bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct temporal difference error signals in dopamine axons in three regions of the striatum in a decision-making task
Authors: Tsutsui-Kimura Iku , Matsumoto Hideyuki , Uchida Naoshige , Watabe-Uchida Mitsuko
Published: August 2020

Different regions of the striatum regulate different types of behavior. However, how dopamine signals differ across striatal regions and how dopamine regulates different behaviors remain unclear. Here, we compared dopamine axon activity in the ventral, dorsomedial, and dorsolateral striatum, while mice performed in a perceptual and value-based decision task. Surprisingly, dopamine axon activity was similar across all three areas. At a glance, the activity multiplexed different variables such as stimulus-associated values, confidence and reward feedback at different phases of the task. Our modeling demonstrates, however, that these modulations can be inclusively explained by moment-by-momentchangesin the expected reward, i.e. the temporal difference error. A major difference between these areas was the overall activity level of reward responses: reward responses in dorsolateral striatum (DLS) were positively shifted, lacking inhibitory responses to negative prediction error. Tenets of habit and skill can be explained by this positively biased dopamine signal in DLS.
Business process modeling, implementation, analysis, and management: the case of business process management tools
Authors: Zuhaira Behjat , Ahmad Naveed
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Significant numbers of business process management (BPM) projects fail. Their failure is attributed toward many factors. Among them, low quality of BPM is one reason. Some of the tasks in BPM have their roots in business process reengineering (BPR). The literature has cited many different critical success and failure factors for quality BPM and BPR. Lack of software tools is one of the technology-oriented factors that results in poor BPM and BPR. This paper aims to build a generic feature set offered by software tools for process modeling their analysis implementation and management. It presents an objective analysis in identifying weaknesses and strengths of these tools, primarily for BPM.

Design/methodology/approach

A method is proposed to evaluate the quality of process reengineering and management delivered by software tools. It consists of four phases: feature extraction, tool selection, data extraction and tool evaluation.

Findings

The data gathered is quantified to test research hypotheses, the results are statistically significant and highlight multiple areas for future improvements. Moreover, the cluster visualizations created also help to understand the strengths and weaknesses of BPM/BPR tools.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the research approach used, there is a chance of subjectivity when it comes to evaluating different tools.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for practitioners and researchers for choosing appropriate software tool for process modeling, analysis, implementation and management, matching their requirements with BPM and BPR. It also identifies features that are missing in these tools.

Originality/value

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of BPM and supporting tools, relates them to key stages of BPM life cycle and BPR methodologies. It also identifies various areas for further development in these tools.
Are smallholder farmers’ perceptions of climate variability supported by climatological evidence? Case study of a semi-arid region in South Africa
Authors: Rapholo Maropene Tebello , Diko Makia Lawrence
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Literature contends that not much is known about smallholder farmers’ perceptions of climate variability and the impacts thereof on agricultural practices in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Africa in particular. The purpose of this study is to examine the perceptions of smallholder farmers from Botlokwa (a semi-arid region in South Africa) on climate variability in relation to climatological evidence.

Design/methodology/approach

The study area is in proximity to a meteorological station and comprises mainly rural farmers, involved in rain-fed subsistence agriculture. Focus group discussions and closed-ended questionnaires covering demographics and perceptions were administered to 125 purposely sampled farmers. To assess farmers’ perceptions of climate variability, their responses were compared with linear trend and variability of historical temperature and rainfall data (1985-2015). Descriptive statistics were used to provide insights into respondents’ perceptions.

Findings

About 64% of the farmers perceived climate variability that was consistent with the meteorological data, whereas 36% either held contrary observations or were unable to discern. Age, level of education, farming experience and accessibility to information influenced the likelihood of farmers to correctly perceive climate variability. No significant differences in perception based on gender were observed. This study concludes that coping and adaption strategies of over one-third of the farmers could be negatively impacted by wrong perceptions of climate variability.

