSX300 and relying on several measures to capture aggressive tax‐reporting activities, including GAAP effective tax rates, cash effective tax rates, and the total and residual book‐tax differences, I find that D&O insurance exhibits a strong negative relationship with the GAAP effective tax rates and a strong positive relationship with both the total and residual book‐tax differences. However, there is generally no evidence showing that D&O insurance is associated with the cash effective tax rates. I interpret these results as indicating that D&O insurance reduces the tax expenses reported in the financial statements but not the actual tax paid. In other words, D&O insurance contributes to financial tax management but not to cash tax savings. Further tests in this study reveal that firms with fluctuating D&O coverage limits engage in more aggressive tax reporting than other firms, suggesting that managers may consider the level of D&O insurance that they purchase when they make aggressive tax‐reporting decisions.
Relative Performance Evaluation and the Ratchet Effect
Authors: Casas‐Arce Pablo , Holzhacker Martin , Mahlendorf Matthias D. , Matějka Michal
Published: December 2017

When targets depend on past performance, incentives are adversely affected by the ratchet effect. We provide theory and evidence that incorporating past peer performance into targets can alleviate this adverse incentive effect. In particular, we present an analytical model that characterizes optimal target revisions as a function of past own and past peer performance. We then test the predictions of our model using data on 2008–2010 performance targets from 354 units of a governmental agency responsible for reintegration of the long‐term unemployed into the labor market. As a unique feature of our data, we have information on peer group quality, defined as the extent to which peer performance is informative about common shocks. Consistent with our model, we find that higher peer group quality (a) increases sensitivity of target revisions to past peer performance, (b) reduces sensitivity of target revisions to past own performance, and (c) reduces the ratchet effect as reflected in managerial incentives to withhold end‐of‐year effort.
‘THE LAWS OF THE RITES AND OF THE PRIESTS’: VARRO AND LATE REPUBLICAN ROMAN SACRAL JURISPRUDENCE
Authors: MACRAE DUNCAN
Published: December 2017

Starting from Cicero's famous panegyric on Varro's Antiquitates and attempting to look past the image of the book provided by Augustine, this article proposes a new reading of that work and its place in late Republican intellectual culture. Cicero's specific claim that Varro opened up ‘the laws of the rites and of the priests’ for his readers allows us to contextualize the Antiquitates within a contemporary jurisprudence. The rise of Roman legal studies in general in the first century bc extended to the laws of the priestly colleges: there are signs of lively debate over their nature and the production of texts on the details of these iura. By re-reading the fragments from the Antiquitates alongside the evidence for this sacral-legal turn, we can gain both a new appreciation for the place of law (ius) in Varro's textualization of Roman religion and a fuller understanding of Republican legal thinking.
A TYPOLOGY OF ERRORS IN VARRO AND HIS EDITORS: A CLOSE LOOK AT SELECTED PASSAGES IN THE DE LINGUA LATINA
Authors: DE MELO WOLFGANG D. C.
Published: December 2017

Varro's De lingua Latina, our first grammatical treatise of any length written in Latin, is a problematic text: Varro's linguistic theory and practice are often at odds with what later grammarians do, and the text has come down to us in a very poor state. This article examines how modern scholars have often approached the transmitted text with preconceived notions, and how this has influenced editorial choices and subsequent interpretations. The piece also looks at Varro's own linguistic practices and predilections, and how he sometimes reaches conclusions that are logically inconsistent and indefensible.
Intercropping hampers the nocturnal biological control of aphids
Authors: Gontijo L.M. , Saldanha A.V. , Souza D.R. , Viana R.S. , Bordin B.C. , Antonio A.C.
Published: December 2017

