bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capital structure and political connections: evidence from GCC banks and the financial crisis
Authors: Ahmed Fatma , McMillan David G.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper investigates the effect of political connections on the capital structure of banks before and after the financial crisis in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper employs the natural experiment that the financial crisis offers and uses a difference-in-differences model to investigate the effect of political connections on capital structure. Capital structure is measured by the total debt to total assets ratio. Control variables include bank size, growth, profitability, coverage ratio and volatility. The research sample includes all the banks in the GCC from 2005 to 2016.

Findings

The authors find that political connections negatively affect banks capital structure decisions. The results contradict the claim that politically connected firms tend to sustain higher debt due to government privilege and a lower chance of bankruptcy. Additionally, the results show that after the financial crisis, politically connected banks de-lever more compared to non-connected counterparts. This could suggest that the degree of support received by connected banks changes or that they exploit their retained earnings for financing (individual country results, however, suggest that leverage increases in Qatar).

Originality/value

This paper provides several contributions. First, GCC countries present an interesting and important area in which to study the relation between political connections and capital structure as it represents a mix of newer markets that seek to attract investors and foreign capital. Second, to the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to examine the effect of the political connection and capital structure in GCC region where royal families play a significant role, especially for banks. Third, our paper is the first to link connections with leverage after the financial crisis in the banking sector. Moreover, our paper is the first to investigate this phenomenon in the GCC countries using manually collected primary data.
The emergence of family entrepreneurship in the transition economy of Cuba
Authors: Gimmon Eli , Felzensztein Christian
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To better understand the emergence of small-scale entrepreneurial firms in the under-researched transition economy of Cuba.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the scarcity of reliable publicly available information and restrictions on private data collection in Cuba, in-depth interviews were conducted with a panel of small-scale entrepreneurs at three different points in time. Evolutions are analyzed over this period.

Findings

Family can overcome institutional constraints by helping the entrepreneur deal with market and social obstacles. Despite the absence of a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem, these new entrepreneurs and their families have been able to transform longstanding passive attitudes into positive steps to set up new small-scale ventures in a country facing unprecedented internal and external challenges.

Originality/value

A new conceptual model of family support for entrepreneurship in transition economies is presented. The findings lend weight to institutional theory on overcoming constraints in emerging markets and extend the theory of family entrepreneurship to new transition economies.
Is my design better? A co-creation perspective for online fashion design
Authors: Zhang Hao , Ma Zengguang
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Value co-creation is known to increase innovation, but it can backfire under certain conditions. The purpose of this study is to investigate co-creation activities for their effects on consumer perceptions of symbolic designs and to investigate the mediation effect of psychological distance and the moderation effect of peer feedback.

Design/methodology/approach

Three studies were designed by using a survey (Study 1) and two controlled laboratory experiments (Study 2 and 3). Study 1 had a sample size of 160 respondents and examined whether innovative ideas and behavior intensity had different impact on symbolic design. Study 2 had a sample size of 204 respondents and verified the interaction effect between innovativeness and intensity and to show that psychological distance is the underlying internal mechanism. Study 3 examined peer feedback as a critical moderator by using a sample of 235 participants.

Findings

Results show that idea innovativeness positively influences perceptions of symbolic design, while behavior intensity has a negative influence. The studies verify that innovativeness interacts with intensity to affect perceptions of symbolic design. Psychological distance explains why it is difficult to co-create luxury goods. Peer feedback is revealed to be a new moderator.

Originality/value

This research uniquely develops an extensive theory-based conceptual model and highlights two dimensions of value co-creation that interact with product design. The article emphasizes the theoretical and practical importance of studying both direct and indirect moderating effects.
Does crude oil output aid economy boom or curse in Nigeria? An inference from “Dutch disease”
Authors: Oludimu Samuel , Alola Adewale Andrew
Published: September 2021

Purpose

A reflection on some supposed oil exporting states constantly reminds of the (in) validity of the resource curse hypothesis and environmental consequences of oil exploration. In Africa, especially the case of Nigeria, the argument has remained whether the country's voluminous deposit of crude oil has positively affected the livelihood of the people. The study aims to examine the impact of oil production on the income level in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

In this context, the study first examined validity of Dutch disease in Nigeria, thus providing a foundation to further establish the resource curse hypothesis. As such, the impact of crude oil production (CRUDE), square of crude oil production (CRUDESQ), crude oil reserves (RESERVES) and population (POP) on economic growth over the period of 1980–2018 is examined through the combination of autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL), fully-modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) and canonical cointegration regression (CCR) methods.

Findings

While the study revealed the existence of Dutch disease in Nigeria, the resource curse hypothesis is also valid. However, the study found that the resource curse hypothesis in Nigeria can be over-turned when the CRUDE attains a certain maximum threshold, i.e. when crude oil output is doubled over time. In addition, either of crude RESERVES or oil rent (RENT) is seen as a limiting factor to economic growth while POP poses a positive and desirable impact on the country's economic development.

