bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges with mission, vision, and change in a 1:1 school: a faction analysis
Authors: Cho Vincent , Hamilton Erica R. , Tuthill Kaitlyn F.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Although organizational visions can guide everyday work, little is known about how visions relating to non-academic goals, such as social justice, might be integrated into educators’ technology practices. The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze one school’s 1:1 iPad initiative, including the potential role played by the school’s social justice mission.

Design/methodology/approach

This mixed-methods case study drew upon data collected in a 1:1 school enrolling approximately 1,500 students. In total, approximately 138 educators responded to the online survey, and 18 educators participated in interviews. Social network analysis (SNA) techniques (i.e. faction analysis) and analysis of variance helped to describe educators’ instructional practices and attitudes involving iPads, including the extent to which devices were used in alignment with the school’s mission and vision.

Findings

Lacking a centralizing core of actors, the school was found to be divided into nine distinct, cohesive subgroups (i.e. factions). Statistically significant differences were found among these communities of discourse. Leaders’ lack of centrality in school change, especially as it related to helping teachers envision ways to connect mission with practices, may have hindered technology integration and instructional innovation.

Originality/value

Whereas prior research has described the centralizing role leaders may play in 1:1 initiatives, this study demonstrates how a lack of centralized leadership structures may adversely impact a sense of mission, and ultimately, technology integration. Moreover, this study advances the use of SNA methodologies in studies of leadership, especially the use of latent, underlying communities of discourse as categories for further analysis. As such, the authors discuss recommendations for leaders regarding the development of cohesion around issues of mission, vision and technology integration. Further, the authors point toward ways in which scholars might conceptualize about technologically supported educational change.
NGO–school interactions as portrayed by elite and popular press in Israel and England
Authors: Tamir Eran , Yemini Miri , Tucker Khen
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to map, characterize and conceptualize the press discourse of NGO–school interactions within public education in Israel and in England.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a corpus of articles published in key elite and popular daily newspapers in Israel and in England. The data were analyzed through two complementary methodologies, framing analysis (FA) and critical discourse analysis (CDA).

Findings

Significant differences were observed in the way the topic is framed in the articles, in particular between the different types of newspapers. The elite newspapers (Ha’aretzandThe Guardian) tended to frame the events in a thematic manner even when they contained episodic discussions, while the popular newspapers (Yedioth AharonothandThe Times) tended to cover the events episodically with no thematic coverage whatsoever. CDA of news items identified two major themes: financial issues, and problematization vs normalization discourse. Consistent with the FA, CDA revealed differences in the approaches advocated by popular and elite news outlets in covering news concerning NGO–school relations in each of the examined countries.

Originality/value

It is shown how popular newspapers offer the masses that depend on it a narrow and inferior coverage, of the problematic relations formed between NGOs and schools. A discussion of possible implications of the findings is presented, in light of the growing prominence of external entities in public education.
Analyzing environment sustainability enablers using fuzzy DEMATEL for an Indian steel manufacturing company
Authors: Goyal Shishir , Routroy Srikanta , Singhal Anupam
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the Environmental Sustainability Enablers (ESEs) for an Indian steel manufacturing company to select the appropriate set of ESEs for implementing and enhancing environmental sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

A methodology using fuzzy Decision-Making Trail and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) is proposed to analyze ESEs capturing multiple experts’ qualitative judgments on their mutual impacts. It is applied to an Indian steel manufacturing company to understand the salient features of the concept.

Findings

The relevant 18 ESEs were classified into cause and effect group and also interactions (i.e. influencing and influenced) of each ESE with other ESEs were evaluated. It was observed that the five ESEs (i.e. competitors’ environmental sustainability strategy, environmental compliance certification, government regulations and incentives, influence of external factors and air pollution controlling system) are the most prominent in the cause group.

Research limitations/implications

The results obtained are specific to an Indian steel manufacturing company and it cannot be generalized for steel manufacturing sector. However, the current paper can show direction to carry out such work in other manufacturing companies.

Practical implications

The proposed methodology will be helpful for allocating efforts and resources to enhance the impact of ESEs for successful achievement of environmental sustainability.

Originality/value

No such paper has been reported in the literature with an objective to develop structural framework for Indian steel manufacturing company to improve environmental sustainability.
Diversification effect of ship investment funds in South Korea
Authors: Lee Jae-Boong , Woo Su-Han , Song Jeong Seok , Seong Byeongchan , Park Keun-Sik
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the diversification effect of the Korean Ship Investment Fund (KSF) under Markowitz portfolio theory by analyzing short-term and long-term relationships with stocks and bonds.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, unit root, correlation and cointegration tests are performed. Monthly data from 2004 to 2015 for stocks, bonds and KSFs are obtained for this study.

Findings

The correlation coefficients indicate that KSFs are uncorrelated with stocks and negatively correlated with bonds, and no long-term equilibrium relationships exist with all three variables by the Johansen and Engle-Granger cointegration tests.

