bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abegar indigenous conflict resolution system: a community‐based reconciliation
Authors: Lake Beneyam
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the Abegar indigenous conflict resolution system based on community reconciliation in Haberu Woreda, North Wollo.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has used a qualitative research design and descriptive nature. The study collected primary data from different informants by using such qualitative data collection techniques as an interview, focus group discussions and observation to achieve the research objectives.

Findings

Accordingly, the finding of the study revealed that Abegars indigenous conflict resolution system aims at the restoration of order and harmony of the community. The types of conflicts presented and resolved in the community are inter-personal, homicide, inter-group in nature, which stemmed from the abduction of girls and women, violation of social values, theft, conflict over claims of a girl, competition over ownership of land and drunkenness. The findings further show that family reconciliation, blood reconciliation (dem maderk) and compensation performance are the major community reconciliation procedures (methods) of conflict management used by the studied community depending on the nature and types of conflicts.

Originality/value

This symbolic and practical significance to established trust between conflicting parties that their relationship is restored.
Measuring market orientation, innovative marketing strategies and performance: evidence from the Malaysian agro-food manufacturers
Authors: Kamarulzaman Nitty Hirawaty , Khairuddin Nurul Hasyima , Hashim Haslinda , Hussin Siti Rahayu
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between market orientation and innovative marketing strategies and the effect of innovative marketing strategies on the performance of agro-food manufacturers.

Design/methodology/approach

Systematic random sampling was used, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 380 agro-food manufacturers. Several statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation analysis and logistic regression analysis, were used to analyze the relationship between market orientation and innovative marketing strategies, and the effect of innovative marketing strategies on the performance of agro-food manufacturers.

Findings

All dimensions of market orientation – customer orientation, competitor orientation and inter-functional coordination – have significant relationships with innovative marketing strategies (product, price, promotion and distribution), while customer orientation and promotion showed a very strong relationship among other variables measured. Innovative marketing strategies, specifically promotion, had the most effect on the performance of agro-food manufacturers.

Research limitations/implications

The sample for this study was selected among agro-food manufacturers in major locations in Peninsular Malaysia. Hence, the findings may only give an initial overview of the current state of the agro-food manufacturers.

Originality/value

This study highlighted the significance of market orientation and innovative marketing strategies for the betterment of performance in the agro-food manufacturing sector.
The Roman fish tanks of the Western Mediterranean basin as potential scenarios for research on sea-level changes
Authors: Caballero-Rubio Francisco Javier , Viñals María José , Tormo-Esteve Santiago
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper analyses Roman fish tanks, which have functional elements that could be used to research on palaeo-sea-levels. Thus, the conditions of 37 installations in the Western Mediterranean basin are reviewed to identify those that have the best environmental and constructive conditions to be analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology was largely based on the review of existing scientific bibliography dealing with sea-level variations from studies on historical constructions, existing historical documentation on Roman fish tanks on the Mediterranean coast, as well as the fieldwork carried out in fish tanks on the Mediterranean coasts.

Findings

The Roman coastal fish tanks located in the shoreline of the Western Mediterranean Sea have turned out to be an excellent indicator of sea-level changes. Nevertheless, current coastal retreat, erosion and storm surges are posing significant threats to their preservation, and they could be considered as a heritage at risk of disappearance. Moreover, variations in the tectonic behaviour of the different coastal sectors make it challenging to select these facilities as an indicator of the sea level.

Originality/value

The analysis of Late Holocene sea-level changes and palaeoenvironments from archaeological and biological evidences, although not without difficulties, is very convenient because it provides very precise data that cannot be obtained with other absolute dating methods. This approach is increasingly gaining popularity with researchers and is very innovative in its method of combining the results of several scientific disciplines.
Spatial thinking, gender and immaterial affective labour in the post-Fordist academic library
Authors: Nicholson Karen P.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use spatial thinking (space-time) as a lens through which to examine the ways in which the socio-economic conditions and values of the post-Fordist academy work to diminish and even subsume the immaterial affective labour of librarians even as it serves to reproduce the academy.

Design/methodology/approach

The research question informing this paper asks, In what ways does spatial thinking help us to better understand the immaterial, invisible and gendered labour of academic librarians' public service work in the context of the post-Fordist university? This question is explored using a conceptual approach and a review of recent library information science (LIS) literature that situates the academic library in the post-Fordist knowledge economy.

Findings

The findings suggest that the feminized and gendered immaterial labour of public service work in academic libraries – a form of reproductive labour – remains invisible and undervalued in the post-Fordist university, and that academic libraries function as a procreative, feminized spaces.

