bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disclosure readability of firms investigated for books-and-records infractions
Authors: Demaline Christopher
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The paper examines the difference in the disclosure readability of SEC investigated firms and the population of firms traded in the USA. This study aims to further refine the obfuscation hypothesis and broader impression management theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper used quantitative cross-sectional analysis of archival data gathered from the SEC Accounting and Auditing Enforcement Release Archive and the SEC EDGAR database. A one-sample t-test was used to compare mean readability levels.

Findings

The paper provides empirical evidence to support the assertion that disclosures of the firms being investigated for “books-and-records” infractions are more difficult to read than the disclosure of the average publicly-traded firm in the USA.

Research limitations/implications

First, the study did not make direct matched-pairs comparisons of the readability level. Second, the unique nature of the sample means that the results may not be generalizable. Further research is necessary to expand on this current work.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for consideration by accounting standards setters, financial regulators and annual report readers.

Originality/value

This paper addresses an identified need to study the existence and degree of complexity and obfuscation in financial disclosures.
The relationship between audit components and audit expectation gap in listed companies on the Tehran stock exchange
Authors: Salehi Mahdi , Jahanbin Fariba , Adibian Mohammad Sadegh
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The expectation gap between auditors and users has recently been the topic of many controversies. This paper aims to evaluate the relationship between auditor’s characteristics and audit expectation gap among information users in listed companies on the Tehran stock exchange market. In other words, the study attempts to find whether there is a significant relationship between audit components and the audit expectation gap or not.

Design/methodology/approach

The multiple regression model is used to test the hypotheses. Research hypotheses are tested using a sample of 78 listed companies on the Tehran stock exchange during 2012-2016, by using integrated data technique of the multiple regression model.

Findings

The findings show that standard audit fees are not significantly associated with the audit expectation gap. Furthermore, audit fees are negatively associated with the audit expectation gap, which provides that allocated audit price in financial statements gives useful information for external and internal individuals. Predictably, it is recommended that audit opinion significantly determines the level of the audit expectation gap. The authors also find that the independence of the director boards and audit committee members fulfill the expectation gap of individual users. Moreover, finding the negative impact of audit firms ranking on the expectation gap, supports the idea of higher ranked audit firms provide high quality services, and consequently, more reliable information. Finally, the results show that the audit record is positively associated with the audit expectation gap.

Originality/value

As all recent studies on the expectation gap were qualitative, the present study is the first paper, which measures the expectation gap quantitatively through the statistical method.
What is responsible for the psychological capital-job performance relationship? An examination of the role of informal learning and person-environment fit
Authors: Choi Woojae , Noe Raymond , Cho Yoonhyung
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advance our understanding of how psychological capital (PsyCap) influences job performance. The authors do so through adopting a moderated mediation framework. Specifically, the authors investigate the mediation role of informal learning in the PsyCap–job performance relationship and the moderating role of person–environment fit, i.e. the extent to which individual and organizational characteristics are compatible, in influencing the mediation.

Design/methodology/approach

The final sample consisted of 221 employees and their supervisors in South Korea.

Findings

The authors found that PsyCap had an indirect effect on job performance through informal learning. Moreover, the indirect effect of PsyCap on job performance through informal learning became stronger with low levels of person–organization (PO) and person–job (PJ) fit.

Research limitations/implications

The authors cannot completely rule out the effects of common method bias due to the cross-sectional research design.

Practical implications

The results reinforce the need for managers to understand employees’ level of PsyCap and take actions to enhance it because PsyCap can affect the extent to which individuals engage in informal learning, which in turn influences their job performance.

Originality/value

This paper adds to our understanding of the mechanisms and boundary conditions responsible for the PsyCap–job performance relationship. The authors found that informal learning operates as a mediator and both PO and PJ fit moderate the PsyCap–job performance relationship.
Online brand advocacy (OBA): the development of a multiple item scale
Authors: Wilk Violetta , Soutar Geoffrey Norman , Harrigan Paul
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Despite an increasing interest in online brand advocacy (OBA) and the importance of online brand conversations, OBA’s conceptualization, dimensionality and measurement are unclear, which has created confusion. This paper aims to answer calls from researchers and practitioners for a better understanding and measurement of OBA. The development and validation of a parsimonious and practical OBA scale is outlined in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-methods, multi-stage approach was followed to develop a parsimonious OBA scale. From an initial pool of 96 items obtained from qualitative research and from items used in prior general brand advocacy scales, a test-retest reliability study is followed. Academic judges were consulted to verify dimensionality, followed by two separate online surveys to further purify the scale and assess criterion-related validity. Programs including SPSS, AMOS and WarpPLS were used.

Findings

This research extends the knowledge of OBA by developing and testing a parsimonious and practical 16-item, four-dimensional OBA scale. Unlike previous attempts to measure OBA, this study suggested OBA as a multidimensional construct with four dimensions (i.e. brand defense, brand information sharing, brand positivity and virtual positive expression). Further, this study showed that OBA is conceptually different from consumer–brand engagement and electronic word-of-mouth.