Research limitations/implications

This paper makes contribution to the literature as follows: first, whereas the previous literature investigated diversification effect of ship investment using freight indices or freight rates which are not able to represent returns from ship investment, this study is the first study to use actual stock prices of the KSFs to the authors’ best knowledge; and second, diversification effect of ship investment represented by KSFs is empirically verified in the both short term and long term.

Practical implications

Policy-makers and managers of shipping companies can have sound ground that the KSFs are alternative and attractive assets to investors. It is also shown that the KSFs have potential to improve risk and return structure of investors on their own regardless of existence of incentives. Therefore, decisions of policy-makers can be made free from expectations for stronger incentives provided by the government. In addition, those countries that do not have such a ship investment platform may consider introducing a similar ship investment fund in order to revitalize the capital markets of the country.

Originality/value

This study holds its significance in investigating diversification properties of the KSFs for the first time in Korea since the KSFs were introduced.
Partners and plagiarisers: dualities in consultants’ influence on organisational change projects
Authors: Shaw David
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the interplay between the requirements for successful organisational change and the imperatives faced by management consultancy firms in running successful businesses, and how this interplay affects the ways in which management consultants influence organisational change projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews literature on management consultancy and organisational change over the past 30 years to identify insights into this issue.

Findings

The paper shows that business imperatives faced by management consultancy firms affect the ways in which consultants influence organisational change projects. It shows how management consultants aspire to form strategic partnerships with their clients in order to win profitable business, and to plagiarise established organising practices and change management methods in defining their services in order to manage their costs. It illustrates how these aspirations give rise to a number of dualities that consultants face in undertaking organisational change projects.

Originality/value

Only limited research has been carried out into the ways in which the business imperatives of management consultancy firms interact with the requirements for successful organisational change in shaping the influence that management consultants have on organisational change projects. This paper demonstrates the significance of this issue and suggests directions for future research into it.
Supporting the mental health needs of young people: the spatial practices of school nurses
Authors: Sherwin Sarah Grace
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness of an understanding of how school nurses work in multiple spaces, supporting young people in relation to promoting and protecting their emotional and mental health and wellbeing. It is argued that young people’s emotional health needs are still as prevalent today as they were over 150 years ago, when Charles Dickens wrote about them in the novelNicholas Nickleby.

Design/methodology/approach

Soja’s (1996) typology of spatial practice is applied to school nursing practice in an attempt to explore how different types of space influence how support is given to young people.

Findings

Examples are provided from previous research (Sherwin, 2016) of how Soja’s theory of Firstspace, Secondspace and Thirdspace can be identified within school nurses’ practice, thereby providing an understanding of how school nurses provide support to young people on an everyday basis. It is proposed that in an addition Fourthspace also exists and a new conceptual model of spatial practice is proposed.

Originality/value

School nurses have the potential to make a significant impact on preventing and protecting young people’s mental health. They provide valuable support to young people to enable them to cope with the complexities of their lives, yet relatively little is known about their everyday practice as this is an under-reported area of nursing. A new conceptual model is proposed to help provide an understanding of their practice.
Impact of corporate governance attributes on cost of equity
Authors: Srivastava Varnita , Das Niladri , Pattanayak Jamini Kanta
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to construct a comprehensive Indian corporate governance index in light of the recently introduced Companies Act, 2013, which is further validated by analyzing its impact on the cost of equity of a firm.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the hand-collected data from firms listed on S&P BSE 500 from 2001 to 2016, this index comprises seven equally weighted sub-indices, comprising a total of 43 corporate governance attributes. This index and the sub-indices have further been regressed with the cost of equity of a firm.

Findings

The results suggest a negative significant relationship between the overall corporate governance and the cost of equity. The study also suggests that among all the sub-indices, board composition predicts the cost of equity to a greater extent. Other than this, the audit committee sub-index has a negative significant association with the cost of equity. The findings imply that a well-governed firm enjoys ease of access to equity finance from the market.

Originality/value

The corporate governance index is based on the recent regulatory reforms introduced in India. The index, with certain changes suitable to the local context, can be applied to similar emerging economies as well. The causal relationship tested using this method is the first one done in India. This study adds to the domain of corporate governance literature with special focus on the construction of an index for an emerging economy.
Misuse of non-mandatory earnings reporting by companies
Authors: Howard Michael , Maroun Warren , Garnett Robert
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the possibility of South African companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) using adjusted earnings as a part of an impression expectation management strategy focused on demonstrating how reported earnings measures meeting or beating analysts’ earnings forecasts.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple response analysis approach is used. Earnings adjustments are coded according to a defined typology and assessed for their status as either valid or invalid. The number of occurrences of adjusted earnings measures over a five year period (2010-2014) meeting or beating analyst forecasts is calculated.