Originality/value

Spatial thinking offers a corrective to the tendency in LIS to foreground time over space. It affords new insights into the spatial and temporal aspects of information work in the global neoliberal knowledge economy and suggests a new spatio-temporal imaginary of the post-Fordist academic library as a site of waged work.
A novel consumer preference mining method based on improved weclat algorithm
Authors: Qi Jianfang , Mou Xin , Li Yue , Chu Xiaoquan , Mu Weisong
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Conventional frequent itemsets mining ignores the fact that the relative benefits or significance of “transactions” belonging to different customers are different in most of the relevant applied studies, which leads to failure to obtain some association rules with lower support but from higher-value consumers. Because not all customers are financially attractive to firms, it is necessary that their values be determined and that transactions be weighted. The purpose of this study is to propose a novel consumer preference mining method based on conventional frequent itemsets mining, which can discover more rules from the high-value consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors extend the conventional association rule problem by associating the “annual purchase amount” – “price preference” (AP) weight with a consumer to reflect the consumer’s contribution to a market. Furthermore, a novel consumer preference mining method, the AP-weclat algorithm, is proposed by introducing the AP weight into the weclat algorithm for discovering frequent itemsets with higher values.

Findings

The experimental results from the survey data revealed that compared with the weclat algorithm, the AP-weclat algorithm can make some association rules with low support but a large contribution to a market pass the screening by assigning different weights to consumers in the process of frequent itemsets generation. In addition, some valuable preference combinations can be provided for related practitioners to refer to.

Originality/value

This study is the first to introduce the AP-weclat algorithm for discovering frequent itemsets from transactions through considering AP weight. Moreover, the AP-weclat algorithm can be considered for application in other markets.
Generative design and analysis of a double-wishbone suspension assembly: a methodology for developing constraint oriented solutions for optimum material distribution
Authors: Bhat Aayush , Gupta Vyom , Aulakh Savitoj Singh , Elsen Renold S.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to implement the generative design as an optimization technique to achieve a reasonable trade-off between weight and reliability for the control arm plate of a double-wishbone suspension assembly of a Formula Student race car.

Design/methodology/approach

The generative design methodology is applied to develop a low-weight design alternative to a standard control arm plate design. A static stress simulation and a fatigue life study are developed to assess the response of the plate against the loading criteria and to ensure that the plate sustains the theoretically determined number of loading cycles.

Findings

The approach implemented provides a justifiable outcome for a weight-factor of safety trade-off. In addition to optimal material distribution, the generative design methodology provides several design outcomes, for different materials and fabrication techniques. This enables the selection of the best possible outcome for several structural requirements.

Research limitations/implications

This technique can be used for applications with pre-defined constraints, such as packaging and loading, usually observed in load-bearing components developed in the automotive and aerospace sectors of the manufacturing industry.

Practical implications

Using this technique can provide an alternative design solution to long periods spent in the design phase, because of its ability to generate several possible outcomes in just a fraction of time.

Originality/value

The proposed research provides a means of developing optimized designs and provides techniques in which the design developed and chosen can be structurally analyzed.
Commercial real estate prices and COVID-19
Authors: Hoesli Martin , Malle Richard
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The article analyzes the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on commercial real estate prices, with a particular focus on European markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors start by highlighting caveats to bear in mind when referring to direct real estate indices. The authors then analyze the behavior of commercial real estate prices during the pandemic, emphasizing differences across property types. For that purpose, the authors use data for both direct and listed real estate and further discuss changes in the main factors affecting commercial real estate pricing. The article then turns to discussing the likely trajectory of commercial real estate prices in the future.

Findings

The authors report that retail and hospitality properties and to a lesser extent office buildings have been affected the most by COVID-19, while the residential and industrial sectors have been less affected by the crisis. The authors maintain that the future trajectory of prices will vary across sectors and that the type and location of assets will become increasingly important in their valuation.

Originality/value

This paper provides for a better understanding of the behavior of commercial real estate prices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Family managers' propensity towards mergers and acquisitions: the role of performance feedback
Authors: Santulli Rosalia , Gallucci Carmen , Torchia Mariateresa , Calabrò Andrea
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Drawing on upper echelons theory (UET) and arguments from behavioral theory of the firm, this paper aims to contribute to the debate on family involvement-performance relationship, by considering the mediating role of the propensity towards merger and acquisition (M&A) and the moderating role of performance feedback.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses are tested by applying a moderated mediation analysis on a sample of 111 German family firms. First, a mediation model is run to verify the mediation role of the propensity towards M&A; then, to evaluate the magnitude of the mediation at different values of the moderator (performance feedback), conditional indirect effects are tested using normal-theory standard errors and bootstrapping procedure.