Research limitations/implications

Future research is encouraged to validate the OBA scale in various contexts and locations. Researchers can use the new OBA scale to examine potential brand-related antecedents and consequences of OBA.

Practical implications

This study provides brand and marketing practitioners with a better understanding of brand advocacy occurring online. The OBA scale offers clear markers or trademarks that will be useful in assessing any brand’s health online and to track and better manage online brand communications and performance.

Originality/value

This research provides the first empirical investigation of Wilk et al.’s (2018) exploratory insights into OBA. The resulting parsimonious scale has furthered OBA as a new area for academic enquiry and presented practitioners with a practical way of measuring OBA.
Does stress matter in mall experience and customer satisfaction?
Authors: Lucia-Palacios Laura , Pérez-López Raúl , Polo-Redondo Yolanda
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate that stress is a relevant feeling to take into account in mall experience and customer satisfaction management. Furthermore, it is proposed that its effects on mall experience and satisfaction differ depending on shopping motivation and frequency.

Design/methodology/approach

The method is based on seemingly unrelated regressions models and data were obtained through a survey of 1,088 mall clients. Mall experience is addressed through customer cognitive and affective responses. Both terms together with stress and customer satisfaction with the mall are constructs measured by seven-point Likert scales. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to validate these measures.

Findings

The results show that stress reduces customers’ affective response and satisfaction. The effect of low levels of stress on customer affective response is less negative for frequent shoppers, and the influence of high levels on satisfaction is less negative for them. Furthermore, stress has a U-shaped effect on customers’ cognitive response, an effect that is reduced for frequent shoppers.

Practical implications

Mall managers should try to reduce stress in the management of their customers’ experience. Moreover, they should increase the shopping frequency of their clients by implementing marketing strategies, such as frequency programs and serial concerts, and assist shoppers in reorganizing their shopping goals by implementing organizing tools and new recommendations and suggestions.

Originality/value

Given that previous work on shopping stress is scarce, this paper expands the extant literature by analyzing its effects on mall experience and customer satisfaction. Furthermore, it shows that these effects may vary depending on shopping frequency and motivation.
Analyzing seasonal anomalies for Israel: evidence from pre- and post-global financial crisis
Authors: Jaisinghani Dinesh , Kaur Muskan , Inamdar Mohd Merajuddin
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze different seasonal anomalies for the Israeli securities markets for the pre- and post-global financial crisis periods.

Design/methodology/approach

The closing values of six indices of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) of Israel have been considered. The time frame ranges from 2000 to 2018. Further, the overall time frame has been segregated into pre- and post-financial crisis periods. The study employs dummy variable regression technique for assessing different calendar anomalies.

Findings

The results show evidence pertaining to different seasonal anomalies for the Israeli markets. The results specifically show that the anomalies change considerably across the pre- and post-financial crisis periods. The results are more apparent for three anomalies including the day of the week effect, the month of the year effect and the holiday effect. However, anomalies including the Halloween effect and the trading month effect are found to be insignificant across both pre- and post-financial crisis periods.

Originality/value

The study is first of its kind that analyzes different seasonal anomalies across pre- and post-financial crisis periods for the Israeli markets. The study provides newer insights about the overall return patterns observed in different indices of the TASE.
Measures of firm risk-taking: revisiting Bowman’s paradox
Authors: Santacruz Lujer
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the existing literature on the relationship between firm-level risk and returns and to explore other ways of measuring firm risk-taking. Literature overwhelmingly shows a negative relationship between firm-level risk and returns based on accounting data, which is counter-intuitive from the rational perspective of risk-aversion. This paper revisits this so-called Bowman’s paradox by examining the wealth of literature on the topic and empirically tests alternative measures of firm risk-taking that could provide a counter-argument on the existence of the paradox.

Design/methodology/approach

After formulating the criteria for such a measure, potential measures of firm risk-taking were developed based on variability of some key financial ratios and empirically tested using US listed companies’ data for several time periods from 1992 to 2016. Literature has explored the use of these financial ratios (e.g. R&D expenses as percentage of sales) based only on their magnitude. This paper is novel in that it examines the variability and not just the magnitude of these parameters.

Findings

Results showed the same counter-intuitive negative relationship between firm risk-taking and returns but the paper was able to identify an area for future theory development that hopefully will lead to a firm risk-taking measure that would exhibit the elusive positive relationship with returns.