Findings

The use of adjusted earnings by JSE listed companies is a common occurrence. There is evidence to suggest that this is used part of an impression expectation management strategy. Most of the adjustments are invalid. When otherwise valid adjustments are used in a particular year, these are frequently repeated, and when adjusted earnings are reported, these normally exceed analysts’ forecasts.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is based on a relatively small sample from a single jurisdiction and limited time period. Nevertheless, the findings point to the need to revisit how financial performance is measured and reported, evaluate additional regulation to protect investors and understand in more detail exactly how and why companies use adjusted earnings as an impression expectation management tool.

Originality/value

The paper adds to the limited body of research on performance reporting outside of the USA and Europe. It also examines the use of adjusted earnings in a unique setting where, in addition to IFRS numbers, companies are required to report a mandatory adjusted earnings figure (headline earnings).
Joint effects of folate and vitamin B12 imbalance with maternal characteristics on gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Li Shuying , Hou Yaxing , Yan Xinxin , Wang Yuwen , Shi Chen , Wu Xiaoyan , Liu Huihuan , Zhang Liwen , Zhang Xumei , Liu Juan , Zhang Ming , Zhang Qiang , Tang Naijun
Published: January 2019

Background

This study examined whether folate and vitamin B12 imbalance is associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and explored interactions between B vitamin imbalance and maternal risk factors for GDM.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was performed in 406 Chinese pregnant women. Serum folate, vitamin B12, and blood glucose concentrations were measured at 24 to 28 weeks gestation during GDM screening. A diagnosis of GDM was made based on International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups criteria (fasting plasma glucose [FPG] ≥5.1 mM, 1‐hour plasma glucose ≥10.0 mM, or 2‐hour plasma glucose ≥8.5 mM). Binary logistic regression was used to obtain odds ratios (ORs) after controlling for different confounders.

Results

Higher folate levels were associated with higher glucose concentrations and a higher risk of GDM (OR 1.98; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00‐3.90), whereas higher vitamin B12 levels were associated with lower FPG and a lower risk of GDM (OR 0.30; 95% CI 0.15‐0.60). A higher folate: vitamin B12 ratio was associated with higher glucose and a higher risk of GDM (OR 3.08; 95% CI 1.63‐5.83). The presence of both a higher folate: vitamin B12 ratio and advanced age further increased the OR to 2.13 (95% CI 1.09‐4.15) with a significant additive interaction. Furthermore, a higher folate: vitamin B12 ratio and a higher prepregnancy body mass index (pp‐BMI) were synergistically associated with an increased risk of GDM (OR 3.03; 95% CI 1.40‐6.57).

Conclusions

An imbalance between folate and vitamin B12, represented by a higher folate: vitamin B12 ratio, was highly associated with GDM risk, and this association could be further modified by maternal age and pp‐BMI.
Phylogenomics from low‐coverage whole‐genome sequencing
Authors: Zhang Feng , Ding Yinhuan , Zhu Chao‐Dong , Zhou Xin , Orr Michael C. , Scheu Stefan , Luan Yun‐Xia
Published: January 2019

Phylogenetic studies are increasingly reliant on next‐generation sequencing. Transcriptomic and hybrid enrichment sequencing techniques remain the most prevalent methods for phylogenomic data collection due to their relatively low demands for computing powers and sequencing prices, compared to whole‐genome sequencing (WGS). However, the transcriptome‐based method is constrained by the availability of fresh materials and hybrid enrichment is limited by genomic resources necessary in probe designs, especially for non‐model organisms.

We present a novel WGS‐based pipeline for extracting essential phylogenomic markers through rapid de novo genome assembling from low‐coverage genome data, employing a series of computationally efficient bioinformatic tools. We tested the pipeline on a Hexapoda dataset and a more focused Phthiraptera dataset (genome sizes 0.1–2 Gbp), and further investigated the effects of sequencing depth on target assembly success rate based on the raw data of six insect genomes (0.1–1 Gbp).

Each genome assembly was completed in 2–24 hr on desktop PCs. We extracted 872–1,615 near‐universal single‐copy orthologs (Benchmarking Universal Single‐Copy Orthologs [BUSCOs]) per species. This method also enables the development of ultraconserved element (UCE) probe sets; we generated probes for Phthiraptera based on our WGS assemblies, containing 55,030 baits targeting 2,832 loci, from which we extracted 2,125–2,272 UCEs. Resulting phylogenetic trees all agreed with the currently accepted topologies, indicating that markers produced in our methods were valid for phylogenomic studies. We also showed that 10–20× sequencing coverage was sufficient to produce hundreds to thousands of targeted loci from BUSCO sets, and an even lower coverage (5×) was required for UCEs.