Findings

The main findings suggest that a higher percentage of family members sitting in TMT is related to better performance and that this effect is mediated by the propensity towards M&A. Furthermore, findings also show that a higher percentage of family managers is positively related to the propensity towards M&A and, in turn, exerts a positive effect of firm performance, especially when performance feedback is negative.

Practical implications

The paper suggests to family firms' managers that when performance feedback is negative, a riskier behavior, such as M&A, could represent a way to improve firm performance.

Originality/value

The paper provides a full application of UET to the context of family firms, offers the point of view of TMT, instead of that of ownership, to study the propensity towards M&A in family firms and goes beyond the rational view to explain family managers' risk-taking behaviors.
Business model innovation drivers as antecedents of performance
Authors: Ammirato Salvatore , Linzalone Roberto , Felicetti Alberto Michele
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The innovation of business model (BM) is a strategic process for many firms, from which depends competitiveness and sustainability. Despite its theoretical relevance in management sciences, research on business model innovation is in its infancy and lacks of research consistency and theoretical connections to the theme of “performance”. With the aim to contribute in bridging this gap, this paper aims to identify and analyse drivers of business model innovation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on an integrative literature review methodology.

Findings

BMI performance drivers are conditions related to various dimensions (i.e. processes, resources, market, BM structure, etc). that, when fulfilled, allow the BMI to have higher performance. BMI performance drivers are antecedents of BMI performance, and their identification is of both theoretical and practical value. The authors find and report a set of 35 BMI performance drivers.

Originality/value

The value of this research is both theoretical and practical. From a theoretical point of view, the identified “Business Model Innovation performance drivers” define and identify a variable of BMI performance, from a practical perspective, and they provide a comprehensive set of key conditions whose attainment should be planned, pursued and monitored by managers.
Contemporaneous or causal? Evaluating the triumvirate of insolvency risk, capitalization and efficiency in Indian commercial banking
Authors: Prakash Navendu , Singh Shveta , Sharma Seema
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper empirically examines the short-term and long-term associations between risk, capital and efficiency (R-C-E) in the Indian banking sector across 2008–2019 to answer the presence of causation or contemporaneousness in the R-C-E nexus.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on three objectives. First, the authors determine short-term causality in the risk–efficiency relationship by studying the simultaneous influence of a wide array of banking risks on DEA-based technical and cost efficiency in static and dynamic situations. Second, the authors introduce bank capital and contemporaneously determine the interplay between R-C-E using seemingly unrelated regression equation (SURE) and three-staged least squares (3SLS). Last, the authors assess stability in inter-temporal associations using Granger causality in an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) generalized method of moments (GMM) framework.

Findings

The authors contend that high capital buffers reduce insolvency risk and increase bank stability. Technically efficient banks carry lesser equity buffers, suggesting a trade-off between capital and efficiency. However, capitalization makes banks more technically efficient but not cost-efficient, implying that over-capitalization creates cost inefficiencies, which, in line with the cost skimping hypothesis, forces banks to undertake risk. Concerning causal relationships, the authors conclude that inefficiency Granger-causes insolvency and increases bank risk. Further, steady increases in capital precede technical and cost efficiency improvements. The converse also holds as more efficient banks depict temporal increases in capitalization levels.

Originality/value

The paper is perhaps the first that acknowledges the influence of the “time” perspective on the R-C-E nexus in an emerging economy and advocates that prudential regulations must focus on short-term and long-term intricacies among the triumvirate to foster a stable banking environment.
Restraint and confinement of psychiatric patients in community: a scoping review of pasung in Indonesia
Authors: Dahniar Dahniar , Asnurianti Rini , Amna Nurul , Marthoenis Marthoenis
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The practice of restraint and confinement of patients with mental disorders is common in Indonesia. This practice is known as pasung and is usually carried out by the family or the villagers in community settings. The previous separated studies have investigated the reasons for, methods, duration and consequences of applying pasung to the patients. A scoping review is needed to study the existing practice of restraint and confinement in Indonesian communities. This study aims to review the published studies on the practice of restraint and confinement of people with mental illness (PWMI) in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

A scoping review method was used to identify studies on the practices of restraint and confinement of PWMI. A search of Science Direct, PubMed database and Google Scholar for articles was conducted.

Findings

There is an increasing interest in studying the pasung-related aspects among Indonesian mental health practitioners. The studies included the patients, family, caregivers and community as the research subjects. Various elements of pasung; the actors, duration, reason, the consequences and the challenges in releasing pasung have been reported. Stakeholders should consider many factors related to pasung to achieve the free pasung program in Indonesia.