Originality/value

Thus, the implication of a U-shaped relationship between oil production and income level is that Nigeria's natural resources exploration could be employed to over-turn the potential of resource curse hypothesis by increasing exploration while the sources of leakages and misappropriation of the oil revenues are deliberately mitigated. Other useful socio-economic policies were proposed for the Government.
Executive pay bandwagon and stock price crash risk
Authors: Luo Hong , Wu Junfeng , Huang Wan , Zeng Yongliang
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of executives’ self-interested behaviors induced by the pay bandwagon on stock price crash risk in Chinese listed firms and attempt to shed light on the influencing channels of this effect.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analysis is based on the panel data set which contains information on the executives and stock price of 11,710 firm-year observations over the period 2007–2015. The multiple linear regression models are implemented to examine whether the executive pay bandwagon affects corporate future stock price crash risk. Then, earnings management, tax avoidance and overinvestment are applied as the behavior choice of executive pay bandwagon to analyze the potential influencing channels.

Findings

Results indicate that the lower the executives’ pay is than the median pay level of executives in firms of similar size and industry, incentives of pay bandwagon are stronger, leading to a higher future stock price crash risk. Moreover, evidence shows that the positive relationship between executive pay bandwagon and crash risk is attenuated when firms have strong external monitoring mechanisms such as Big Four auditors, cross-listing in the Hong Kong stock exchange, high marketization process and high institutional ownership. Then, some weak evidence supports that internal governance such as internal control plays the same moderating role. In addition, based on the path test, the stock price crash effect of the executive pay bandwagon has a complete tax avoidance intermediary effect and a partial earnings management intermediary effect.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the executive compensation literature from a psychological perspective on the economic consequences research brought about by the pay bandwagon for China’s listed firms. Moreover, this paper provides a supplement to the literature on factors which is completely different from previous studies that affect the future stock price crash risk.
How do employers think about older workers?
Authors: Axelrad Hila , Kalev Alexandra , Lewin-Epstein Noah
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Higher pensionable age in many countries that are part of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and a shrinking pension income force older people to postpone their retirement. Yet, age-based discrimination in employers' decisions is a significant barrier to their employment. Hence, this paper aims to explore employers' attitudes regarding the employment of workers aged 60–70, striving for a better understanding of age discrimination.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 30 managers, experts and employees in retirement age in Israel.

Findings

Findings reveal a spectrum of employers' attitudes toward the employment of older workers. The authors' analytical contribution is a conceptual typology based on employers' perceived ability to employ older workers and their stated attitudes toward the employment of older workers.

Social implications

The insights that emerge from this research are fundamental for organizational actors' ability to expand the productive, unbiased employment of older workers.

Originality/value

By understanding employers' preferences and perspectives and the implications on employers' ability and/or willingness to employ older workers, this research will help policymakers formulate and implement policy innovations that address these biases.
Quarterly seasonality and momentum strategy implementation
Authors: Folkinshteyn Daniel , Moore Jordan
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Momentum strategies exhibit quarterly seasonality, earning significantly higher average strategy returns in the third month of the quarter than the first month. The authors evaluate the magnitude of quarterly seasonality in various momentum strategies to examine the relation between quarterly seasonality and risk-adjusted monthly returns.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors construct long-short portfolios for various types of momentum strategies and calculate the average returns of these portfolios in the three months of the quarter. They also calculate the average changes in institutional ownership across the different portfolios.

Findings

The authors demonstrate that quarterly seasonality is directly associated with quarterly changes in net purchases by institutional investors. Additionally, they show that near-term price momentum exhibits more seasonality than other momentum strategies, consistent with institutional investor incentives.

Research limitations/implications

Researchers studying momentum should understand that quarterly seasonality increases the standard deviation of monthly returns for different types of momentum strategies.

Practical implications

Individual investors and investment managers should consider whether it is early or late in the calendar quarter when implementing momentum strategies.

Originality/value

Quarterly seasonality explains several seemingly independent findings in the momentum literature. In cases where researchers show one momentum strategy outperforms another on a risk-adjusted basis, the authors find that the superior strategy exhibits less quarterly seasonality. This pattern holds across types of momentum strategies, strategy formation periods and asset classes.
Guidelines for 3D printed springs using material extrusion
Authors: Enea Sacco , Moon Seung Ki
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Springs are an integral part of mechanisms and can benefit from additive manufacturing’s (AM) increased design freedom. Given the limited literature on the subject, the purpose of this paper is to develop guidelines for fabricating helical springs using three-dimensional (3D) printing.