Our study demonstrates the feasibility of conducting phylogenomics from low‐coverage WGS for a wide range of organisms without reference genomes. This new approach has major advantages in data collection, particularly in reducing sequencing cost and computing consumption, while expanding loci choices.
The value of syntax score to predict new‐onset atrial fibrillation in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Cirakoglu Omer Faruk , Aslan Ahmet Oğuz , Akyuz Ali Riza , Kul Selim , Şahin Sinan , Korkmaz Levent , Sayın Muhammet Raşit
Published: January 2019

Background and aim

New‐onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) has been associated with poor outcome in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Also, Syntax score (SS) is a scoring system that is derived from angiographic images and is associated with long‐term mortality and major adverse cardiac events. In this study, we aimed to assess the relationship between SS and NOAF with known predictors of atrial fibrillation.

Methods

In a prospective, single‐center, cross‐sectional study, 692 patients who were diagnosed with coronary artery disease for the first time were enrolled consecutively. NOAF was defined as atrial fibrillation, which was documented after hospital admission. SS was calculated by a computer software. Multivariable logistic regression analyzes were used to detect the relationship between variables and NOAF.

Results

New‐onset atrial fibrillation was detected in 82 patients (11.8%). Patients with NOAF had higher SS (22, interquartile range 18.3–25.1, vs. 12, interquartile range 7–19.5, p < 0.001). According to multivariable logistic regression analysis for NOAF, SS were independently and significantly associated (OR, 1.103; 95% confidence interval, 1.047–1.163; p < 0.001). Other independent predictors of NOAF were TIMI flow <3, C reactive protein, left ventricular ejection fraction, left atrial volume index and E/E′ ratio. The optimal cut‐off value for SS was 18 for the development of NOAF with 82% sensitivity and 68% specificity (area under the curve: 0.795, 95% confidence interval 0.749–0.841, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Syntax score may be helpful to identify for patients who would develop atrial fibrillation in the setting of ACS.
Identification of a novel exon3 deletion of RYR2 in a family with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Dharmawan Tommy , Nakajima Tadashi , Ohno Seiko , Iizuka Takashi , Tamura Shuntaro , Kaneko Yoshiaki , Horie Minoru , Kurabayashi Masahiko
Published: January 2019

Background

RYR2, encoding cardiac ryanodine receptor, is the major responsible gene for catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). Meanwhile, KCNJ2, encoding inward‐rectifier potassium channel (IK1), can be the responsible gene for atypical CPVT. We recently encountered a family with CPVT and sought to identify a responsible gene variant.

Methods

A targeted panel sequencing (TPS) was employed in the proband. Copy number variation (CNV) in RYR2 was identified by focusing on read numbers in the TPS and long‐range PCR. Cascade screening was conducted by a Sanger method and long‐range PCR. KCNJ2 wild‐type (WT) or an identified variant was expressed in COS‐1 cells, and whole‐cell currents (IK1) were recorded using patch‐clamp techniques.

Results

A 40‐year‐old female experienced cardiopulmonary arrest while cycling. Her ECG showed sinus bradycardia with prominent U‐waves (≥0.2 mV). She had left ventricular hypertrabeculation at apex. Exercise induced frequent polymorphic ventricular arrhythmias. Her sister died suddenly at age 35 while bouldering. Her father and paternal aunt, with prominent U‐waves, received permanent pacemaker due to sinus node dysfunction. The initial TPS and cascade screening identified a KCNJ2 E118D variant in all three symptomatic patients. However, after focusing on read numbers, we identified a novel exon3 deletion of RYR2 (RYR2‐exon3 deletion) in all of them. Functional analysis revealed that KCNJ2 E118D generated IK1 indistinguishable from KCNJ2 WT, even in the presence of catecholaminergic stimulation.

Conclusions

Focusing on the read numbers in the TPS enabled us to identify a novel CNV, RYR2‐exon3 deletion, which was associated with phenotypic features of this family.
Atrial fibrillation in elderly patients with implantable loop recorders for unexplained syncope
Authors: Arcinas Liane A. , McIntyre William F. , Hayes Christopher J. , Ibrahim Omar A. , Baranchuk Adrian M. , Seifer Colette M.
Published: January 2019

Background

An implantable loop recorder (ILR) assists in the diagnosis of unexplained syncope and atrial fibrillation (AF). Both become prevalent with age. Limited data exist describing the incidence of AF as the diagnostic rhythm underlying syncope in the elderly. This study aims to report the incidence of AF in older adults with ILRs for unexplained syncope and identify clinical characteristics associated with AF in this population.

Methods

Retrospective observational study on patients with unexplained syncope seen in syncope clinics from two Canadian centers. Participants were ≥65 years old, without a history of AF, and received an ILR for unexplained syncope. Data were collected from patient’s clinic charts. Arrhythmia diagnosis was based on ILR electrocardiogram reading during syncope (symptom–rhythm correlation). Fisher’s exact test and the Student’s t test were used to compare participants with and without AF.

Results

In our cohort of 222 patients, 124 were females and 98 were males. Mean age at implant was 80 ± 8 years. Arrhythmia was diagnosed in 98 patients (44.1%). Median time to diagnosis was 18 months. AF was diagnosed in 17 (7.7%) participants. There were fewer males in the AF group than the no AF group (11.8%, 46.8%, p = 0.01). Age, baseline EKG, and prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, stroke, or ischemic heart disease were not statistically different between patients with AF and without AF.