Increasing plant diversity in agroecosystems (i.e. intercropping) has been widely accepted as a means of promoting conservation biological control of mites and insect pests. Nevertheless, the contribution from underlying mechanisms such as the provision of non‐prey alternative food (i.e. pollen and nectar) and shelter have not been properly disentangled; and additionally, it remains unexplored whether the performance of nocturnal and diurnal natural enemies is improved when provided with diverse plant communities. Using open field experiments and a greenhouse microcosm, we investigated whether intercropping collards with parsley could create shelter for natural enemies in the lower stratum (parsley), and whether or not nocturnal and diurnal natural enemies would carry out aphid biological control equally well in this increased plant diversity scenario (intercropping). The results showed that the shelter alone provided by the lower stratum/companion plants (parsley) mediated an increase in the abundance of natural enemies without involving the provision of non‐prey alternative food. However, the biological control of aphids exerted by nocturnal predators was negatively affected by intercropping. The lower stratum (parsley) appeared to hamper the ability of nocturnal predators to reach aphids more quickly on the collard host plants (higher stratum). In total, our findings indicate that intercropping non‐flowering companion plants is likely enough to mediate an increase of natural enemies via shelter provision. In addition, the results suggest that nocturnal predators, or non‐flying predators for that matter, are hampered by complex lower stratum vegetation. Thus, considering natural enemy behaviour and plant characteristics when designing polyculture systems are vital for attaining conservation biological control success.
Numerical host plant relationships of Bemisia tabaci MEAM1 (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) within and among major Australian field crops
Authors: Sequeira Richard V , Reid David J
Published: December 2017

The within‐plant, vertical (internodal) distribution of the silverleaf whitefly (SLW), Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) MEAM1 (biotype B) adult, large nymph (3rd and 4th instar) and egg stages was quantified in relation to four major Australian field crops, viz., cotton, mungbean, soybean and sunflower in 2003. The objective was to identify suitable sampling locations within the crop canopy. Ovipositional preference of SLW among the four crops under field conditions was also determined to gauge potential susceptibility and support crop choice and configuration decisions in multi‐crop systems. SLW abundance at main stem leaf nodes within each crop was characterised in a two‐stage analysis of the proportion of infested nodes and the number of SLW at the node if infested. The vertical distribution profiles of adults and nymphs from the experimental plots were validated for cotton using scouting data collected in the 2002–2003 growing season and for mungbean from an agronomic comparison of commercial germplasm conducted in 2003. Vertical distributions of adults and juvenile stages differed among the four crops. Based on their distribution profiles, the optimal sampling locations in cotton, mungbean, soybean and sunflower are leaf nodes 3–5, 2–3, 3–4 and 5–7 for adult SLW and 7–10, 4–5, 5–6 and 17–21 for large nymphs, respectively. A comparison of egg density per unit area of green leaf among the four host plant species indicated that soybean is the most attractive to ovipositing females, mungbean the least, and cotton and sunflower intermediate. The potential of each crop as a source for SLW on the basis of nymph abundance is discussed. Low preference combined with a low source potential makes mungbean the crop of choice in broad acre cropping areas in which SLW is endemic.
Using secondments in tertiary health facilities to build paediatric expertise in allied health professionals working in rural New South Wales
Authors: Blayden Carmel , Hughes Sonia , Nicol Jennifer , Sims Susan , Hubbard Isobel J.
Published: December 2017

Outline of problem

Allied health professionals working in rural settings have broad caseloads requiring advanced skills as general specialists. This can include children with specialised needs.

Design

Educational secondments were coordinated for allied health professionals to achieve self‐nominated learning objectives. Learning objectives were assessed using pre and post evaluations to determine the effect of the educational secondment on knowledge and confidence specific to the nominated learning outcomes.

Setting

Educational secondments were undertaken by allied health professionals from New South Wales Health facilities in regional or rural locations outside of the Sydney metropolitan area. The educational secondments occurred in tertiary‐level hospitals or specialist health facilities.

Key measures for improvement

Using self‐reported questionnaires, allied health secondees’ outcomes were assessed prior to the secondment, immediately following and again at 6 months post‐secondment, and their managers at 6 months post‐secondment. The program aimed to improve the allied health professional's knowledge and confidence around self‐selected learning objectives related to the specialised care of children with complex health needs in rural settings.

Strategies for change

Allied health professionals reported increased knowledge and confidence immediately following the secondment which was sustained at 6 months. On the basis of this outcome, the secondment program will continue.