Originality/value

This study highlights discrepancies in perceptions among farmers with similar demographic characteristics. To guarantee sustainability of the sector, intervention by government and other key stakeholders to address underlying factors responsible for observed discrepancies is recommended.
Building the resilience of periurban communities to the impacts of climate change and urbanization
Authors: Narain Vishal
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to describe how social capital is mobilized in the mediation of periurban water insecurity induced by urbanization and climate change. Investing in social capital through the process of creating mechanisms for civic engagement is an important means of building resilience of periurban communities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on ethnographic and action research. The main sources of data were direct observation of water appropriation and access and semi-structured interviews. Convenience, snowball and theoretical sampling were used.

Findings

The residents of periurban Gurgaon have lost access to water on account of urbanization and climate change. In this context, they mobilize social relationships to collectively improve their access to water. Norms of cooperation and kinship play an important role in the mediation of water insecurity. Creating social capital by building platforms for civic engagement helped to improve their water security.

Originality/value

While there has been much interest in issues of periurban water insecurity, the role of social capital in the mediation of water insecurity has received scant attention. At the same time, while scholars have been interested in the role of social capital in adapting to the impacts of climate change, it has scarcely been studied in a periurban context. This paper seeks to bridge this research gap.
Experiential learning theory and hybrid entrepreneurship: factors influencing the transition to full-time entrepreneurship
Authors: Ferreira Caitlin Candice
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Through the lens of experiential learning theory, this conceptual paper examines the factors influencing the likelihood of transitioning from hybrid to full-time entrepreneurship. It is critical to evaluate the experiential learning that takes place during the hybrid phase, in order to establish a more nuanced understanding of the dynamic entrepreneurial journey.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper made use of a secondary data analysis of the existing academic literature, in particular using a thematic analysis, in order to propose a conceptual model and associated propositions.

Findings

The proposed conceptual model identifies four factors: fear of failure, perceived risk, entrepreneurial competency development and self-efficacy that are predicted to influence the transition decision. This paper establishes hybrid entrepreneurship as an effective learning ground and path toward full-time entrepreneurship.

Practical implications

Providing insights into the factors that influence the transition, allows policy makers to establish systems and incubators to support hybrid entrepreneurs reach the tipping point at which they have sufficient knowledge to enter full-time entrepreneurship. This paper establishes the importance of developmental policies aimed at encouraging hybrid entrepreneurship. There are also implications for managers of hybrid entrepreneurs to establish policies that encourage a culture of transparency and reap the benefits of enhanced employee development.

Originality/value

The paper has three predominant sources of value. First, offering a multidisciplinary approach by extending an existing theory to a new context; second, through the establishment of a conceptual model, offering propositions readily linked to hypotheses for future empirical assessment and third, enhancing the visibility of hybrid entrepreneurship in the literature to encourage public policy intervention and support.
The development and application of a scale to measure the extent and forms of work-family conflict in collectivist cultures
Authors: Kengatharan Navaneethakrishnan , Edwards Christine
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to advance the conceptualisation and measurement of work-family conflict (WFC) by developing and validating a scale that is relevant in a collectivist culture setting.

Design/methodology/approach

First, qualitative interviews with 15 bank employees were conducted to establish whether WFC was an issue, its meaning and form and the relevance of the Carlson, Kacmar and Williams' (2000) scale. Second, drawing on role theory and work-family border theory, an additional psychological dimension was developed, and the new scale was tested with data from a self-report survey of bank employees (n = 569). Third, the validity, reliability and measurement invariance of the scale were confirmed with data from a sample of secondary school teachers (n = 223).

Findings

The characteristics of collective societies pertinent to WFC were relevant to these middle-class employees, and they experience high levels of WFC. A model with a six-factor structure (time-based, strain-based and psychological-based WFC and FWC) represents the most theoretically and statistically sound measure of WFC for these samples.

Practical implications

WFC has many negative social and economic consequences. However, there is inadequate evidence on which to base human resource policies to address the issue in collective societies. This study developed and applied a more reliable measure to assess its extent and form to assist in the design of appropriate WFC management practice. It will be of interest to scholars researching and teaching international management, management consultants, policy makers and managers seeking to understand the problem of WFC in collective societies.