Originality/value

The literature review of this paper brought together and provided a succinct classification of the various explanations for Bowman’s paradox that allowed the identification of a potentially rich area of research. It identified a gap in the literature which is the formulation of suitable measures of firm risk-taking and made investigations in this area.
Analysis on the insect community dynamics of Dokdo Island, Korea from 1978 to 2015
Authors: Kim Yeongbu , Kwon Ohseok
Published: January 2020

A comprehensive analysis of the insect community dynamics of Dokdo Island, located at the eastern end of Korean territory, based on the data from the publications from 1978 to 2015 was carried out. A total of 13 orders 166 species of insects was reported to exist in Dokdo by this study. This study is focused on the analysis of the community structure and dynamics of insects in Dokdo Island over the past 40 years. Order Diptera was the only one taxonomic group to be collected in all survey during the period of 1981 to 2015.
Efficacy and safety of iloprost in patients with septic shock‐induced endotheliopathy—Protocol for the multicenter randomized, placebo‐controlled, blinded, investigator‐initiated trial
Authors: Bestle Morten H. , Clausen Niels E. , Søe‐Jensen Peter , Kristiansen Klaus T. , Lange Theis , Johansson Pär I. , Stensballe Jakob , Perner Anders
Published: January 2020

Background

In Europe 700.000 new cases of sepsis occur annually and more than 100.000 of these patients die due to multiorgan failure (MOF). We have identified shock‐induced endotheliopathy (SHINE) to be associated with development of MOF and mortality. Furthermore, in patients with septic shock those with circulating levels of thrombomodulin (TM) above 10 ng/mL have twice the mortality (56% vs 28%) than those with levels below this level. Pilot studies indicate that infusion of iloprost (1 ng/kg/min) is associated with improved endothelial function in patients with septic shock.

Material and Methods

This is a multicenter, randomized, blinded, investigator‐initiated, adaptive phase 2B trial in up to 384 patients with septic shock‐induced endotheliopathy defined by TM > 10 ng/mL who are allocated 1:1 to 72 hours continuous infusion of iloprost 1 ng/kg/min or placebo (equal volume of saline). The primary outcome is the mean daily modified Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score in the ICU up to day 90. Secondary outcomes include 28‐ and 90‐day all‐cause mortality, days alive without vasopressor in the ICU within 90 days, days alive without mechanical ventilation in the ICU within 90 days, days alive without renal replacement therapy in the ICU within 90 days, numbers of serious adverse reactions, and the number of serious adverse events within the first 7 days.

Discussion

This trial tests the safety and efficacy of iloprost vs placebo for 72 hours in patients with septic shock and SHINE. The outcome measures focus on the potential effect of the intervention to mitigate organ failure.

Trial registration

COMBAT‐SHINE trial—EudraCT no. 2019‐001131‐31—Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04123444—Ethics Committee no. H‐19018258.
Does Cannabis Dependence Add on to the Neurocognitive Impairment Among Patients With Opioid Dependence? A Cross‐Sectional Comparative Study
Authors: Ghosh Abhishek , Basu Debasish , Mattoo S.K. , Kumar Rana Devender , Roub Fazle
Published: January 2020

Background and Objectives

Chronic opioid exposure has been linked with neurocognitive impairments. Evidence of residual impairment with cannabis use is less consistent. We investigated whether patients with opioid and cannabis dependence perform poorly compared with those with opioid dependence alone.

Methods

We recruited three groups of participants aged 18 to 55 years: opioid and cannabis dependence (OCaD; n = 21), only opioid dependence (OD; n = 19), and a control group (HC; n = 20). Subjects with other substance use, human immunodeficiency virus, head injury, epilepsy, and severe mental illness were excluded. Cognitive tests, performed after at least 1 week of abstinence, consisted of the Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST), Iowa gambling task (IGT), trail making tests A and B (TMT‐A and B), verbal and visual N‐back test (NBT), and standard progressive matrices for intelligence quotient (IQ). The general linear model was used to compare the groups with age and years of education as covariates.

Results

IQ and severity of opioid dependence were comparable in the three groups. The mean duration of cannabis use was 76.2 (±39.4) months. Compared with the HC, both OD and OCaD had significant impairment on the IGT, WCST, TMTs, and NBT. No significant group difference was observed between the OD and OCaD groups.

Discussion and Conclusions

Opioid dependence is associated with impairments in decision making, executive function, working memory, and attention. Co‐morbid cannabis dependence had similar profiles of cognitive impairments.

Scientific Significance

Co‐morbid cannabis dependence might not add on to the existing cognitive dysfunction in opioid dependence. Further studies should be done with a larger sample. (Am J Addict 2020;29:120–128)
Provenance of Qingbai wares from Shabian kiln archaeological site in the Northern Song dynasty (960–1127 ce) using XRF and LA‐ICP‐MS*
Authors: Wang M. , Zhu T. Q. , Zhang W. X. , Mai D. A. , Huang J. B.
Published: January 2020