Design/methodology/approach

Polylactic acid (PLA) is the main material investigated, with ULTEM™ 9085 used as a comparison. The experimental procedure is to vary the spring parameters, print the springs and test them in tension or compression using constant velocity. Plots of the force and displacement are used to measure the linear and post-deformation spring constants. Loading of the springs is done both to breakage and cyclically. Cyclic loading is also used to observe the plastic behaviour of the springs. Parameters that are varied include wire and coil diameters, pitch, wire cross-section, in-fill and layer height.

Findings

A square wire cross-section is used, instead of a circle because it produces more consistent coils. In-fills make no significant difference in the elastic stiffness of the springs but the mono in-fill breaks at a greater extension, so it is recommended. Tension and compression springs are confirmed to behave the same when in the elastic regime. ULTEM™ 9085 produces consistently weaker springs compared to PLA. Variation of layer height shows that thinner layers increase the stiffness of the springs.

Originality/value

This study investigates the behaviour of 3D printed helical springs in tension and compression. Three guidelines are created: square wire cross-section, mono-directional in-fill and thin layers are recommended.
The costs and benefits of restoring a continent's terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Mappin Bonnie , Ward Adrian , Hughes Lesley , Watson James E. M. , Cosier Peter , Possingham Hugh P.
Published: September 2021

The rise in global commitments to restore habitat underlines its importance to halt biodiversity loss and abate climate change. To effectively plan for landscape‐scale restoration efforts, decision makers need to prioritise where restoration should occur and have a method to estimate its cost.

Here, we describe a systematic approach to determine where cost‐effective restoration actions should be located to achieve targeted levels of ecosystem coverage across Australia without compromising agricultural production.

We find that spending approximately AU$2 billion (0.1% of Australia's 2019 Gross Domestic Product) annually for 30 years could restore 13 million ha of degraded land without affecting intensive agriculture and urban areas. This initiative would result in almost all (99.8%) of Australia's degraded terrestrial ecosystems reaching 30% vegetation coverage, enabling a trajectory to recover critical ecological functions, abate almost one billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent and produce AU$12–46 billion net present value in carbon offset revenue.

The carbon market revenue is estimated to cover up to 111% of the investment required for the restoration.

Our research shows that the recovery of degraded ecosystems in Australia is both attainable and affordable.

Synthesis and applications. With growing international restoration commitments, governments and environmental organisations need methods to plan and budget their commitments. Here, we present a systematic approach to determine where restoration actions should be located in Australia to achieve targeted vegetation coverage and quantify the expected costs, carbon abatement and revenue. This study is an important advance that will aid governments and environmental organisations by providing financial and spatial planning methods to progress their restoration commitments.
A fungal powdery mildew pathogen induces extensive local and marginal systemic changes in the Arabidopsis thaliana microbiota
Authors: Durán Paloma , Reinstädler Anja , Rajakrut Anna Lisa , Hashimoto Masayoshi , Garrido‐Oter Ruben , Schulze‐Lefert Paul , Panstruga Ralph
Published: September 2021

Powdery mildew is a foliar disease caused by epiphytically growing obligate biotrophic ascomycete fungi. How powdery mildew colonization affects host resident microbial communities locally and systemically remains poorly explored. We performed powdery mildew (Golovinomyces orontii) infection experiments with Arabidopsis thaliana grown in either natural soil or a gnotobiotic system and studied the influence of pathogen invasion into standing natural multi‐kingdom or synthetic bacterial communities (SynComs). We found that after infection of soil‐grown plants, G. orontii outcompeted numerous resident leaf‐associated fungi while fungal community structure in roots remained unaltered. We further detected a significant shift in foliar but not root‐associated bacterial communities in this setup. Pre‐colonization of germ‐free A. thaliana leaves with a bacterial leaf‐derived SynCom, followed by G. orontii invasion, induced an overall similar shift in the foliar bacterial microbiota and minor changes in the root‐associated bacterial assemblage. However, a standing root‐derived SynCom in root samples remained robust against foliar infection with G. orontii. Although pathogen growth was unaffected by the leaf SynCom, fungal infection caused a twofold increase in leaf bacterial load. Our findings indicate that G. orontii infection affects mainly microbial communities in local plant tissue, possibly driven by pathogen‐induced changes in source‐sink relationships and host immune status.
Clinical trials with antiviral drugs against COVID‐19: some progress and many shattered hopes
Authors: Brüssow Harald
Published: September 2021