Originality/value

This is the first study to establish the validity of a psychological dimension of WFC in a collectivist culture. It confirms the relevance of the strain and time dimensions of the most commonly used multi-dimensional measure, but found no evidence of behavioural WFC.
Assessment of green supply chain management practices, performance, pressure and barriers amongst Indian manufacturer to achieve sustainable development
Authors: Kalpande Shyamkumar D. , Toke Lalit K.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The main objective of this paper is to integrate a typology of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices, performances, pressures and barriers with organizational performance theories. Also the aim of this paper is to investigate the present statues of GSCM amongst Indian manufacturer.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a systematic review, the study identified 27 GSCM practices, 16 GSCM performances, 06 GSCM pressures and 15 GSCM barriers that were organized into categories according to their theoretical conception, organizational context and characteristics. The survey and interview methods are used for data collection and analyzed by five-point Likert scale.

Findings

The main finding of this paper is ranking of identified GSCM practices, performances, pressures and barriers. The study identified three organizational context dimensions (innovation, performance and management) and investigated the present status of GSCM. The main contribution of the study is the alignment of each category of GSCM practices, performances, pressures and barriers and organizational dimension with the selected theoretical lenses that can help future investigations to deepen the analysis of GSCM. Besides the theoretical contributions, the authors believe this contribution can also achieve practitioners.

Originality/value

The authors provide a comprehensive typology of GSCM practices, performances, pressures and barriers based on empirical evidence and conceptual arguments.
The influence of psychological, motivational, and behavioral factors on university students' achievements: the mediating effect of academic adjustment
Authors: Raza Syed Ali , Qazi Wasim , Yousufi Sara Qamar
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Academic adjustment is an important indicator which represents the students' academic achievements. The purpose of this investigation is to examine the fundamental role of academic adjustment for the success of student's by considering the influence of several psychological, motivational and behavioral factors that affect the academic adjustment of students in the university which then influences the students' academic achievements.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered through self-administered questionnaires from 409 students enrolled in a Business degree program in an academic institution by using a convenience sampling technique. Structural equation modeling (SEM) technique has been applied for analyzing the data and the proposed hypothesis.

Findings

Results obtained from partial least square (PLS)-SEM analysis indicated that academic adjustment is affected by psychological, motivational and behavioral factors and in turn influences the outcomes of success. Moreover, the findings also showed that psychological and motivational factors, directly and indirectly via partial mediation of adjustment, and behavioral factors via full mediation of academic adjustment influences the outcomes of success.

Practical implications

The study implies that it is important for university policymakers that they should give great priority to fully exploiting its potential to facilitate student's effective adjustment to academic life. Universities should pay attention to enhancing the academic study skills of students which leads to gains in academic achievement. Furthermore, universities should integrate self-regulated skills and provides motivation to students which is the biggest contributor toward adjustment as well as this study broadens the understanding of psychological capital as a resource that enhances academic adjustment.

Originality/value

Very little attention has been given to examining the role of academic adjustment in the success of students. Therefore, the present study makes two contributions to this research. First, the study broadens the understanding of psychological capital with the potential to strengthen adjustment with academic life in domains, i.e. academic achievement and institutional adjustment. Second, the study identifies which motivational and behavioral factors affect academic adjustment and achievement.
Strategy, nonstrategy and no strategy
Authors: Khalifa Azaddin Salem
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To unravel three strategy-related concepts, frequently confused as one, by introducing the new concept of nonstrategy and proposing a novel threefold classification of strategy, nonstrategy and no strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on some key insightful definitions of strategy, the paper infers five essential attributes of strategy. These, in turn, are used to introduce the new concept and classification.

Findings

The paper makes clear distinction between the different concepts of strategy, nonstrategy and no strategy that are usually confused in the literature.

Research limitations/implications

The paper calls for a reexamination of what strategy is, how it can be better operationalized, how it should be distinguished from nonstrategy and no strategy and how strategy evolution and drift can be tracked.

Practical implications

The paper clarifies what constitutes strategy, gives practitioners directions on how to strategize and warns against the potential of malpractice that produces nonstrategy.