In order to discuss the exact provenance of the Qingbai wares discovered at Shabian archaeological site in Guangzhou, which had a similar appearance to Jingdezhen Qingbai ware, we analysed both the body and glaze of the Qingbai wares from the Shabian kiln site and those from other related kilns, including Hutian in Jingdezhen, Xicun in Guangzhou and Chaozhou of Guangdong, by using micro‐X‐ray fluorescence (μ‐XRF) and laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS). Based on the analyses, we found that both bodies and glaze of the Qingbai wares in Shabian had the characteristics of a low abundance of rare earth elements (REE), strong negative Eu anomalies, and remarkably low Nb/Ta and Zr/Hf ratios, which was consistent with those from Hutian kiln in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province. We also found that the glaze of Qingbai ware from different kilns also had its provenance characteristic in the concentration of the trace elements, and the change of the REE pattern between glaze and its corresponding bodies in Qingbai wares might provide some clue about the types and source of flux. In addition, the lower Nb/Ta and Zr/Hf ratios in both the bodies and glaze of Jingdezhen Qingbai wares were attributed to the chemical characteristics of the local granite.
Paternalism and certitude
Authors: Cohen Shlomo , Cohen Noam , Gabbay Ezra
Published: January 2020

When paternalism is deemed morally justified, weak paternalism—which restricts itself to assisting the target of paternalism realize his own preferences—is the preferred (less problematic) alternative. In determining the appropriateness of weak paternalism, the level of certitude of the paternalist regarding the correctness of her assessment of the true preferences of the one‐paternalized is obviously a crucial factor. Yet in the ethics of paternalism this parameter has escaped systematic treatment. This paper aims to initiate discussion on this indispensable consideration for weak paternalism. Analysing a real‐life dilemma of paternalism in healthcare, the paper focuses on the theoretical question of how the paternalist can optimize her certitude by combining personal knowledge of the individual patient with population data on treatment refusal/consent of patients facing similar decisions. The paper presents an outline of a decision‐making scheme that can be valuable in medical ethics and beyond.
AR videos as scaffolding to foster students’ learning achievements and motivation in EFL learning
Authors: Chen Chih‐Hung
Published: January 2020

Augmented reality (AR) is capable of providing students with proper situated scaffolding via overlaying rich media objects on the real‐world learning context. This paper examines the potential of AR to address existing problems with insufficient scaffolding in video learning materials for English as a foreign language (EFL) learners. Thus, an AR video‐enhanced learning (ARVEL) method was designed to assist students’ EFL learning. Furthermore, an experiment was carried out to investigate the influences of the implemented method on students' EFL learning outcomes. The experimental results displayed that the ARVEL method significantly improved the students' learning achievements and intrinsic motivation, and enhanced their satisfaction with EFL learning, compared to the students learning EFL with conventional video‐based learning.

Practitioner Notes

What is already known about this topic

Learning experience of English as a foreign language (EFL) is highly related to the experience in actual learning contexts.

The significance of providing students with proper assistance in a situated learning environment has been emphasized.

Just observing videos might be inadequate for advancing students' reflection on learning tasks in video‐based learning.

What this paper adds

An augmented reality (AR) video‐enhanced learning method was proposed to assist students' EFL learning.

An AR video‐enhanced learning (ARVEL) system was designed based on the implemented method.

It was evidenced that the implemented method effectively improved students' learning achievements and motivation.

The students display a higher degree of satisfaction with EFL learning than with the video‐enhanced learning method.

Implications for practice and/or policy

The ARVEL method could be a good reference for implementing an EFL learning environment.

More kinds of assistance could be designed as scaffolding for assisting students' EFL learning.

It is worth probing the influences of the ARVEL on students' learning of more abstract vocabulary and concepts.
S2k guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia
Authors: Gross Gerd E. , Eisert Lisa , Doerr Hans Wilhelm , Fickenscher Helmut , Knuf Markus , Maier Philip , Maschke Matthias , Müller Rainer , Pleyer Uwe , Schäfer Michael , Sunderkötter Cord , Werner Ricardo N. , Wutzler Peter , Nast Alexander
Published: January 2020

The present guidelines are aimed at residents and board‐certified specialists in the fields of dermatology, ophthalmology, ENT, pediatrics, neurology, virology, infectious diseases, anesthesiology, general medicine and any other medical specialties involved in the management of patients with herpes zoster. They are also intended as a guide for policymakers and health insurance funds. The guidelines were developed by dermatologists, virologists, ophthalmologists, ENT physicians, neurologists, pediatricians and anesthesiologists/pain specialists using a formal consensus process (S2k).

Readers are provided with an overview of the clinical and molecular diagnostic workup, including antigen detection, antibody tests and viral culture. Special diagnostic situations and complicated disease courses are discussed. The authors address general and special aspects of antiviral therapy for herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia. Furthermore, the guidelines provide detailed information on pain management including a schematic overview, and they conclude with a discussion of topical treatment options.
Oral and nail pigmentations: a useful parallelism for the clinician
Authors: Dika Emi , Starace Michela , Lambertini Martina , Patrizi Annalisa , Veronesi Giulia , Alessandrini Aurora , Piraccini Bianca Maria
Published: January 2020

Oral (OP) and nail (NP) pigmentations may occur simultaneously in physiological or pathological conditions, and may be a sign of underlying syndromic conditions that necessitate further investigation and treatment. Interestingly, the nail unit and oral cavity show a clinical parallelism that may help the clinician to conduct a correct examination and reach a prompt diagnosis.