Vaccines and drugs are the cornerstones in the fight against the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic. While vaccines were a success story, the development of antiviral drugs against SARS‐CoV‐2 turned out to be difficult. For an accelerated use of antivirals in the clinic, most SARS‐CoV‐2 antivirals represented repurposed drugs. The present article summarizes the outcomes of clinical trials with antiviral drugs in COVID‐19 patients. Many antiviral drugs failed to demonstrate beneficial effects or showed mixed results. One reason for the low success rate of clinical trials was shortcomings of antiviral tests in cell culture systems and another reason was the abundance of ill‐coordinated and underpowered clinical trials. However, large pragmatic clinical trials particularly of the British RECOVERY trial series demonstrated that even under emergency situation drug trials can be conducted in a timely way such that the therapy of COVID‐19 patients can be based on evidence basis instead on expert opinion or even worse on political pressure.
Effect of vacuum frying and atmospheric frying on the quality and protein oxidation of squid (Loligo chinensis)
Authors: Pei Zhisheng , Ma Tingting , Wen Pan , Xue Changfeng , Feng Aiguo , Li Chuan , Xu Yunsheng , Shen Xuanri
Published: September 2021

Squid are commercial marine species that have high nutritional value. This study aimed to compare the influences of vacuum frying and atmospheric frying on the physicochemical properties and protein oxidation of three main parts (ring, tentacle, and fin) of the squid Loligo chinensis. The results showed that the vacuum‐fried (VF) group had lower moisture and total fat contents and looser microstructures than the atmospheric‐fried (AF) group. The amino acid contents and molecular weight revealed that the proteins were well preserved during vacuum frying. Carbonyl content in the VF ring, tentacle, and fin samples increased nearly 2.53‐, 1.54‐, and 2.56‐fold, respectively, compared to that in the corresponding fresh group, but these increases were lower than those of the corresponding AF group. In addition, the secondary structures of proteins revealed a slight decrease in the α‐helix and β‐turn contents and a significant increase in the β‐sheet content during vacuum frying. Therefore, vacuum frying can be used as an efficient processing method to conserve the high nutritive quality of the product.

Practical Application

As a developing alternative technology to prepare healthier fried products, vacuum frying has been the focus of recent researches. Vacuum frying produced squid products that had lower TBARS values, carbonyl contents, and Schiff base substances compared to atmospheric frying. And the protein secondary structures of the vacuum‐fried group retained better. The study proved that vacuum frying could be an effective method with the advantages of high protein stability and product quality.
Making It Rain? Comparing the Determinants of Chinese and Western FDI Flows to Africa
Authors: Landry David
Published: September 2021

This paper tests whether Chinese FDI disproportionately flows to poorly governed African countries, compared to those of the West. It also explores whether UN voting alignment between home and host countries, development loans from the former to the latter, and host countries’ market size, natural resource wealth, and per capita income impact Chinese and Western FDI flows differently. It finds that governance quality among African countries plays a positive role in predicting their FDI inflows – from both Western countries and China. The only governance indicator that has a significantly lower impact on Chinese FDI than that of the West is corruption controls, and only when South Africa is excluded from the models. Even then, however, the relationship between corruption controls and Chinese FDI flows is positive in absolute terms. Beyond governance, this paper finds that UN voting alignment and development loans have a significantly larger impact on Chinese FDI than that of the West and that the opposite is true with regard to market size and per capita income.
First report of an adult female patient with endobronchial inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor in Taiwan: A case report
Authors: Lin Yan‐Ting , Huang Shih‐Hao , Chang Chih‐Hao , Hsu Ping‐Chi , Wang Chih‐Wei , Lee Chung‐Shu
Published: September 2021

An inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) of the respiratory system is an uncommon disease. In Taiwan, there is a lack of previous studies on tracheobronchial IMT. The tumor is characterized by overexpression of anaplastic lymphoma receptor tyrosine kinase (ALK)‐1. Surgical resection is the standard treatment of choice nowadays.
Effects of the nursing intervention Fall prevention in older adults with arterial hypertension using NANDA‐I, NIC, and NOC
Authors: Moreira Rafaella Pessoa , Guerra Francisca Valuzia Guedes , Ferreira Glauciano de Oliveira , Cavalcante Tahissa Frota , Felício Janiel Ferreira , Ferreira Luzia Camila Coelho , Guedes Nirla Gomes
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To measure the effects of the NIC intervention fall prevention on the magnitude of the NANDA‐I Risk for falls’ risk factors and of NOC indicators related to falls in older adults with arterial hypertension.

Background

Nurses can use nursing taxonomies to provide effective care in preventing falls in specific populations.

Methods

Clinical, randomized, open, parallel, and multicenter trial following the CONSORT recommendations for nonpharmacological trials. The clinical trial was registered. The research was conducted with 118 older adults allocated to intervention and control groups and matched by sex and age. The intervention was conducted in the participants’ homes in three different moments and consisted of nursing activities belonging to the NIC Fall prevention and implemented with the aid of a protocol with operational definitions.