Research limitations/implications

Pasung is a practice that exists in a significant number in Indonesia. Although researchers have sounded the importance of the pasung as a problem in the community, much has to be done to alleviate the inhuman treatment of PWMI.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the literature on the research concerning the practice of restraint and confinement of PWMI. The findings could be uses as the basis of the improvement of policy on mental health services, not only in Indonesia but also in other countries where the practice of restraint and confinements of PWMI in the community settings is existing.
The risk of risk management: adopting critical theories to explore clinical risk concerns in mental health care
Authors: Deering Kris , Williams Jo , Williams Rob
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline several critical risk theories and explore their application to risk concerns in mental health care. This will contribute to the on-going debate about risk management practices and the impact these might have on recovery and social inclusion. Notably, while risks like suicide can be therapeutically addressed, risk management may involve paternalistic practices that exclude the participation needed for recovery.

Design/methodology/approach

A viewpoint of key risk theories will be presented to provide a critical eye about some clinical risk concerns in mental health care. Implications for recovery and social inclusion will then be discussed alongside direction for practice and research.

Findings

Clinical concerns seemed to involve difficulties with uncertainty, holding onto expertise, and the othering of patients through risk. These concerns suggest the patient voice might become lost, particularly within the backdrop of clinical fears about blame. Alternatively, a relational approach to risk management could have merit, while patient expertise may develop understanding in how to improve risk management practices.

Originality/value

Clinical concerns appear more than managing potential harms; it can involve appraising behaviours around societal norms, explaining to an extent why mental illness might be addressed in terms of risks. While the points raised in the paper support existing findings about risk management, the underlying reasons drawing on the critical risk theories are less explored.
Establishing and maintaining property transactions data banks in Ghana through partnerships and participatory means
Authors: Simpson Paul Korsi , Simpson Peter Korsi
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The credibility of valuation is enhanced by the use of quality and reliable property market data. Nonetheless, the availability of quality and reliable market data remains a problem for valuers in Ghana, as current market data sources are tainted with issues of reliability. The purpose of this study is to examine the possibility of establishing property market data banks in Ghana, to help solve the market data problem faced by valuers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a mixed-method approach consisting of the identification and review of literature, interviews with officials from the Lands Valuation Division of the Lands Commission and a questionnaire survey of property valuers.

Findings

The study finds that it is possible for property market data banks to be established, and in the absence of facilitating legislation, partnerships among various stakeholders are the best way of achieving this. The study identifies the lack of initiative and the lack of partnerships among the various stakeholders inter alia as the major factors limiting the establishment of property market data banks. The findings imply a need for stakeholders to take initiative to establish a property market data bank aimed at improving the quality and reliability of market data to enhance the valuation practice.

Originality/value

The study asserts the possibility of creating a property market data bank in Ghana, notwithstanding the limiting factors. The findings will provide a basis for relevant institutions and agencies to take cooperative action for the establishment of property market data banks, towards enhancing the valuation practice in Ghana as well as in other developing countries. The study will also prompt research into various tools and mechanisms to be adopted towards the establishment of property market data banks through participatory means.
Application of negative Poisson’s ratio honeycomb structure in force measurement
Authors: Wen Qingguo , Li Pengju , Zhang Zhengkai , Hu Hong
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to clarify the principle of force measurement using the auxetic structure by studying the relationship among the force, the change of transmittance and the change of output current of the solar cell.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper opted for an exploratory study using combining theory with experiment. This paper analysized the theoretical model and deformation of the auxetic structure. It used a hexagon honeycomb structure as a comparison in the experiment. The experiment was conducted on a universal testing machine, and the data was obtained by a digital acquisition card. The data was analyzed without using any signal processing means.

Findings

This paper provides the linearity and the sensitivity of the proposed force measurement method. It shows a good linear relationship between the input and output of this method and good sensitivity, stability and repeatability without using any signal processing means.

Originality/value

This paper provides new structural insights for force sensors and presents future research directions.
Monetary policy collision on the performance of banking sector in India
Authors: Nikhil Belavadi , Deene Shivakumar
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The study aims to identify the impact of monetary policy tools on the performance of banks in India, and this could be an excellent suggestion to the regulators in framing the favourable interest rates which would meet the macroeconomic objectives of the Indian economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The design adopted in this study is descriptive and analytical research. Correlation and regression analysis is used to determine the relationship between bank rate (BR) and the performance of public sector banks in India. The sample chosen for this study is the public sector banks actively performing in India.

Findings

The performance is measured by taking three factors, and they are deposits, loans and advances (L&A) and total asset value of the banks. All three factors have shown an impact of BR on them during the five years. L&A affected the least amongst the three factors, but the other two were significantly impacted by the change in BR by the Reserve Bank of India. So, there should be a favourable fluctuation in the BR which will bring flexibility in the banking system, and they can perform well in the economy and the central bank also can concentrate on the macro-economic situation in the country.