Both OP and NP can manifest clinically with focal or diffuse involvement and are due to external factors (exogenous pigmentation, drug‐induced pigmentation) or endogenous factors (racial pigmentation, post‐inflammatory pigmentation, nevi, genetic conditions and other disorders). The most concerning differential diagnosis is melanoma.

Here we report the pathogenetic basis of OP and NP, together with the description of similar clinical features. To the best of our knowledge this is the first paper to summarize and describe the causes of pigmentation of both the oral cavity and the nail unit.
A 5‐year retrospective evaluation of undergraduate dental research projects in a Nigerian University: Graduates' perceptions of their learning experiences
Authors: Otuyemi Olayinka D. , Olaniyi Emmanuel A.
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Undergraduate research projects have never been evaluated despite six decades of dental training in Nigeria. This study evaluated dental graduates' perceptions of the research project from 2013 to 2017.

Methods

A cohort of 93 graduates from a Nigerian University was investigated through the use of self‐administered questionnaires on a Google form platform. Analysis was done using descriptive and analytical statistics on SPSS version 16. Statistical significant level was set at P < .05.

Results

The cohort showed a very good understanding of research project objectives during their undergraduate training with more male and older students independently choosing their research topics (P > .05). Students' research topics were changed by supervisors in about one‐quarter and one‐tenth of the male and female students, respectively. About one‐third of the students met set deadlines with no significant differences amongst gender and age groups (P > .05). However, only two‐thirds of the students submitted their projects before the deadline due to other contending academic works. More males and older age group sought assistance from other academic staff for information on their projects. About one‐half of the students reportedly acquired additional knowledge as a direct benefit from the project. Of all the variables associated with the research project, only the level of preparedness to undertake the project was highly statistically significant (P < .05) and this varied significantly amongst gender and age group (P < .05).

Conclusion

The students demonstrated a good understanding of research project. The perceived level of preparedness to undertake the project was low but significantly higher in male and older age groups.
Pathophysiological dissociation of the interaction between time pressure and trait anxiety during spatial orientation judgments
Authors: Bednarczuk Nadja F. , Bradshaw Jacob M. , Mian Shan Y. , Papoutselou Efstratia , Mahmoud Sami , Ahn keunhwi , Chudenkov Ilya , Fuentealba Constanza , Hussain Shahvaiz , Castro Patricia , Bronstein Adolfo M. , Kaski Diego , Arshad Qadeer
Published: January 2020

Spatial orientation is achieved by integrating visual, vestibular and proprioceptive cues. Individuals that rely strongly upon visual cues to facilitate spatial orientation are termed visually dependent. Heightened visual reliance commonly occurs in patients following vestibular dysfunction and can influence clinical outcome. Additionally, psychological factors, including anxiety, are associated with poorer clinical outcome following vestibular dysfunction. Given that visual dependency measures are affected by psychological and contextual influences, such as time pressure, we investigated the interaction between time pressure and anxiety upon visual dependency in healthy controls and vestibular migraine patients. Visual dependency was assessed using a “Rod and Disk” task at baseline and under time pressure (3 s to complete the task). Non‐situational (trait) and situational (state) anxiety levels were quantified using the Spielberg State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory. We calculated the change in visual dependency (VD) [∆VD = VDtime pressure − VDbaseline] and correlated it with participants’ trait anxiety scores. We observed a significant negative correlation between trait anxiety and the change in VD (R2 = .393, p < .001) in healthy controls and a positive correlation in dizzy patients (R2 = .317, p < .001). That is, healthy individuals that were more anxious became less visually dependent under time pressure (i.e., more accurate), whereas less anxious individuals became more visually dependent. The reverse was observed in vestibular migraine patients. Our results illustrate that anxiety can differentially modulate task performance during spatial orientation judgements under time pressure in healthy individuals and dizzy patients. These findings have potential implications for individualised patient rehabilitation therapies.
Nitrogen concentration in the upper leaves of the canopy is a reliable indicator of plant N nutrition in both pure and mixed grassland swards
Authors: Louarn Gaëtan , Chabbi Abad , Gastal François
Published: January 2020