Findings

Three months after the intervention, there was a significant intergroup difference in the frequency of Risk for falls and of the following factors/conditions: cluttered environment, unfamiliar setting, exposure to unsafe weather‐related condition, insufficient anti‐slip material in the bathroom, history of falls, acute illness, orthostatic hypotension, hearing impairment, and impaired vision. There was also a positive change in the magnitude of the following NOC indicators: risk control, cognitive orientation, knowledge: fall prevention, safe home environment, comfort level, vision compensation behavior, and leisure participation.

Conclusions

The NIC intervention Fall prevention was effective in modifying risk factors belonging to Risk for falls and NOC indicators related to falls in older adults.

Implications for nursing practice

The tested intervention is important and should be instituted, mainly by nurses from primary care services who make home visits to older adults.
Endothelial mineralocorticoid receptor ablation confers protection towards endothelial dysfunction in experimental diabetes in mice
Authors: Lyngsø Kristina S. , Jensen Boye L. , Hansen Pernille B. L. , Dimke Henrik
Published: September 2021

Aim

With diabetes comes a significant risk of macrovascular and microvascular complications. Circulating aldosterone levels increase in patients with diabetes. Aldosterone can directly affect vascular function via activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). We hypothesized that aldosterone via endothelial MR impairs endothelial function in a murine model of experimental diabetes.

Method

Endothelial cell‐specific mineralocorticoid receptor knockout MRflox/flox; Tie2‐Cre mice (ECMR‐KO) and wild‐type FVB littermates were subjected to an experimental type‐1 diabetic model by low dose streptozotocin injections (55mg/kg/day) for five consecutive days. After 10 weeks of diabetes, second‐order mesenteric resistance arteries were perfused ex vivo to evaluate vessel contractility and endothelial function. The effect of ex vivo incubation with aldosterone with and without the antagonist, spironolactone was determined.

Results

Diabetic ECMR‐KO and wild‐type mice had similar, elevated, plasma aldosterone concentration while only diabetic wild‐type mice displayed elevated urine albumin excretion and cardiac and kidney hypertrophy at 10 weeks. There were no differences in contraction (Emax and EC50) to thromboxane receptor agonist (U46619) and elevated K+ between groups. Wild‐type diabetic mice showed impaired acetylcholine (ACh)‐dependent relaxation, while diabetic ECMR‐KO mice had intact ACh‐mediated relaxation. Aldosterone incubation ex vivo impaired ACh mediated relaxation and rendered responses similar to diabetic WT arteries. Direct, ex vivo aldosterone effects were absent in ECMR‐KO animals. Ex vivo inhibitory effects of aldosterone on endothelial relaxation in arteries from WT were abolished by spironolactone.

Conclusion

These findings show that endothelial cell mineralocorticoid receptor activation accounts for diabetes‐induced systemic endothelial dysfunction in experimental diabetes and may explain the cardiovascular protection by MR antagonists in diabetes.
“Finding home”: Affective geographies of regional youth (im)mobilities
Authors: Boyd Candice P. , Harada Theresa
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we aim to contribute to a growing body of literature that explores the affective geographies of young people’s internal migration decisions using mobilities/immobilities as our conceptual framework. As such, our focus is not only on why young people choose to leave their hometowns but also why some choose to stay. By paying attention to young people’s experiences of being away, we also shed light on why some young people choose to return to regional areas having left for a time. In emphasising the affective, material, and embodied dimensions of these experiences, the affordances of rural and urban places are also brought to light. Fifty young people aged between 18 and 34 years from three regional Australian towns took part in the study by participating in semi‐structured interviews. Qualitative findings indicate that the internal migration decisions of these regional young people were predominantly affective. We demonstrate how bodies were affected by the particularities of place – including materialities and relations with human and non‐humans – that worked to connect or unify bodies, evoking feelings of inclusion and security. We discuss how the affective atmospheres of places pushed into and onto bodies, making them feel dislocated or oppressed, and the way that places worked to push bodies out through the embodied experience of difference. The participants in our study emphasised the dilemma of these affective pushes and pulls, where feelings of belonging, or longing for home or country had to be negotiated, reconsidered, and re‐worked in relation to the unfolding of place.
Population genetic structure and diversity of the East Balkan Swine (Sus scrofa) in Bulgaria, revealed by mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite analyses
Authors: Ishikawa Keita , Doneva Radostina , Raichev Evgeniy G. , Peeva Stanislava , Doichev Valentin D. , Amaike Yosuke , Nishita Yoshinori , Kaneko Yayoi , Masuda Ryuichi
Published: September 2021