Originality/value

The introduction of the new concept of nonstrategy and the development of a new classification that distinguishes three concepts that are usually confused as one.
Top management team demography and firm operating performance: a path analysis
Authors: Jukka Tapio
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper examined the relationship between TMT demographic properties and firm performance using diversity and level variables and measuring differing constructs of firm performance representing divergent strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modelling was used to test the relationships between TMT demographic properties and firm performance measured as return on net operating assets (RNOA), and its disaggregates profit margin (PM) and asset turnover (ATO). Data were from 89 Finnish firms during the years 2008–2011, resulting in 320 observations.

Findings

TMT team tenure had associations with RNOA through both PM and ATO while TMT age, age diversity, firm tenure, firm tenure diversity and team tenure diversity showed paths through ATO. TMT firm tenure diversity showed effects in opposing directions through PM and ATO.

Practical implications

The results help to understand and apply the separate effects of age, firm tenure and team tenure on TMT and firm performance. These results also provide explanations on how these TMT properties affect firm performance in diverse types of firms pursuing different strategies.

Originality/value

The results suggest that both diversity and level in a measured TMT demographic property are linked with firm performance, and the effect can be in differing directions. These links go through differing paths when using disaggregated operational firm performance measures. Also, diversity in top management is not always beneficial since it can cause separation or conflict impairing performance.
Foreign currency borrowing and firm financing constraints in emerging markets: evidence from India
Authors: Mohapatra Sanket , Nagar Jay Prakash
Published: August 2020

Purpose

First, the purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between foreign-currency debt and firms' financing constraints for India, the second-largest emerging market economy after China. Second, this study provides insights into how firms' financing constraints evolve prior to, during and after foreign currency borrowing. Third, it demonstrates the extent to which banks' ownership status and firms' characteristics influence the relationship between foreign currency borrowing and firms' financing constraints.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses detailed balance sheet data for 2,512 nonfinancial listed firms in India for the 1996–2016 period to provide new evidence on the relationship between foreign currency borrowing and firms' financing constraints. This study uses a well-known measure of firms' financing constraints, the sensitivity of investment to internal cash flows (Fazzari et al., 1988, 2000; Hubbard, 1999; Love, 2003).

Findings

Financing constraints tend to be higher for firms with foreign currency debt exposure compared to other firms. Financing constraints are higher prior to new foreign currency borrowing (FCB), but decrease subsequently. Firms that have relationships with privately owned banks or foreign banks have higher financing constraints when undertaking new FCB than those with exclusive relationships with government-owned banks. Financing constraints for firms with FCB are higher during domestic credit booms than other periods. Nonmanufacturing firms and those with lower than median export revenues and higher than median tangible assets experience greater financing constraints compared to other firms when they undertake FCB.

Originality/value

The findings of this study suggest that although firms which borrow in foreign currencies are initially more financially constrained than other firms, the foreign currency borrowing reduces their financing constraints. The findings on how global and domestic macroeconomic conditions and firm-specific characteristics influence the relationship between financing constraints and foreign currency borrowing can provide directions for policy to better leverage the benefits of international financial integration.
Reasons and barriers for choosing police careers
Authors: Vermeer Sayer-Jane , Stickle Ben , Frame Mark , Hein Michael
Published: August 2020

Purpose

As tensions between the police and community grow, one often called upon solution is a more diverse police force. However, building diversity presents many challenges, especially if there are barriers for choosing a career as a police officer. The present study explores motivations and barriers to becoming a police officer to help reduce the disparity between the community and police.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey of 344 persons in the US asked respondents to identify the motivations and barriers to choosing a career as a police officer. Survey questions centered on issues related to trust, police culture, practices of the police and lack of awareness of career opportunities.

Findings

Results indicated that higher trust of the police, positive perceptions of police fairness and knowledge of potential police career opportunities increased an individual's interest in pursuing a career as a police officer. At the same time, negative views in these areas were barriers to interest in policing. These results give insight into where efforts can be focused to increase interest in becoming a police officer.