Originality/value

This paper helps in giving suggestions to the Central bank, researchers, financial institutions to look into the financial performance and monetary policy rates and the central bank also can concentrate on the macro-economic situation in the country.
Active restoration fosters better recovery of tropical rainforest birds than natural regeneration in degraded forest fragments
Authors: Hariharan Priyanka , Raman T. R. Shankar
Published: October 2021

Ecological restoration has emerged as a key strategy for conserving tropical forests and habitat specialists, and monitoring faunal recovery using indicator taxa like birds can help assess restoration success. Few studies have examined, however, whether active restoration (AR) achieves better recovery of bird communities than natural regeneration, or how bird recovery relates to habitat affiliations of species in the community.

In rainforests restored over the past two decades in a fragmented landscape (Western Ghats, India), we examined whether bird species richness and community composition recovery in 23 actively restored (AR) sites were significantly better than recovery in paired naturally regenerating (NR) sites, relative to 23 undisturbed benchmark (BM) rainforests. We measured eight habitat variables and tested whether bird recovery tracked habitat recovery, whether rainforest and open‐country birds showed contrasting patterns, and assessed species‐level responses to restoration.

We recorded 92 bird species in 460 point‐count surveys. Rainforest bird species richness was highest in BM, intermediate in AR and lowest in NR. Contrastingly, open‐country bird species richness was least in BM, intermediate in AR and highest in NR.

Bird community composition varied significantly across treatment types with composition in AR in transition from NR to BM. Bird community dissimilarity between sites was positively related to dissimilarity in habitat structure and floristics, and geographical distance between sites. Variance partitioning indicated that structural and floristic dissimilarity explained 90% of the variation in community composition.

Indicator species analysis revealed significant associations of 34 species with one or more treatment types. Species associated with BM and AR treatment types were all rainforest species, while only 38% of species associated with AR and NR treatment types were rainforest species.

Synthesis and applications. We show that active restoration (AR) of degraded fragments benefits rainforest birds and reduces the infiltration of open‐country birds, and highlight the importance of considering rainforest and open‐country species separately. In human‐modified tropical rainforest landscapes, AR of degraded fragments fosters partial recovery and complements protection of mature forests for bird conservation.
Centenary shipwrecks reveal the limits of artificial habitats in protecting regional reef fish diversity
Authors: Medeiros Aline P. M. , Ferreira Beatrice P. , Betancur‐R Ricardo , Cardoso Aiara P. L. R. , Matos Marcello R. S. B. C. , Santos Bráulio A.
Published: October 2021

The sinking of artificial structures has become increasingly common around the world, but whether the artificial structures favour or disfavour fish diversity remain under debate. Sinking may empty the nearby natural reefs locally and regionally by attracting their biota. Conversely, it may improve environmental conditions for species survival and reproduction, acting as source of diversity at the local and regional levels.

We tested these contrasting hypotheses by assessing the taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity of 12 fish communities in Northeast Brazil: four ageing (>100‐year‐old) shipwrecks and eight surrounding natural reefs at comparable depths and distances. We partitioned the gamma diversity of artificial and natural reef communities into independent alpha and beta components, accounted for species’ abundance and assessed whether beta patterns were mostly driven by spatial turnover or nestedness.

We recorded 6,335 individuals distributed in 88 fish species and 38 families. While artificial and natural reefs shared 50 species (57%), 21 species (24%) were exclusive to the artificial reefs, suggesting that the nearby natural reefs—the most likely original source of these exclusive species—do not harbour them anymore. Alpha diversity of typical and dominant species did not significantly differ between the reef types, but alpha diversity of rare species was taxonomically, functionally and phylogenetically higher in artificial reefs, indicating positive effects of the structures at the local scale.

By contrast, regional beta diversity was higher in natural reefs in terms of taxonomic and functional diversity, regardless of species abundance. Pairwise beta diversity indicated that turnover had a large effect on the compositional dissimilarity in both reef types, whereas nestedness was almost irrelevant in artificial reefs.

Synthesis and applications. Artificial structures such as shipwrecks may promote the co‐occurrence of rare species, but they are unable to produce the beta diversity patterns that natural reefs do, even following many decades of colonization. Although artificial habitats host a significant portion of the regional reef fish diversity, they may have also contributed to the degradation of nearby natural reefs. We recommend the establishment of regulated diving spots, fishing grounds and no‐take areas as a strategy to conserve regional fish diversity.
Ecosystem functions are related to tree diversity in forests but soil biodiversity in open woodlands and shrublands
Authors: Ding Jingyi , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Wang Jun‐Tao , Eldridge David J.
Published: October 2021

Millions of trees are expected to be planted in forested and non‐forested ecosystems during the United Nations Decade of Restoration. Trees and soil organisms are known to interact, and are both crucial for maintaining multiple ecosystem functions. However, little is known about how the bidirectional relationships among above‐ and below‐ground diversity and ecosystem functions differ across forested and non‐forested ecosystems.