Conclusions

Atrial fibrillation was a common diagnostic rhythm in this cohort of adults, aged 65 and older, with ILRs for unexplained syncope. It was observed more frequently in females.
Active care of infants born between 22 and 26 weeks of gestation does not follow consensus expert recommendations
Authors: Sinclair Ruth , Bajuk Barbara , Guaran Robert , Challis Daniel , Sheils Joanne , Abdel‐Latif Mohamed E. , Hilder Lisa , Wright Ian M. , Oei Ju Lee
Published: January 2019

Aim

To determine the relationship between clinical practice and publication of an Australian consensus statement for management of extremely preterm infants in 2006.

Methods

A population‐based study using linked data from New South Wales, Australia for births between 22 + 0 and 26 + 6 weeks of gestation between 2000 and 2011.

Results

There were 4746 births of whom 2870 were liveborn and 1876 were stillborn. Of the live births, 2041 (71%) were resuscitated, 1914 (67%) were admitted into a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and 1310 (46%) survived to hospital discharge. Thirty‐nine (2%) stillbirths were resuscitated but none survived. No 22‐week infant survived to hospital discharge. Fewer 23‐week gestation infants were resuscitated between 2004 (52%) and 2005 (20%) but resuscitation rates increased by 2008 (44%). There was no difference at other gestations. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) for resuscitation was increased by birthweight (OR: 1.01), tertiary hospital birth (OR: 3.4) and Caesarean delivery (OR: 11.3) and decreased by rural residence (OR: 0.4) and male gender (OR: 0.7).

Conclusion

Expert recommendations may be shaped by clinical practice rather than the converse, especially for 23‐week gestation infants. Recommendations should be revised regularly to include clinical practice changes.
Is Tax Education Good or Evil for Boosting Tax Compliance? Evidence from Hong Kong
Authors: Kwok Betty Yuk Sim , Yip Rita Wing Yue
Published: January 2019

Whereas some researchers suggest that education fosters tax compliance, others argue that tax knowledge inspires tax evasion. The present study explores whether ‘tax education’ improves tax compliance using data from Hong Kong, given its influential position in East Asia and the government's reliance on taxpayers' voluntary reporting. Taxpayers comply if they are ‘able and willing to’ positively ‘perceive tax system fairness’ and ‘morally’ believe that it is right to comply. Our research model consolidates and empirically tests these factors as underlying channels explaining how tax education improves tax compliance. Being the first study to investigate how tax compliance in Hong Kong is affected by tax education through these channels, our empirical evidence is useful for future researchers and policy‐makers in the region.
Contrasting vegetation change (1974–2015) in hedgerows and forests in an intensively used agricultural landscape
Authors: Van Den Berge Sanne , Tessens Sam , Baeten Lander , Vanderschaeve Cecile , Verheyen Kris
Published: January 2019

Questions

How did hedgerows and forests change in area between 1974 and 2015 and did hedgerows still show the same vegetation composition in 2015? To what degree did the vegetation change in hedgerows and how do these changes compare to changes in forests? What is the nature of the species that changed and, from these, can we make general inferences about possible drivers of change?

Location

The countryside in the municipality of Turnhout, province of Antwerp, northern Belgium.

Methods

Through a resurvey of 54 and 20 quasi‐permanent plots in hedgerows and forests, respectively, we investigated shifts in the herb layer over the period 1974–2015. The plot‐level mean Ellenberg Indicator Values (EIVs) were calculated and soil samples were taken in 2015. We compared diversity statistics and used used Generalized Linear Mixed‐Effects Models (GLMMs) to detect trends in species richness (SR) and EIVs. Via a non‐metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) ordination based on the Sørensen dissimilarity, we compared shifts at the community level.

Results

Our study shows severe, but opposite changes in SR in forests and hedgerows. In forests, SR declined and a homogenization occurred. The shifts in EIVs indicate that forest vegetation evolved to more shade‐tolerant and nutrient‐demanding species, likely due to eutrophication combined with natural forest succession. In hedgerows, SR significantly increased. The species pool became more diverse and more heterogeneous. Changes in EIVs suggest a change towards more light‐demanding species, possibly caused by fragmentation of the network, and towards species indicative for nutrient‐rich habitats, benefiting from eutrophication.