Effective indicators of plant nitrogen (N) nutrition are needed to improve N management in grasslands. This is particularly the case for mixtures that rely on N fixation by legumes as a major N input, because no reference tool such as the nitrogen nutrition index (NNI) exists under these conditions. The aims of this study were to test the reliability of a plant‐based index, the N concentration of upper leaves in the canopy (Nup), as a possible alternative for NNI in both pure and mixed grasslands. Data were gathered from four experiments covering a range of pure and mixed grasslands under different N fertilization levels. A cross‐validation of Nup predictions against NNI in pure stands, and against two NNI‐derived indices in mixtures, was performed. The Nup values appeared to be linearly related to NNI in pure stands of both grasses and legumes. The relationship was identical for the two groups of species and explained up to 86% of NNI variability. In mixtures, Nup also displayed a linear relationship with the two other tested indices, explaining 65% and 78% of variability. The conclusions of the three indices diverged with respect to strongly unbalanced mixtures, where the assumptions regarding the computation of NNI‐derived indices were not met. Excluding these situations, the overall relationship between Nup and NNI proved to be identical for mixtures and pure stands. The results suggest that Nup is a valid criterion for plant N nutrition which applies to a broad range of grassland species and to mixture conditions.
Does a leopard change its spots? Auditors and lawyers as valuation experts for minority shareholders in the judicial appraisal of private firms
Authors: Saastamoinen Jani , Savolainen Hanna
Published: January 2020

Agency theory suggests that minority shareholders in private firms are vulnerable to shareholder oppression, which necessitates shareholder protection. This paper investigates a form of shareholder protection, the special representative of minority shareholders, which is used in Finland and Sweden. The special representative is a valuation expert, typically an auditor or a lawyer, who assists minority shareholders in shareholder dissent cases which require judicial appraisal of the minority interest in a firm. The different codes of conduct associated with these professions may manifest themselves in their performance as valuation experts. We examine a comprehensive data set of judicial valuation cases of Finnish private firms, in which the judge learns the valuation estimates of the controlling shareholder, the minority shareholder and the special representative and then issues a verdict on the fair price of the firm's shares. Our findings indicate that the special representative benefits minority shareholders by reducing the gap between the minority shareholders’ and the judge's valuation estimates. Our results also suggest that the special representative's professional background may affect how he or she values the company. We find that special representatives who are auditors propose more conservative valuation estimates than lawyers do.
Estimating patient‐reported outcomes for glaucoma management: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Uruthiramoorthy Lavanya , Hutnik Cindy M.L. , Speechley Kathy N. , Malvankar‐Mehta Monali S. , Lizotte Daniel J
Published: January 2020

Aim

To identify important explanatory variables of four patient‐reported outcomes (PROs): vision‐related quality of life (VRQoL), preference‐based health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), social support and community integration and depressive symptoms.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study conducted at one ophthalmic practice in a hospital setting. Patients with a diagnosis of glaucoma or glaucoma suspect (n = 250) were sequentially recruited. Patients with language restrictions were excluded. Data were collected through medical chart reviews and face‐to‐face interviews. The PROs were measured using validated tools. Candidate models for predicting PROs from explanatory variables were constructed using linear and logistic regression, as well as classification and regression trees. Through leave‐one‐out cross‐validation, the performance of each model was assessed in terms of mean absolute error.

Results

Use of mobility aids, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), income, and living arrangements were most predictive of VRQoL, social support, and community integration. Use of mobility aids was also most predictive of the presence of depressive symptoms, and BCVA with preference‐based HRQoL.

Conclusion

Although promising associations were discovered, the models based on commonly collected clinical variables had limited ability to accurately predict individual patient PROs. Thus, although this study identifies clinical and demographic variables that are most predictive of PROs, routine collection of PROs in clinical practice may be necessary to obtain a complete picture of the quality of life of glaucoma patients.
The use of journal clubs to teach evidence‐based medicine to health professionals: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ilic Dragan , de Voogt Annelies , Oldroyd John
Published: January 2020

Background

Journal clubs are an educational activity in which individuals meet to critique and discuss research articles. They are an established part of the medical education system and are considered to be a practical way to improve the content knowledge of health professionals.

Aims

To determine the effectiveness of journal clubs for increasing health professionals’ competency in EBM.

Methods

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed. Electronic searches were conducted in October 2019 across MEDLINE, ERIC and Scopus databases. Two authors independently reviewed articles, and extracted data. A risk‐of‐bias tool, based on the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias in RCTs, was used to assess internal validity.

Results

A total of 151 citations were returned, from which five studies (n = 378 individuals) were included in the final review. No overall statistical difference in knowledge scores was observed between health professionals participating in journal clubs compared to other professional education modes (SMD 0.15, 95% CI –0.09, 0.39). Similarly, no significant difference in attitudes or implementation of evidence‐based medicine practices was observed across studies.

Conclusions

There is insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of journal clubs in improving the knowledge, attitudes, and implementation of evidence‐based skills by health professionals in clinical practice. Further research is needed to test the effectiveness of other interventions to increase uptake of EBM in real world settings. Such interventions may include interactive components with auditing and feedback to facilitate more effective learning.
Nurse managed patient focused assessment and care: A grounded theory of qualified nurses in acute and critical care settings assessing the mental capacity of adult patients
Authors: Jones Sian , Gill Paul , Kenkre Joyce
Published: January 2020

Aims

To explore processes used by qualified nurses in assessing mental capacity of acutely and critically ill hospitalised adult patients.