We collected data from 126 sites from humid to arid areas in eastern Australia to explore bidirectional relationships among above‐ground (richness of trees and other plants) and below‐ground (richness of bacteria, fungi, invertebrate, protist) diversity and multiple ecosystem functions (multifunctionality, litter and labile carbon storage, nutrient pools, decomposition, groundstorey plant biomass production, soil stability) in forested (tree cover >10%) and non‐forested (tree cover ≤10%, open woodlands, shrublands) systems.

We found that the relative importance of above‐ and below‐ground diversity differed among forested and non‐forested systems. Ecosystem functions, such as litter and labile carbon storage and soil stability, were associated mainly with tree richness in forested systems. By comparison, ecosystem functions of non‐forests were related to the richness of soil organisms. Such bidirectional biodiversity–ecosystem function relationships varied with the target function, and the relationships among ecosystem functions and the relative abundance of species varied with tree and soil taxa. The richness of other plants (i.e. all plants excluding trees) and soil organisms was positively coupled in forests only, but there were no linkages among above‐ and below‐ground diversity and ecosystem functions in non‐forests for groundstorey plant biomass production. Furthermore, increases in aridity and soil pH further weakened the biodiversity–ecosystem function relationships in forested and non‐forested systems, by suppressing above‐ground diversity and bacterial richness, respectively.

Synthesis. Our study provides strong empirical evidence that the bidirectional relationships among above‐ and below‐ground diversity and ecosystem functions are highly variable across ecosystem and function types. Moreover, our study demonstrates that soil biodiversity is relatively more important than tree diversity in supporting ecosystem functions in non‐forested systems. This suggests that conservation of soil biodiversity is critical for maintaining the functioning of open woodland and shrubland systems.
Forage quality in tundra grasslands under herbivory: Silicon‐based defences, nutrients and their ratios in grasses
Authors: Petit Bon Matteo , Inga Katarina Gunnarsdotter , Utsi Tove Aagnes , Jónsdóttir Ingibjörg Svala , Bråthen Kari Anne
Published: October 2021

Herbivore‐induced changes in both leaf silicon‐based defence and nutrient levels are potential mechanisms through which grazers alter the quality of their own grass supply. In tundra grasslands, herbivores have been shown to increase nutrient contents of grasses; yet, it is an open question whether they also increase grass silicon‐based defence levels. Here, we asked if, and to what extent, herbivores affect silicon content and silicon:nutrient ratios of grasses found in tundra grasslands.

We performed an herbivore‐interaction field‐experiment spanning four tundra‐grassland sites. At each site, we established reindeer‐open and reindeer‐exclusion plots in tundra‐patches that had been disturbed or not by small rodents during the previous winter, for a total of 96 plots. We randomly collected over 1,150 leaf samples of inherently silicon‐rich and silicon‐poor grass species throughout a growing season and analysed silicon, nitrogen and phosphorus contents of each leaf.

Small‐rodent winter disturbance did not affect grass silicon content, but increased grass quality (i.e. lowered silicon:nutrient ratios) by enhancing nutrient levels of both silicon‐rich (+20%–22%) and silicon‐poor (+26%–34%) grasses. Reindeer summer herbivory increased the quality of silicon‐rich grasses by decreasing their silicon content (−7%). However, the two herbivores together offset both these quality increments in silicon‐rich grasses, thus reducing their quality towards the level of those found in the absence of herbivores and further enhancing their silicon:nutrient ratios (+13%–22%) relative to silicon‐poor grasses.

Synthesis. We provide the first community‐level, field‐based assessment of how herbivory‐driven changes in both leaf silicon‐based defence and nutrient levels alter grass‐forage quality in tundra grasslands. Herbivores did not promote a net silicon accumulation in grasses, but rather enhanced their overall quality. Yet, the magnitude of these quality increments varied depending on the herbivore(s) involved and differed between silicon‐rich and silicon‐poor grasses. Such differential herbivory‐induced changes in grass quality between and within tundra‐patches may mediate plant–herbivore interactions by altering herbivore forage patterns and food choices. In tundra‐patches utilised by both herbivores, the quality of silicon‐rich grasses was further decreased relative to that of silicon‐poor grasses. This could provide an advantage against herbivory, potentially being one of the pathways through which tundra‐grassland vegetation states dominated by silicon‐rich grasses are maintained by herbivores.
Drivers and limits of phenotypic responses in vulnerable seagrass populations:Zostera marinain the intertidal
Authors: Boyé Aurélien , Gauthier Olivier , Becheler Ronan , Le Garrec Vincent , Hily Christian , Maguer Marion , Grall Jacques
Published: October 2021

Intertidal seagrass meadows are exposed to both marine and terrestrial environmental constraints. Seagrass vulnerability to climate changes in these highly dynamic and thermally stressful environments is concerning.