Conclusions

In general, SR in hedgerows is higher than in forests in our studied region, being a suitable habitat for a wide range of plant species in the countryside. However, the loss of almost 30% of the hedgerow habitat in 41 years confronts us with the challenge of protecting the hedgerow remnants, in the interest of agro‐biodiversity.
Reproduction and transformation of students’ technology practice: The tale of two distinctive secondary student cases
Authors: Beckman Karley , Bennett Sue , Lockyer Lori
Published: January 2019

Disparities in the technology practices, skills and knowledge of school students still exist, despite widespread investment, and use in schools. In order to understand why inequalities remain, we first need a more nuanced understanding of students’ technology practice, including understanding how their backgrounds, circumstances and experiences shape their perceptions of and engagement with technology. This paper proposes that research in the field of educational technology would benefit from a sociological framing in order to highlight how and why students use technology at school and in their everyday lives. The paper reports on a qualitative embedded case study of 13–16‐year‐old students in two Australian secondary schools. In‐depth case studies of two selected students illustrate the complex nature of students’ technology practice. Bourdieu’s concepts of field, habitus and capital are used as a lens through which to view and understand inequalities in students’ technology practice. The findings demonstrate the utility of sociological theory in educational technology research by highlighting systems and structures of reproduction and transformation. Furthermore, the findings can inform an approach to teaching and learning that considers students’ varied experiences, knowledge, perspectives and backgrounds relating to technology.
Recursive anisotropy: a spatial taphonomic study of the Early Pleistocene vertebrate assemblage of Tsiotra Vryssi, Mygdonia Basin, Greece
Authors: Giusti Domenico , Konidaris George E. , Tourloukis Vangelis , Marini Mattia , Maron Matteo , Zerboni Andrea , Thompson Nicholas , Koufos George D. , Kostopoulos Dimitris S. , Harvati Katerina
Published: January 2019

By applying advanced spatial statistical methods, spatial taphonomy complements the traditional taphonomic approach and enhances our understanding of biostratinomic and diagenetic processes. In this study, we elaborate on a specific aspect – spatial anisotropy – of taphonomic processes. We aim to unravel the taphonomic history of the Early Pleistocene vertebrate assemblage of Tsiotra Vryssi (Mygdonia Basin, Greece). Circular statistics are used for the fabric analysis of elongated elements; geostatistics (directional variograms), wavelet and point pattern analyses are applied for detecting anisotropy at the assemblage level. The anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) of sedimentary magnetic minerals is also investigated. The results, integrated with preliminary remarks about the differential preservation of skeletal elements, sedimentological and micromorphological observations, suggest multiple dispersion events and recurrent spatial re‐arrangement of a lag, (peri)autochthonous assemblage, consistent with the cyclical lateral switching of a braided fluvial system. Furthermore, this study offers a contribution to the building of a spatial taphonomic referential framework for the interpretation of other fossil vertebrate assemblages, including archaeo‐palaeontological ones.
Dysregulation of ß‐catenin, WISP1 and TCF21 predicts disease‐specific survival and primary response against radio(chemo)therapy in patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck
Authors: Vyskocil Erich , Pammer Johannes , Altorjai Gabriela , Grasl Matthaeus Ch. , Parzefall Thomas , Haymerle Georg , Janik Stefan , Perisanidis Christos , Erovic Boban M.
Published: January 2019

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the prognostic and predictive impact of β‐catenin, TCF21 and WISP1 expression in patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck who underwent primary radiotherapy or concomitant chemoradiotherapy.

Study design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

University hospital.

Participants

Protein expression profiles of β‐catenin, TCF21, WISP1 and p16 were determined by immunohistochemical analyses in tissue samples of 59 untreated patients. Expression was correlated with different outcome parameters.

Main outcome measures

Impact of TNM classification, grading, sex, age, gender, type of therapy, response to therapy and p16 status on disease‐specific (DSS) and disease‐free survival (DFS).

Results

Patients with high expression of TCF21 were associated with significantly worse disease‐specific survival (P = 0.005). In a multivariable analysis, TCF21 was a significant determinant of disease‐specific survival. (HR 3.01; P = 0.036). Conversely, low expression of β‐catenin (P = 0.025) and WISP1 (P = 0.037) revealed a better response to radiotherapy.

Conclusion

Since data show that TCF21 is a prognostic factor for disease‐specific survival and WISP1 and ß‐catenin are predictive factors for clinical outcome after definitive radiotherapy, further studies are warranted to prove these preliminary but very promising findings.
Metformin attenuates the postprandial fall in blood pressure in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Borg Malcolm J. , Jones Karen L. , Sun Zilin , Horowitz Michael , Rayner Christopher K. , Wu Tongzhi
Published: January 2019

Metformin has been shown to modulate the cardiovascular response to intraduodenal glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and may have the capacity to regulate postprandial blood pressure (BP), which is often inadequately compensated in T2DM, resulting in postprandial hypotension. In the present study, we evaluated the acute effects of metformin on the BP and heart rate (HR) responses to oral glucose in patients with T2DM. Ten diet‐controlled T2DM patients were evaluated on two occasions in a double‐blind, randomized, crossover design. Participants received either metformin 1 g or saline (control) intraduodenally 60 minutes before ingesting a 50 g glucose drink labelled with 150 mg 13C‐acetate. BP, HR, plasma glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and gastric emptying (breath test) were evaluated over 180 minutes. Systolic and diastolic BP decreased and HR increased after oral glucose (P < 0.001 for all) on both days. Metformin attenuated the fall in systolic BP (P < 0.001), increased plasma GLP‐1 concentrations (P < 0.05) and slowed gastric emptying (P < 0.05) without significantly affecting diastolic BP or HR. In conclusion, metformin acutely attenuates the hypotensive response to oral glucose, associated with augmented GLP‐1 secretion and delayed gastric emptying, effects potentially relevant to its favourable cardiovascular profile.
Sex differences in trajectories of depression symptoms and associations with 10‐year mortality in patients with stroke: the South London Stroke Register
Authors: Ayis S. A. , Rudd A. G , Ayerbe L. , Wolfe C. D. A.
Published: January 2019