The East Balkan Swine (EBS) is the only indigenous pig breed in Bulgaria. We analyzed the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region and 21 microsatellite loci for 198 individuals from 11 farms in Bulgaria. Obtained 11 mtDNA haplotypes including three novel ones were grouped to two major clades, European clade E1 (146/198 individuals, 73.7%) and Asian clade A (52/198, 26.3%). The mixture of the two clades may have resulted from historical crossbreeding between the European and Asian pig breeds. Clade A was frequent in southeastern Bulgaria (Burgas Province), but less frequent or absent in northeastern Bulgaria (Varna and Shumen Provinces). The distribution of Europe‐ and Asia‐specific haplotypes relative to EBS farm locations could be attributed to regional differences of breeding systems (e.g., crossbreeding with imported commercial pigs). A microsatellite analysis showed high heterozygosities for all the EBS farms, and negative inbreeding coefficients presumably due to crossing with commercial pigs or wild boars and/or efforts to reduce inbreeding by farmers. Bayesian clustering analyses showed that all farm populations are genetically well distinguishable from one another. Although diversity has been maintained by the efforts of farmers and a breeding association, the effective population size remains small, and conservation efforts should be continued.
Sufficient dimension reduction for populations with structured heterogeneity
Authors: Huling Jared D. , Yu Menggang
Published: September 2021

A key challenge in building effective regression models for large and diverse populations is accounting for patient heterogeneity. An example of such heterogeneity is in health system risk modeling efforts where different combinations of comorbidities fundamentally alter the relationship between covariates and health outcomes. Accounting for heterogeneity arising combinations of factors can yield more accurate and interpretable regression models. Yet, in the presence of high‐dimensional covariates, accounting for this type of heterogeneity can exacerbate estimation difficulties even with large sample sizes. To handle these issues, we propose a flexible and interpretable risk modeling approach based on semiparametric sufficient dimension reduction. The approach accounts for patient heterogeneity, borrows strength in estimation across related subpopulations to improve both estimation efficiency and interpretability, and can serve as a useful exploratory tool or as a powerful predictive model. In simulated examples, we show that our approach often improves estimation performance in the presence of heterogeneity and is quite robust to deviations from its key underlying assumptions. We demonstrate our approach in an analysis of hospital admission risk for a large health system and demonstrate its predictive power when tested on further follow‐up data.
Evidence for tetrodotoxin‐resistant spontaneous myogenic contractions of mouse isolated stomach that are dependent on acetylcholine
Authors: Cai Weigang , Makwana Raj , Straface Marilisa , Gharibans Armen , Andrews Paul L. R. , Sanger Gareth J.
Published: September 2021

Background and Purpose

Gastric pacemaker cells, interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), are believed to initiate myogenic (non‐neuronal) contractions. These become damaged in gastroparesis, associated with dysrhythmic electrical activity and nausea. We utilised mouse isolated stomach to model myogenic contractions and investigate their origin and actions of interstitial cells of Cajal modulators.

Experimental Approach

Intraluminal pressure was recorded following distension with a physiological volume; tone, contraction amplitude and frequency were quantified. Compounds were bath applied.

Key Results

The stomach exhibited regular large amplitude contractions (median amplitude 9.0 [4.7–14.8] cmH2O, frequency 2.9 [2.5–3.4] c.p.m; n = 20), appearing to progress aborally. Tetrodotoxin (TTX, 10−6 M) had no effect on tone, frequency or amplitude but blocked responses to nerve stimulation. ω‐conotoxin GVIA (10−7 M) ± TTX was without effect on baseline motility. In the presence of TTX, (1) atropine (10−10–10−6 M) reduced contraction amplitude and frequency in a concentration‐related manner (pIC50 7.5 ± 0.3 M for amplitude), (2) CaCC channel (previously ANO1) inhibitors MONNA and CaCCinh‐A01 reduced contraction amplitude (significant at 10−5, 10−4 M respectively) and frequency (significant at 10−5 M), and (3), neostigmine (10−5 M) evoked a large, variable, increase in contraction amplitude, reduced by atropine (10−8–10−6 M) but unaffected (exploratory study) by the H1 receptor antagonist mepyramine (10−6 M).

Conclusions and Implications

The distended mouse stomach exhibited myogenic contractions, resistant to blockade of neural activity by TTX. In the presence of TTX, these contractions were prevented or reduced by compounds blocking interstitial cells of Cajal activity or by atropine and enhanced by neostigmine (antagonised by atropine), suggesting involvement of non‐neuronal ACh in their regulation.
Coping strategies used by mothers and fathers following diagnosis of congenital heart disease
Authors: Demianczyk Abigail C. , Bechtel Driscoll Colleen F. , Karpyn Allison , Shillingford Amanda , Kazak Anne E. , Sood Erica
Published: September 2021

Background

Parents of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) exhibit high rates of mental health difficulties, which can influence child developmental and behavioural outcomes. While extensive research has focused on CHD‐related stressors that contribute to parental mental health difficulties, few studies have investigated parental coping strategies that may mitigate or heighten risk. This study aimed to identify parental coping strategies following diagnosis of CHD and compare use of coping strategies among different groups (mothers vs. fathers; prenatal vs. postnatal diagnosis).