Effects of change

The secondment program resulted in changes to the ongoing clinical practice of participating clinicians as well as other health professionals within the departments where they worked.

Lessons learnt

Educational secondments can improve the knowledge and skills of allied health professionals working in rural and remote locations with a view to improving access to equitable health care for children living in rural settings.
Laparoscopic colectomy after self‐expanding metallic stent placement through the ileocecal valve for right‐sided malignant colonic obstruction: A case report
Authors: Takeyama Hiroshi , Danno Katsuki , Kogita Yuya , Nishigaki Takahiko , Yamashita Masafumi , Yamazaki Masami , Yamakita Tsuyoshi , Nishihara Akihiro , Hoshi Minako , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Mizutani Masayo , Nakamichi Itsuko , Yura Mamoru , Ikeda Kimimasa , Kurokawa Eiji
Published: December 2017

A 78‐year‐old man with a history of open sigmoidectomy for sigmoid cancer presented with abdominal pain and vomiting. Abdominal multi‐detector CT revealed an obstructive ileocecal tumor with distended small bowel on the oral side. We performed emergency drainage using a transnasal decompression tube, and 2 days later, we conducted a colonoscopic examination, which lead to a provisional diagnosis of obstruction with a malignant tumor invading the ileocecal valve. We then placed a self‐expanding metallic stent (SEMS) through the ileocecal valve. We confirmed patency of the ileocecal valve and removed the transnasal decompression tube 2 days after SEMS placement. We then performed elective laparoscopic colectomy 8 days after SEMS placement. To the best of our knowledge, there has been only one previous report of laparoscopic colectomy after decompression with SEMS placement through the ileocecal valve for right‐sided malignant colonic obstruction.
Measurement properties of instruments that assess participation in young people with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review
Authors: Lami Francesca , Egberts Kristine , Ure Alexandra , Conroy Rowena , Williams Katrina
Published: December 2017

Aim

To systematically review the measurement properties of instruments assessing participation in young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Method

A search was performed in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and PubMed combining three constructs (‘ASD’, ‘test of participation’, ‘measurement properties’). Results were restricted to articles including people aged 6 to 29 years. The 2539 identified articles were independently screened by two reviewers. For the included articles, data were extracted using standard forms and their risk of bias was assessed.

Results

Nine studies (8 cross‐sectional) met the inclusion criteria, providing information on seven different instruments. The total sample included 634 participants, with sex available for 600 (males=494; females=106) and age available for 570, with mean age for these participants 140.58 months (SD=9.11; range=36–624). Included instruments were the school function assessment, vocational index, children's assessment of participation and enjoyment/preferences for activities of children, experience sampling method, Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory, Computer Adaptive Test, adolescent and young adult activity card sort, and Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System parent‐proxy peer relationships. Seven studies assessed reliability and validity; good properties were reported for half of the instruments considered. Most studies (n=6) had high risk of bias. Overall the quality of the evidence for each tool was limited.

Interpretation

Validation of these instruments, or others that comprehensively assess participation, is needed. Future studies should follow recommended methodological standards.

What this paper adds

Seven instruments have been used to assess participation in young people with autism.

One instrument, with excellent measurement properties in one study, does not comprehensively assess participation.

Studies of three instruments that incorporate a more comprehensive assessment of participation have methodological limitations.

Overall, limited evidence exists regarding measurement properties of participation assessments for young people with autism.
A randomized controlled pilot study of continuous glucose monitoring and flash glucose monitoring in people with Type 1 diabetes and impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia
Authors: Reddy M. , Jugnee N. , El Laboudi A. , Spanudakis E. , Anantharaja S. , Oliver N.
Published: December 2017

Aim

Hypoglycaemia in Type 1 diabetes is associated with mortality and morbidity, especially where awareness of hypoglycaemia is impaired. Clinical pathways for access to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and flash glucose monitoring technologies are unclear. We assessed the impact of CGM and flash glucose monitoring in a high‐risk group of people with Type 1 diabetes.