Background and purpose

Depression is a common neuropsychiatric consequence of stroke. We identified trajectories of depression symptoms in men and women and examined their associations with 10‐year all‐cause mortality.

Methods

Data were obtained from the South London Stroke Register (1998–2016). Socio‐demographic, stroke severity and clinical measures were collected during the acute phase. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to screen for depression at 3 months after stroke and then annually. We used group‐based trajectory models to identify trajectories of depression and Cox proportional hazards models to study the risk of mortality in them.

Results

We studied 1275 men and 1038 women. Three trajectories of depression symptoms were identified in men: I‐M (42.12%), low and stable symptoms; II‐M (46.51%), moderate increasing symptoms; and III‐M (11.37%), severe persistent symptoms. Four trajectories were identified in women; I‐F (29.09%), low symptoms; II‐F (49.81%), moderate symptoms; III‐F (16.28%), severe symptoms; and IV‐F (4.82%), very severe symptoms, all with stable symptoms. The 10‐year adjusted mortality hazard ratios in men were: 1.68 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.38–2.04] and 2.62 (95% CI, 1.97–3.48) for trajectories II‐M and III‐M, respectively, compared with I‐M. In women these were: 1.38 (95% CI, 1.09–1.75), 1.65 (95% CI, 1.23–2.20) and 2.81 (95% CI, 1.90–4.16) for trajectories II‐F, III‐F and IV‐F, respectively, compared with I‐F.

Conclusions

Depression trajectories varied independent of sex. Severe symptoms in women were double those in men. Moderate symptoms in men became worse over time. Increased symptoms of depression were associated with higher mortality rates. Data on symptom progression may help a better long‐term management of patients with stroke.
Protective Buffering by Service Members During Military Deployments: Associations with Psychological Distress and Relationship Functioning
Authors: Carter Sarah P. , Renshaw Keith D. , Curby Timothy W. , Allen Elizabeth S. , Markman Howard J. , Stanley Scott M.
Published: January 2019

To shield a romantic partner from potential distress due to stressors occurring during deployment, service members (SMs) may engage in protective buffering, or withholding information or concerns from a romantic partner. This study utilized data from 54 couples collected before, during, and after a military deployment to assess whether SMs engaged in protective buffering while deployed and the possible associations between buffering and psychological, relationship, and contextual factors. Only 2% of SMs indicated never engaging in protective buffering during a deployment. In bivariate analyses, only partners’ psychological distress prior to deployment was significantly associated (negatively) with protective buffering. In multilevel models with time nested within individuals, and individuals nested within couples, higher buffering was associated with less partner distress during deployment, but was also associated with higher SM distress both during and after deployment. In these multilevel models, protective buffering was not significantly associated with SM or partner marital satisfaction.
Are religious consumers more ethical and less Machiavellian? A segmentation study of Millennials
Authors: Arli Denni , Tkaczynski Aaron , Anandya Dudi
Published: January 2019

Millennial consumers are increasingly becoming important actors in business that account for sufficient purchasing power. However, Millennials are infamously narcissistic and their views of ethics are more relaxed than previous generations (i.e., Baby Boomers, Generation X). Millennials remain poorly understood in general, especially in the context of developing countries. Hence, the purpose of this study was to profile this generation by segmenting Millennials in Indonesia and investigating differences between these segments on their ethical beliefs and Machiavellianism, an important personality characteristic. This study used a convenience sample from a university in Indonesia (N = 540). The TwoStep cluster analysis produced three segments, namely, “The Religious Millennials”, “The Lukewarm Religious Millennials” and “The Least Religious Millennials”. Consumers who are highly religious are less likely to engage in various unethical behaviours. Interestingly, no significant differences were found between The Lukewarm Millennials and The Least Religious Millennials on their ethical beliefs. This research makes several research contributions. First, this study extended the Hunt–Vitell theory of ethics, where an individual (i.e., Millennials) confronts a problem perceived as having ethical content. Second, the study examined consumer ethics in the context of developing countries where religion plays a significant role in people’s daily life. Third, through understanding different segments, the results assist educators, social marketers and public policy makers in creating an effective campaign to reduce unethical behaviour among Millennials.
THE EFFECTS OF ACTIVIST INVESTORS ON FIRMS’ MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS
Authors: Swidler Steve , Trinh Tri , Yost Keven
Published: January 2019