Methods

A diverse sample of 34 parents (20 mothers and 14 fathers) of young children with CHD participated in semistructured interviews focused on their responses to CHD‐related stressors. Coping strategies were identified from qualitative data and categorized according to the COPE Inventory, an instrument that assesses common adult responses to stress. Coping strategies deemed as unique to parenting a critically ill child were identified. χ2 and independent sample t tests evaluated group differences.

Results

Parents described using between 1 and 10 different adaptive and maladaptive strategies measured by the COPE Inventory. Most parents (82.35%) also described coping strategies that may be unique to parenting a critically ill child. Mothers were more likely than fathers to report a focus on and venting of emotions (70% vs. 21.43%) and behavioural disengagement (25% vs. 0%). Compared with parents receiving a postnatal CHD diagnosis, those receiving a prenatal diagnosis described a greater variety of coping strategies (6.23 vs. 4.52) and more often reported positive reinterpretation and growth (69.23% vs. 14.29%), behavioural disengagement (38.46% vs. 0%) and denial (38.46% vs. 0%).

Conclusions

Parents of children with CHD utilize a variety of coping strategies, some of which are maladaptive. Interventions tailored to the needs of mothers and fathers of young children with CHD, including those receiving a postnatal diagnosis, are needed to promote adaptive coping and optimize family psychosocial outcomes.
Divergent views on trophy hunting in Africa, and what this may mean for research and policy
Authors: van Houdt Shaya , Brown Richard P. , Wanger Thomas C. , Twine Wayne , Fynn Richard , Uiseb Kenneth , Cooney Rosie , Traill Lochran W.
Published: September 2021

Over the past decade, trophy hunting in Africa has seen increased public and scientific interest. Much of that attention has come from outside of Africa, with little emphasis on local views. We circulated an online survey through international networks to explore demographic and regional differences in opinion regards support for African trophy hunting, trophy import bans, and outside funding of conservation estates supported by hunting. We received ∼5700 responses and found that location, demography, and conservation background influenced opinion. African and North American respondents showed (significantly) more support for trophy hunting than respondents from Europe or other areas, as did respondents with conservation backgrounds. Unlike North Americans, Africans supported external subsidies of wildlife areas presently funded by hunting. Many factors affected opinions on African hunting, but respondent location played a major role. Realistic policy on African trophy hunting should thus integrate African perspectives, in particular those of rural communities.
Trump’s wall and gourmet coffee sales: The effect of a consumer boycott in Mexico
Authors: Peña Pablo A. , Salazar Saidé , Serrano Carlos
Published: September 2021

When President Trump announced a threat to impose a 20% tariff on Mexican imports to pay for a wall at the Southern border, social media users in Mexico called for a boycott of American brands. Based on a difference‐in‐differences approach, we estimate the effect of the boycott on the sales of 633 gourmet coffee establishments of American and domestic brands in Mexico. We use credit and debit card transactions from Mexico's largest bank within a ±8‐week window around the presidential announcement and contrast them with similar windows the year before and the year after. Our estimates indicate that the boycott reduced the sales of American‐brand establishments by 19% during its first week. Its effect decayed but remained significant for at least 8 weeks. The effects are mostly observed at the extensive margin (number of transactions) rather than at the intensive margin (average ticket). The sales of domestic‐brand establishments increased from the second week on, and the increase peaked at 26% in the fourth week. We found some heterogeneity in the effects across genders and age groups.
Research networks should improve connectivity for halting freshwater insect extinctions
Authors: Valente‐Neto Francisco , Piovezan‐Borges Ana Cláudia , Urbieta Gustavo Lima , Samways Michael J. , Roque Fabio de Oliveira
Published: September 2021

1. Avoiding freshwater insect extinctions requires studies assessing causal links between a human pressure and biodiversity measures (threats), the state of biodiversity through time (status), and solutions to manage species loss. However, an imbalance between these different approaches on declines of freshwater insects and the distribution of the studies between countries may have implications for implementing conservation knowledge into practical conservation actions.

2. Here, we evaluate country co‐authorship relationships through quantitative bibliometric analysis to identify networks of research collaboration on freshwater insects extinction, and how this overall network is modified by the type of studies (status, threats, and solutions).

3. We detected that authors from developed countries dominated the networks, and most studies assessed threats to freshwater insects, knowledge which is part of a research network involving multiple countries. The status network of research collaboration was clearly more disconnected in comparison with the network of all studies, whereas the solution network showed the greatest connectivity.