Originality/value

There is a lack of research on factors leading to an interest in a policing career. This study provides insight into the reasons for and barriers to entering a career in policing and provides a starting point for future research and practical implications for police departments seeking to increase interest in a policing career.
The interplay between servant leadership and organizational politics
Authors: Khattak Mohammad Nisar , O'Connor Peter
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Using the frameworks of social exchange theory (SET) and conservation of resources (COR) Theory, this study examined the influence of servant leadership on employees' performance through the social exchange indicator (trust), and how perceived organizational politics (POP) influences these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 236 supervisor/subordinate dyads in a public sector organization in Pakistan. Structural equation modeling and bootstrapping were used to test the study hypotheses.

Findings

Servant leadership was found to positively influence employees' task performance and organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs). Further, analysis revealed that trust in leader partially mediated the positive relationship between servant leadership and subordinates' task performance and OCBs. However, although POP moderated the indirect relationship between servant leadership and subordinates' task performance, it did not moderate the indirect relationships between servant leadership and OCBs.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to be conducted in the South Asian context, testing the relationship between servant leadership and employee performance through the social exchange indicator (trust) in a political organizational environment. Theoretical contributions, practical implications, study limitations and future research directions are discussed at the end of the study.
Pure P‐ and S‐wave equations in transversely isotropic media
Authors: Stovas Alexey , Alkhalifah Tariq , Waheed Umair bin
Published: August 2020

Pure‐mode wave propagation is important for applications ranging from imaging to avoiding parameter tradeoff in waveform inversion. Although seismic anisotropy is an elastic phenomenon, pseudo‐acoustic approximations are routinely used to avoid the high computational cost and difficulty in decoupling wave modes to obtain interpretable seismic images. However, such approximations may result in inaccuracies in characterizing anisotropic wave propagation. We propose new pure‐mode equations for P‐ and S‐waves resulting in an artefact‐free solution in transversely isotropic medium with a vertical symmetry axis. Our approximations are more accurate than other known approximations as they are not based on weak anisotropy assumptions. Therefore, the S‐wave approximation can reproduce the group velocity triplications in strongly anisotropic media. The proposed approximations can be used for accurate modelling and imaging of pure P‐ and S‐waves in transversely isotropic media.
Relationship between interspecific pollen transfer and pistil length in sympatric congeners, Clerodendrum trichotomum and C. izuinsulare
Authors: Miyake Takashi , Aihara Natsuki , Yokoi Hiroaki
Published: August 2020

Interspecific pollen transfer (IPT) often leads to reproductive interference. Although character displacement of reproductive traits in plants is often considered a consequence of reproductive interference, few studies have tested whether intraspecific variation in floral morphology changes the intensity of reproductive interference among pollinator‐sharing plants. We investigated whether intraspecific variation in pistil length changes the proportion of IPT (interspecific pollen transfer) in sympatric populations of Clerodendrum trichotomum and C. izuinsulare on the two islands. On Toshima Island, C. izuinsulare flowers with shorter pistils were significantly less likely to receive C. trichotomum pollen, and there was a slight tendency for longer pistiles of C. trichotomum flowers to receive less C. izuinsulare pollen, suggesting that IPT has caused character displacement in pistil length in these congeneric plants. In contrast, we did not detect any relationship between pistil length and the proportion of IPT for the two species on Niijima Island. The discrepancy between the islands may reflect differences in pollinator assemblages.
The Forgotten Menzies: Cultural Puritanism and Australian Social Thought
Authors: Chavura Stephen A. , Melleuish Gregory
Published: August 2020