We investigate the effects of activist investors on firm acquisitions, where activist investors include both hedge fund activists and entrepreneurial activists (venture capital funds, private equity funds, and individual investors). For completed deals, acquirers with activist investors experience significantly higher announcement cumulative abnormal returns compared to acquirers without activist investors. In addition, acquirers with activist investors are more likely to withdraw from value‐destroying transactions. Furthermore, the market reacts more favorably to acquirers with activists than to those without activists when these value‐destroying transactions are withdrawn. Our results highlight the role of activist investors in aligning managers’ and shareholders’ interests in acquisition decisions.
Consequences of biodiversity shift across phylogenetic scales for aspen and willow growth, survival, and herbivory
Authors: Grossman Jake J. , Cavender‐Bares Jeannine
Published: January 2019

Question

It has been established that community biodiversity has consequences for ecosystem function. Yet research assessing these biodiversity–ecosystem function (BEF) relationships usually occurs at only one phylogenetic scale; as such, the dependence of BEF relationships on phylogenetic scale has not been characterized. We present a novel framework for considering the consequences of biodiversity across phylogenetic scales, allowing us to ask: Do the consequences of intraspecific and interspecific diversity affect the growth, survival, and leaf herbivory of three temperate tree species?

Study site

Salicaceous tree plantation, Minnesota, northern USA.

Methods

We established an experimental plantation consisting of trees of three species within the willow (Salicaceae) family. Two aspen (Populus tremuloides, P. alba) and one willow (Salix nigra) species were represented by three unique genotypes such that tree neighborhoods varied both in genotype richness (intraspecific diversity) and species richness (interspecific diversity). We assessed the consequences of tree identity and diversity across these two phylogenetic scales for all trees’ aboveground productivity and survival, and for herbivore damage (on P. tremuloides) at the end of the second full growing season of the experiment.

Results

Diversity at any phylogenetic scale had no effect on the growth and survival of P. alba or S. nigra. However, intraspecific diversity increased the likelihood of P. tremuloides survival while interspecific diversity reduced P. tremuloides survival. Intraspecific diversity also reduced leaf removal and galling herbivory on P. tremuloides, while interspecific diversity had no effect on leaf removal and increased galling herbivory. Neither scale of diversity affected leaf mining.

Conclusions

Tree diversity within and among populations and species affected plant performance and ecosystem properties differentially, demonstrating that BEF relationships shift across phylogenetic scales in a taxon‐specific manner. We call for further experiments that explicitly span these scales by measuring ecosystem and physiological responses to the manipulation of diversity within and among species.
Ambivalence and Self‐Deception: Reframing the Debate
Authors: Poggiani Francesco
Published: January 2019

A multitude of scholars have recently argued that inherently ambivalent reactions ought to be accepted, and our drive toward overcoming them resisted, in order to preserve a reflectively accurate account of oneself. By contrast, I argue that a genuine commitment to overcome ambivalence aims less at avoiding than acknowledging and understanding, as well as possibly resolving, whatever conflicts led us to become ambivalent in the first place. On the other hand, certain forms of ‘reflective ambivalence’ are especially vulnerable to the very kind of self‐deception they aim to prevent.
EBV‐positive mucocutaneous ulcer arising in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with methotrexate: Single center series of nine cases
Authors: Satou Akira , Banno Shogo , Hanamura Ichiro , Takahashi Emiko , Takahara Taishi , Nobata Hironobu , Katsuno Takayuki , Takami Akiyoshi , Ito Yasuhiko , Ueda Ryuzo , Nakamura Shigeo , Tsuzuki Toyonori
Published: January 2019

Methotrexate (MTX) is currently used as first‐line anchor drug for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Therefore, the number of MTX‐associated lymphoproliferative disorders, including Epstein–Barr virus‐positive mucocutaneous ulcer (EBVMCU), has increased. Some aspects of MTX‐associated EBVMCU (MTX‐EBVMCU), particularly clinical behavior and treatment for RA after MTX cessation, have not been well described. Herein, we report nine cases of MTX‐EBVMCU with clinical information regarding RA. Seven of nine patients showed spontaneous regression (SR) after immunosuppressive (IS) cessation. The other two required cytotoxic chemotherapy. Eventually, all achieved complete remission. No patients experienced EBVMCU relapse. Eight patients had RA flare after IS cessation. To control the RA activity, rituximab was administered to three patients. The remaining patients were treated by other agents. Regarding the RA activity, all were in the status of low disease activity or clinical remission. In conclusion, MTX‐associated EBVMCU has an indolent clinical course and SR after IS cessation can be expected. After the withdrawal of MTX, the majority of patients experience RA flare and required treatment. In our series, RA was well controlled without reinitiating MTX. Therefore, to prevent the EBVMCU relapse, it might be advisable to avoid MTX reintroduction, and rituximab might be the more preferable agent for RA treatment.