Methods

A randomized, non‐masked parallel group study was undertaken. Adults with Type 1 diabetes using a multiple‐dose insulin‐injection regimen with a Gold score of ≥ 4 or recent severe hypoglycaemia were recruited. Following 2 weeks of blinded CGM, they were randomly assigned to CGM (Dexcom G5) or flash glucose monitoring (Abbott Freestyle Libre) for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the difference in time spent in hypoglycaemia (below 3.3 mmol/l) from baseline to endpoint with CGM versus flash glucose monitoring.

Results

Some 40 participants were randomized to CGM (n = 20) or flash glucose monitoring (n = 20). The participants (24 men, 16 women) had a median (IQR) age of 49.6 (37.5–63.5) years, duration of diabetes of 30.0 (21.0–36.5) years and HbA1c of 56 (48–63) mmol/mol [7.3 (6.5–7.8)%]. The baseline median percentage time < 3.3 mmol/l was 4.5% in the CGM group and 6.7% in the flash glucose monitoring. At the end‐point the percentage time < 3.3 mmol/l was 2.4%, and 6.8% respectively (median between group difference −4.3%, P = 0.006). Time spent in hypoglycaemia at all thresholds, and hypoglycaemia fear, were different between groups, favouring CGM.

Conclusion

CGM more effectively reduces time spent in hypoglycaemia in people with Type 1 diabetes and impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia compared with flash glucose monitoring. (Clinical Trial Registry No: NCT03028220)
Spatial approaches to measure subnational inequality: Implications for Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Smith Richard J. , Rey Sergio J.
Published: December 2017

The United Nations expressed an interest in reducing subnational (i.e., province and state level) inequality. We propose using a spatial decomposition of the Gini coefficient (SDGC) to track changes in subnational inequality. Typically, agencies do not track summary measures of subnational clustering of development indicators. Tracking changes in the SDGC can help measure and reduce regional inequality. To illustrate the use of the SDGC, we first present data for 93 nations to obtain cross‐sectional variation. Next, to illustrate how the SDGC trends over time, changes in the Human Development Index in Mongolia are compared to Russia and China. The SDGC can show improvement, decline and persistent clustering of subnational level inequality. The SDGC is a useful measure for the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
Worthless companies
Authors: Heaton J. B.
Published: December 2017

Companies with worthless assets can have substantial efficient markets equity values and debt that trades near par if there is a probability that an irrational bidder will acquire the company. Even if most capital market participants recognize that the company's assets are worthless, efficient markets pricing of the worthless company's equity and debt precludes arbitrage, and it may be impossible to persuade the potential irrational bidder to abandon its plans. The worthless company hypothesis may shed light on the valuation of some high‐profile start‐ups, the 1990s dot‐com bubble, and the bad performance of some short sellers.
From pederasty to pedophilia: Sex between children or youth and adults in U.S. history
Authors: Cleves Rachel Hope
Published: December 2017

The history of sexual relations between children or youth and adults in the United States has received limited attention in part because of the strong taboos against discussion of the topic. The growing moral panic about pedophilia in the 1980s, which coincided with the first wave of American historiography of sexuality, had a silencing effect. Historians of the family first broke the silence by researching the history of incest within the family, focusing on father–daughter relations. Later, in the 1990s, historians of childhood argued that age should be considered as a category of analysis within the history of sexuality. Many scholars have explored the role that age played in structuring same‐sex male encounters, especially at the turn of the twentieth century. Others working in a range of disciplines have historicized the rhetoric of the “sexual psychopath” or the “pedophile,” and its effects. Much work remains to be done on multiple aspects of this topic.
THINKING WITH VIOLENCE
Authors: CARROLL STUART
Published: December 2017

This article addresses the assumptions that have underpinned historical writing about violence. It identifies a growing disconnect between mainstream historical practice and a new form of “comfort history” written for a popular audience largely by nonhistorians. It explores the reasons for this disconnect by looking at history's engagement with four other disciplines: psychology, historical sociology, anthropology, and evolutionary psychology. It concludes by showing what the possibilities are for a more open dialogue between historians and social scientists and scientists.