Using broadscale monitoring data covering contrasted intertidal environments, this study aims to provide a comprehensive view of the extent, drivers and potential limits ofZostera marinaphenotypic responses. The links between phenotypic and reproductive strategies are also explored.

Across 500 km of coastline,Z. marinaexhibited extensive variations of density, morphology, above‐ and below‐ground biomass and rates of clonality. Variance partitioning of phenotypic traits confirmed the strong link between intertidal seagrass populations and broadscale climate variability. However, it also highlighted a non‐negligible role of local factors such as exposure regime, substrate and tidal cycles. In its response to the environment,Z. marinadisplayed a trade‐off between the density and size of shoots, leading to two distinct phenotypic types: high densities and low above‐ to below‐ground biomass ratios (Type 1) in response to both high hydrodynamic and temperature stress, and low densities, high above‐ground biomass per shoot and developed leaves and sheaths (Type 2) in the most stable and less stressful intertidal environments. We argue that Type 1 maximizes self‐facilitation whereas Type 2 minimizes intraspecific competition, and that their occurrence matches predictions from the stress‐gradient hypothesis (SGH). Building on the SGH, we propose a generalized response of seagrass to environmental changes and discuss the role of light as a potential limiting resource for intertidal meadows.

Synthesis. Here, we show how the SGH can explain seagrass phenotypic responses, drawing on previous experimental results to provide relevant predictions across different stress gradients. We also show thatZostera marinaresponds to strong hydrodynamics and thermal constraints, both likely to increase in the intertidal with climate changes, with a facilitation‐maximizing phenotypic type (Type 1). This strategy appears incompatible with the competition‐minimizing Type 2 found when seagrass face resource limitation, such as light limitation induced by water quality degradation. This potential limit to the resilience of intertidal seagrass populations in the face of cumulative stressors raises concern about their vulnerability regarding future climate scenarios.
Effect of negative‐pressure wound therapy on wound complications in obese women after caesarean birth: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gillespie BM , Thalib L , Ellwood D , Kang E , Mahomed K , Kumar S , Chaboyer W
Published: October 2021

Background

Obesity is associated with increased surgical‐site infection (SSI) following caesarean section (CS).

Objective

To summarise the evidence on the effectiveness of negative‐pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for preventing SSI and other wound complications in obese women after CS.

Search strategy

MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL databases and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched in March 2021.

Selection criteria

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of NPWT compared with standard dressings after CS birth.

Data collection and analysis

Pooled effect sizes were calculated using either fixed or random effects models based on heterogeneity. The Cochrane risk of bias and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation tools were used to assess the quality of studies and overall quality of evidence.

Main results

Ten RCTs with 5583 patients were included; studies were published between 2012 and 2021. Nine RCTs with 5529 patients were pooled for the outcome SSI. Meta‐analysis results suggest a significant difference favouring the NPWT group (relative risk [RR] 0.79, 95% CI 0.65–0.95, P < 0.01), indicating an absolute risk reduction of 1.8% among those receiving NPWT compared with usual care. The risk of blistering in the NPWT group was significantly higher (RR 4.13, 95% CI 1.53–11.18, P = 0.005). All studies had high risk of bias relative to blinding of personnel/participants. Only 40% of studies reported blinding of outcome assessments and 50% had incomplete outcome data.

Conclusions

The decision to use NPWT should be considered both in terms of its potential benefits and its limitations.

Tweetable abstract

NPWT was associated with fewer SSI in women following CS birth but was not effective in reducing other wound complications.
A comparison of contraceptive services for adolescents at school‐based versus community health centers in Oregon
Authors: Boniface Emily R. , Rodriguez Maria I. , Heintzman John , Knipper Sarah H. , Jacobs Rebecca , Darney Blair G.
Published: October 2021

Objective

To compare Oregon school‐based health centers (SBHCs) with community health centers (CHCs) as sources of adolescent contraceptive services.

Data sources

Oregon electronic health record data, 2012–2016.

Study design

We compared clinic‐level counseling rates and long‐acting reversible contraception (LARC) provision, adolescent populations served, and visit‐level LARC provision time trends. We evaluated adjusted associations between LARC provision and Title X participation by clinic type.

Data collection/extraction methods

We used diagnosis and procedure codes to identify contraceptive counseling and provision visits, excluding visits for adolescents not at risk of pregnancy.