Background

Mental capacity is the ability to understand, reason and make decisions. Acute and critical illness may impact upon the decision‐making abilities of hospitalised adult patients but little is known about how qualified nurses across a range of acute settings assess the capacity of such patients in their care.

Design

A qualitative grounded theory approach informed by the Corbin and Strauss (Basics of Qualitative Research (Third Edition). London, UK: Sage, 2008) methodological pathway.

Methods

Data were collected through digitally recorded, semi‐structured interviews to explore assessment of capacity processes used by 13 registered nurses employed in acute and critical care environments in a district general hospital in South Wales, UK. Data were analysed using iterative constant comparative processes leading to a core category and grounded theory. The study is presented in accordance with the COREQ checklist.

Results

Informal, intuitive, holistic nurse‐led processes were used to assess the mental capacity of patients which combined processes for the assessment of their physiological and mental capacity status, recognising the need to support their rights, dignity and autonomy. The assessment of mental capacity was not a lone process but one that contributed to a cyclical process in which multi‐professional assessment was necessary and ongoing, and in which qualified nurses had a co‐ordinating role. This led to the development of the theory, Nurse Managed Patient Focused Assessment and Care.

Conclusion

This theory provides a framework to explain processes and strategies used by qualified nurses in assessing mental capacity of, and caring for, adult patients with acute and/or critical illness.

Relevance to clinical practice

This framework may inform related clinical practice and can serve as a basis of an assessment tool in what has been identified as a fundamental role of the qualified nurse.
Health Literacy in Kidney Disease: Associations with Quality of Life and Adherence
Authors: Elisabeth Stømer Une , Klopstad Wahl Astrid , Gunnar Gøransson Lasse , Hjorthaug Urstad Kristin
Published: January 2020

Background

Health literacy (HL) is a multidimensional concept with significance for self‐management and health outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, research with a multidimensional perspective on HL is scarce.

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the relationship between multidimensional HL, quality of life (QoL) and adherence to long‐term therapy in CKD patients.

Design

A descriptive single‐centre cross‐sectional study.

Participants

Patients with CKD in stages 3–5 were recruited from the nephrology unit in a Norwegian hospital.

Measurements

The Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) was used to assess HL, QoL was measured by the Short Form‐12 (SF‐12) and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS‐QoL). Adherence to long‐term therapy was measured by the Medical Adherence Rating Scale 5 (MARS‐5), participants' prescription withdrawals from pharmacies, and a VAS (VAS‐adherence). Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to group patients with similar HLQ scores, and multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify the HL dimensions that were associated with QoL and adherence to long‐term therapy.

Results

A total of 187 patients were included, 65% were male, and the mean (SD) age was 67 (13) years. The high‐level HL group (N = 52) had significantly better QoL than patients in the mid‐level (N = 106) and low‐level (N = 27) HL groups. The HL dimensions “actively managing health,” “actively engage with healthcare providers,” “ability to find good health information” and “ability to understand health information” were predictive of QoL and adherence to long‐term therapy.

Conclusion

HL seems to be important for both QoL and adherence to long‐term therapy.
Do Australian children carry out recommended preventive child health behaviours? Insights from an online parent survey
Authors: Baker Sabine , Morawska Alina , Mitchell Amy E
Published: January 2020

Aim

To investigate (i) the proportion of Australian children who do not adhere to preventive child health behaviours, (ii) clustering of child health behaviours, (iii) the proportion of parents who are concerned about not meeting recommendations and (iv) parents' access to and interest in information on ways to establish healthy habits in their child.

Methods

A cross‐sectional online survey of 477 Australian parents of 0–4‐year‐old children assessed the degree to which children meet key child health recommendations (diet, physical activity, oral health, sleep, pedestrian/vehicle safety, screen use, sun safety, personal hygiene, medical care), examined clustering of health behaviours and identified parents' greatest concerns.

Results

A significant proportion of children do not meet recommendations for many preventive child health behaviours. More than half of the parents report infrequent toothbrushing and dentist check‐ups, less than the recommended vegetable consumption, excessive consumption of treats, not wearing safety equipment, excessive screen time and screen time during meals, child inactivity, insufficient sleep, not covering coughs and sneezes, insufficient hand and nail hygiene and inadequate sun protection. No clustering of life‐style risk behaviours was found. Areas of greatest concern to parents are vegetable consumption, toothbrushing, covering coughs and sneezes, screen time and wearing sunglasses.