Recent debates on the social thought of Australia's longest‐serving Prime Minister, Sir Robert Menzies, describe his career as a programme either to realise liberalism, conservatism, or liberal conservatism in Australian institutions and national identity. While these analyses have some merit, they fail to capture the historical context of Menzies' age, particularly the kind of Britishness for which he stood, a Britishness compatible with modes of liberalism and conservatism, but far more comprehensive than either of those traditions conceived narrowly as systematic ideologies. We contend that what Menzies was trying to do for much of his career was to reinvigorate what modern historians, and Menzies' contemporary social commentators, identified as a cultural puritan inflexion to British character. Once the nature of this cultural puritanism is understood, Menzies' political ideas, at least up until the Cold War, look less like attempts to promote liberalism or conservatism, and more as a project to reinvigorate a conception of Britishness that many during Menzies' time feared was in mortal danger by the forces of affluence, individualism, and socialism. We focus on his most well‐known speech, “The Forgotten People” (1942), and analyse it in the context of many of his other writings, published and hitherto unpublished.
Fostering Enabling Perceptions of Management Controls during Post‐Acquisition Integration*
Authors: Väisänen Marjo , Tessier Sophie , Järvinen Janne T.
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this paper is to increase our understanding of how enabling perceptions of new management controls (MCs) can be fostered. Prior research suggests that employees are more likely to use new MCs if they perceive them as enabling. However, rapid implementation of new MCs due to circumstances such as mergers and acquisitions can leave employees feeling coerced into using them, making it difficult to foster enabling perceptions. Based on a case study where an acquirer faces pressure to impose rigid controls on an acquired firm, we suggest factors contributing to enabling perceptions. Using interviews, observation, and document analysis, we find that positive relationships and mutual trust between the acquirer and the acquiree facilitated enabling perceptions of the MCs. We show that managers at the acquirer actively fostered trust using trust‐building activities and communicated their intentions underlying the implementation of new MCs. Doing so helped employees rationalize the controls as tools to help them do their work tasks. We also find that positive relationships reinforced by regular meetings were a way of providing assistance to employees in dealing with rigid MCs. This study contributes to the literature on enabling controls by developing a processual framework that suggests how trust can foster enabling perceptions from the intentions behind the implementation of new MCs, to their development process and daily use. In doing so, the study further develops our understanding of the relationship between enabling control and trust and helps in understanding how rigid controls can be implemented without generating mistrust.
Population growth of Rhopalosiphum padi under different thermal regimes: an agent‐based model approach
Authors: Wiest Roberto , Salvadori José R. , Fernandes José M.C. , Lau Douglas , Pavan Willington , Zanini Welington R. , Toebe Josué , Lazzaretti Alexandre T.
Published: August 2020

Rhopalosiphum padi (Linnaeus, 1758) is abundant and has a broad geographic distribution. It is one of the most important cereal pests. In Brazil, the economic losses associated with this aphid result mainly from the transmission of the barley yellow dwarf viruses.

Decision‐making for the adoption of management measures must consider the initial population size, the potential for population increase, and the time when this population will reach levels at which the resulting damage is equal to the costs of control measures. Consequently, the establishment of management programmes and decision support systems should be based on models that estimate the potential population growth of this pest species.

Temperature is one of the main factors that determine the growth rate of insect populations. Generally, controlled experiments are designed to examine the relationship of temperature at fixed intervals in relation to the development phases of insects. In nature, thermal regimes are not constant, and population growth is the result of a series of combined events.

In this work, the effects of different thermal regimes on the population growth of R. padi were compared.

An agent‐based model was used to estimate population growth, and the parameters defined in controlled regimes were compared with fluctuating temperatures under natural conditions.

The temperature‐driven model presented here can serve as a tool to predict population growth and decision‐making for aphid management.

The model structure and the proposed experimental design allow the addition of modules and layers of factors that can progressively affect the populations of aphids to gradually improve the model.
The Homogeneity and Heterogeneity of Moral Functioning in Preschool
Authors: Tan Enda , Mikami Amori Y. , Luzhanska Anastasiya , Hamlin J. Kiley
Published: August 2020