4. These results reveal that an increase in research collaboration is required for all approaches assessed here, because many megadiverse countries are not present in the networks. This is especially required for status and solution studies. Expansion of research collaboration should decrease inequalities between developed and developing countries, achieved by funding conservation studies in developing countries. Studies should also decrease classical inequalities, including those related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and ethnic minorities. These recommendations would benefit freshwater insect conservation science and practice.
Aspirin, paracetamol (acetaminophen) and caffeine for the treatment of acute migraine attacks: A systemic review and meta‐analysis of randomized placebo‐controlled trials
Authors: Diener Hans Christoph , Gaul Charly , Lehmacher Walter , Weiser Thomas
Published: September 2021

Background and purpose

Many migraine patients rely on over‐the‐counter analgesics for the treatment of migraine attacks. Fixed‐dose combinations of aspirin, paracetamol and caffeine (APC) have been used for treating migraine in many countries for a long time. We performed a meta‐analysis for the comparison of APC versus placebo, which has not been done to date.

Methods

Randomized, blinded, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group studies using APC to treat a migraine attack were included in a meta‐analysis. We calculated the rate ratio (RRs) associated with APC versus placebo.

Results

Seven studies were included, with 3306 participants (2147 treated with APC and 1159 treated with placebo). For the primary efficacy outcome, being pain‐free at 2 h, APC was superior to placebo (19.6% vs. 9.0%, RR 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4–3.3). For the co‐primary efficacy outcome, pain relief at 2 h, APC was superior to placebo (54.3% vs. 31.2%, RR 1.7, 95% CI 1.6–1.9). Adverse events were more frequent in the APC than the placebo groups (10.9% vs. 7.8%, RR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3–2.2).

Conclusions

Results showed that APC is superior to placebo in the treatment of acute migraine attacks. Efficacy, measured by pain‐free response and pain relief at 2 h, was clinically relevant.
Epilepsy, electroclinical features, and long‐term outcomes in Pitt–Hopkins syndrome due to pathogenic variants in the TCF4 gene
Authors: Matricardi Sara , Bonanni Paolo , Iapadre Giulia , Elia Maurizio , Cesaroni Elisabetta , Danieli Alberto , Negrin Susanna , Zagaroli Luca , Operto Francesca Felicia , Carotenuto Marco , Pisani Francesco , Turco Emanuela Claudia , Orsini Alessandro , Bonuccelli Alice , Savasta Salvatore , Concolino Daniela , Di Cara Giuseppe , Striano Pasquale , Verrotti Alberto
Published: September 2021

Background and purpose

Pitt–Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by deletions/variants in the TCF4 gene. Seizures may be present in up to half of the patients, leading to a more severe disease burden. This study aims to analyse the electroclinical phenotype, treatment options, and long‐term outcomes of epilepsy in PTHS.

Methods

A multicentre observational cohort study was performed, and the electroclinical data of PTHS individuals affected by epileptic seizures were retrospectively reviewed and analysed.

Results

The series includes 21 patients (11 female) with a median age at seizure onset of 2 years (range = 0.5–8). The median time of follow‐up was 7.9 years (range = 2–27). Both generalized and focal epilepsies were present at the same prevalence (42.8%), whereas a minority of patients presented developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (14.4%). At the long‐term follow‐up, 42.8% achieved seizure freedom, whereas 42.8% developed drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE). The age at seizure onset was found to be an independent predictor for seizure outcome; in this regard, patients having seizure onset after the age of 2 years were more prone to achieve seizure freedom (odds ratio = 0.04, 95% confidence interval = 0.003–0.53; p = 0.01). During evolution, seizures tended to settle down, and even in patients with DRE, seizures tended to persist at a lower frequency and appeared to be more easily manageable over time.

Conclusions

This study provides new insight into the natural history of epilepsy in PTHS. Better characterization of epileptic phenotype and prompt tailored treatment improve overall management and quality of life.
Recent advancements in our understanding of equid gammaherpesvirus infections
Authors: Easton‐Jones Charlotte
Published: September 2021

Equid gammaherpesviruses are ubiquitous and widespread in the equine population. Despite their frequent detection, their contribution to immune system modulation and the pathogenesis of several diseases remains unclear. Genetic variability and the combination of equid gammaherpesvirus strains a horse is infected with might be clinically significant. Initial gammaherpesvirus infection occurs in foals peripartum with latency then established in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. A novel EHV‐5 study suggests that following inhalation equid gammaherpesviruses might obtain direct access to T and B lymphocytes via the tonsillar crypts to establish latency. EHV‐5 is associated with equine multinodular pulmonary fibrosis, however, unlike with EHV‐2 there is currently minimal evidence for its role in milder cases of respiratory disease and poor performance. Transmission is presumed to be via the upper respiratory tract with periodic reactivation of the latent virus in adult horses. Stress of transport has been identified as a risk factor for reactivation and shedding of equine gammaherpesviruses. There is currently a lack of evidence for the effectiveness of antiviral drugs in the treatment of equine gammaherpesvirus infections.