Conclusions

While the majority of Australian parents have accessed child health recommendations, relatively few consistently implement health‐protective practices with their children. Parents are concerned about this and interested in receiving information. Future research should investigate barriers to following guidelines and how parents can best be supported in establishing healthy habits.
Characteristics associated with bacterial growth in urine in 451 proteinuric dogs (2008‐2018)
Authors: Grimes Millie , Heseltine Johanna C. , Nabity Mary B. , Lawhon Sara D. , Wheeler Lance , Cigarroa Annalis , Lidbury Jonathan A.
Published: January 2020

Background

Urine cultures are frequently recommended to rule out infection as a postrenal cause of proteinuria.

Objective

Identify characteristics associated with bacterial growth in urine in proteinuric dogs.

Animals

Four hundred and fifty‐one dogs admitted to a teaching hospital between January 2008 and January 2018 with urine protein‐to‐creatinine ratios (UPCs) >0.5.

Methods

Retrospective study included dogs with a UPC, urinalysis, and quantitative urine culture (QUC) performed within a 72‐hour period by searching electronic records. Dogs with recent antimicrobial therapy, urine collected by methods other than cystocentesis, or UPC ≤0.5 were excluded. Signalment, comorbidities, serum BUN and creatinine concentrations, urinalysis findings, and QUC results were recorded. The association between these characteristics and presence of bacterial growth in urine was assessed by univariable and multivariable analysis.

Results

Thirty of four hundred fifty‐one dogs (6.7%) had bacterial growth in urine. Of these, 18 (60.0%) had active urine sediment. Bacterial growth in urine was associated with pyuria (odd ratio [OR] 25.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.9‐79.6, P < .001), bacteriuria (OR 11.1, 95% CI 3.2‐39.1, P < .001), and lower urinary tract disease (OR 6.7, 95% CI 1.9‐23.0; P = .0028). If QUC was prompted based on these criteria, 8/451 (1.8%) of proteinuric dogs would have had undetected bacterial growth.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The proportion of proteinuric dogs with both inactive urine sediment and bacterial growth in urine was low, suggesting that QUC might not be necessary in the evaluation of all proteinuric dogs. An active urine sediment or lower urinary tract disease should prompt QUC for proteinuric dogs.
Electoral Externalities in Federations – Evidence from German Opinion Polls
Authors: Frei Xenia , Langer Sebastian , Lehmann Robert , Roesel Felix
Published: January 2020

The performance of parties at the national level is likely to influence election results at the local level, and vice versa. However, researchers have not yet quantified those electoral externalities. We apply vector autoregressions with predetermined variables to new high‐frequency opinion poll data for the German state of Berlin, measuring voting intentions of Berlin voters for the state parliament and for the national parliament. Our results show that the impact of local politics on national elections has been drastically underestimated so far. Shocks in state parliament voting intentions influence national parliament voting intentions to the very same extent as vice versa. Externalities account for around 10% to 40% of the variation at the other level of government. Left‐wing parties interact somewhat more strongly between different levels of government than right‐wing parties, and effects are more persistent.
Claims, confusion, and status: Which city is New Zealand's oldest?
Authors: Brett André
Published: January 2020

There is little clarity as to which city is New Zealand's “oldest” or “first.” Scholars, journalists, and websites make competing claims. This article examines various categories by which cities can claim to be oldest, and reveals that Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington have valid claims but Dunedin and Nelson do not. Most claims are bound up in the inconsistent development of New Zealand's municipal authorities and representative institutions. I conclude that although the status of “oldest city” has no legal significance, this detail provides an accessible entry point to important historical narratives and to understanding urban life in colonial New Zealand.
Feasibility and acceptability of a future‐oriented empowerment program to prevent substance use and school dropout among school‐disengaged youth
Authors: Stoddard Sarah A. , Hughesdon Kathryn , Khan Angubeen , Zimmerman Marc A.
Published: January 2020

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a health promotion program to prevent school dropout and substance use among middle school‐aged youth who display early warning signs of school disengagement.

Intervention

Youth Empowerment Solutions for Positive Futures (YES‐PF), an intensive, theoretically driven, 5‐week summer enrichment program, aims to prevent school dropout and substance use by promoting youth empowerment, school engagement, and future orientation.

Design and Sample

Using a pre–post‐intervention design, we test feasibility and acceptability with 6th and 7th grade students (n = 43) who exhibited early warning signs for school disengagement (e.g., chronic absenteeism) in two school districts.

Measures

Program evaluation components included: (a) program session forms completed by facilitators; (b) post‐program interviews with facilitators; (c) post‐intervention program evaluation surveys with youth; (d) attendance; and (e) baseline and post‐intervention surveys with youth to assess behavioral and psychosocial outcomes.

Results

Facilitators routinely delivered core component lesson activities. Acceptability and program satisfaction were evidenced in strong program attendance by youth. Youth participants reported higher levels of leadership efficacy (p < .05) and a greater sense of control over their lives and potential problems (p < .01).

Conclusions

YES‐PF was feasible and acceptable to school personnel and youth. Program refinement, based on implementation findings, is discussed.