Principal findings

CHCs were more likely to provide LARC on‐site than SBHCs (67.2% vs. 36.4%, respectively). LARC provision increased more at SBHCs (5.8‐fold) than CHCs (2‐fold) over time. SBHCs provided more counseling visits per clinic (255 vs. 142) and served more young and non‐White adolescents than CHCs. The adjusted probability of LARC provision at Title X SBHCs was higher than non‐Title X SBHCs (4.4% [3.9–4.9] vs. 1.7% [1.4–2.0]), but there was no significant association at CHCs.

Conclusions

In Oregon, CHCs and SBHCs are both important sources of adolescent contraceptive services, and Title X plays a crucial role in SBHCs. Compared with CHCs, SBHCs provided more counseling, showed a larger increase in LARC provision over time, and served more younger and non‐White adolescents.
The accuracy and reliability of the Suchey–Brooks pubic symphysis age estimation method: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Schanandore James V. , Wolden Mitch , Smart Neil
Published: October 2021

Suchey–Brooks method has been studied many times with varying reports of accuracy and reliability. A systematic review and meta‐analyses were utilized to quantitatively determine the accuracy and reliability of the Suchey–Brooks (S‐B) method. A systematic search of PubMed and EBSCO health and medical databases was performed. Meta‐analyses were performed to quantify the relationship between actual known age at death and the S‐B method using Spearman's Rho and Pearson's r for (1) combined males and females estimates, (2) male‐only estimates, and (3) female‐only estimates. Overall correlation coefficient using Cohen's kappa, Spearman's Rho, and Pearson's r was also calculated to determine the interrater and intrarater reliability using the S‐B method. Eighteen studies classified as moderate‐to‐high methodological quality met the inclusion criteria. The sample sizes were different for the combined male and female (n = 2620), male‐only (n = 2602), and female‐only (n = 1431) meta‐analyses. The effect size of the age at death meta‐analyses was large and significant for combined males and females (Spearman's Rho = 0.62; Pearson's r = 0.65), male‐only (Spearman's Rho = 0.77; Pearson's r = 0.75), and female‐only (Spearman's Rho = 0.71; Pearson's r = 0.71). The overall correlation coefficients of the interrater (Kappa = 0.76; Spearman's Rho = 0.73; Pearson's r = 0.80) and intrarater (Kappa = 0.81; Spearman's Rho = 0.91; Pearson's r = 0.83) reliability meta‐analyses were large and significant. A significant degree of heterogeneity was present in all meta‐analyses, with minimal evidence of publication bias. The meta‐analyses results suggest the S‐B method is highly reliable with a moderate‐to‐high degree of accuracy. Our results also identified sample size and accuracy differences between male and female individuals.
Beverages intake and functional bowel disorders: A cross‐sectional study in first‐year undergraduates
Authors: Xu Zhi Yue , Chen Can , Ouyang Zhen , Duan Chao Fan , Xu Shu , Zhou Xiang , Rasche Leo , Bai Tao , Hou Xiao Hua
Published: October 2021

Objective

In this study we aimed to assess the prevalence of functional bowel disorders (FBD) in a group of Chinese first‐year undergraduates and the association between common beverage intake and FBD.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among first‐year undergraduates in Huazhong University of Science and Technology (Wuhan, Hubei Province, China). In total, 3102 questionnaires on their lifestyle, dietary habits and gastrointestinal symptoms were collected and analyzed. FBD was diagnosed based on the Rome IV criteria. A logistic regression analysis was performed to compare the differences in beverage intake in participants with and without FBD in order to identify possible risk factors for FBD.

Results

The overall prevalence of FBD was 7.64%. The logistic regression analysis showed that those who drank coffee at a frequency of once a month to thrice a week had a higher prevalence of FBD than those who drank it less than once a month (odds ratio 1.405 [95% confidence interval 1.013‐1.949]) after adjusted for age, sex, sleep quality, exercise, stress and other dietary habits. However, a further increase in coffee consumption did not lead to an elevated prevalence of FBD.

Conclusions

Among the first‐year undergraduates, FBD affected 7.64% of them. Coffee consumption might be related to an increased prevalence of FBD.
Looking Smart: Race and Academic Ability in a Diversifying Middle School
Authors: Freidus Alexandra
Published: October 2021

Drawing on a year of participant observation in an untracked, diversifying middle school, I examine how sixth graders positioned themselves and were positioned by others as “smart” or “not smart.” I focus on peer interactions during cooperative small group instruction, identifying the material, relational, and ideational resources students used to navigate academic and racial hierarchies. I explore implications for researchers and practitioners who seek to disrupt racialized academic outcomes in untracked classrooms.