The current study examined relations between distinct aspects of moral functioning, and their cognitive and emotional correlates, in preschool age children. Participants were 171 typically developing 3‐ to 6‐year‐olds. Each child completed several tasks, including (a) moral tasks assessing both performance of various moral actions and evaluations of moral scenarios presented both verbally and nonverbally; and (b) non‐moral tasks assessing general cognitive skill, executive functioning, theory‐of‐mind, and emotion recognition. Shyness and empathic concern were assessed from video acquired during participation. Results demonstrated positive associations among distinct moral actions, as well as among distinct moral evaluation tasks, but few associations between tasks assessing moral actions and moral evaluation. Empathic concern and inhibitory control each emerged as important predictors of preschoolers’ moral functioning.
Adherence of patients with diabetic macular oedema to intravitreal injections: A systematic review
Authors: Rose Monique A. , Vukicevic Meri , Koklanis Konstandina
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study was to review adherence rates to intravitreal injections in the treatment of diabetic macula oedema and to identify factors associated with adherence. A systematic search of Embase, Medline, PsycINFO and CINAHL was conducted up to May 2020. Two authors independently screened, selected and appraised the studies. Seven articles on anti‐VEGF treatment were found to meet the inclusion criteria. No studies were found on intravitreal corticosteroids or dexamethasone implants. Attendance rates varied between studies from 35% to 85%. The rate of missed or delayed attendance ranged from 14% to 51%, whereas 25% of patients were lost to follow‐up at 12 months. Non‐adherence was found to be multifactorial and included patient related reasons, demographic characteristics and clinical factors. Enablers to adherence included patient understanding of the disease and treatment. Further research in this area is warranted in order to better understand adherence in these patients and to improve patient outcomes.
Squeezed by a habitat split: Warm ocean conditions and old‐forest loss interact to reduce long‐term occupancy of a threatened seabird
Authors: Betts Matthew G. , Northrup Joseph M. , Guerrero Jennifer A. Bailey , Adrean Lindsay J. , Nelson S. Kim , Fisher Jennifer L. , Gerber Brian D. , Garcia‐Heras Marie‐Sophie , Yang Zhiqiang , Roby Daniel D. , Rivers James W.
Published: August 2020

Theory predicts that species requiring multiple habitat types simultaneously should have heightened sensitivity to anthropogenic pressures, yet tests of this prediction are especially rare. We tested whether breeding site occupancy of the threatened marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) was driven by the synergistic effects of nesting habitat loss in forests, and changing ocean conditions. We paired 70,700 murrelet surveys at 19,837 sites across 20 years from the Oregon Coast Range with annual data on the extent of old forest and biophysical ocean conditions. Dynamic occupancy models indicated that local murrelet colonization rates were strongly reduced during warm ocean conditions with low prey availability. Landscapes that contained more old forest and were closer to the ocean showed reduced rates of local extinction. Given predictions of accelerated ocean warming and increased global timber demand, our results suggest murrelets may continue to be imperiled by deterioration of the two habitats upon which they depend.
Policy interactions in large‐scale marine protected areas
Authors: Gruby Rebecca L. , Gray Noella J. , Fairbanks Luke , Havice Elizabeth , Campbell Lisa M. , Friedlander Alan , Oleson Kirsten L.L. , Sam King , Mitchell Lillian , Hanich Quentin
Published: August 2020

Large‐scale marine protected areas (LSMPAs) have proliferated in recent years, now accounting for most of the world's MPA coverage. However, little is known about LSMPA outcomes and the factors that affect them. Here we argue that policy interactions—the cumulative effect of co‐existing policies for an issue and/or geographical area—can play a critical, but under‐recognized, role in influencing LSMPA design and outcomes. We analyze interactions between national LSMPAs within Palau and Kiribati, and regional fisheries management established by the Nauru Agreement to show how policy actors can account for policy interactions in LSMPA design, and to demonstrate the profound influence that policy interactions can have on the economic and conservation outcomes of LSMPAS. We draw on our analysis to distill lessons for our case studies and LSMPAs globally. We emphasize that policy interactions are dynamic and malleable: they should be proactively managed to stimulate synergy and address conflict. Understanding and managing policy interactions is complex and context‐specific, requiring dedicated resources, cross‐sectoral coordination, and sophisticated scientific and practical policy expertise. To avoid undesirable consequences and capitalize on opportunities to secure multiple benefits, we recommend that policy actors systematically evaluate, monitor, and adapt to policy interactions throughout LSMPA design and implementation.
Levels of conflict over wildlife: Understanding and addressing the right problem
Authors: Zimmermann Alexandra , McQuinn Brian , Macdonald David W.
Published: August 2020

Human–wildlife conflicts are complex and defy simple explanations and solutions. The fields of conflict analysis and peacebuilding offer insights into the intensity, intractability, and possible approaches to addressing different kinds of conflict. Building on these fields, as well as advances in conservation practice, we adapt a framework for human–wildlife conflict that consists of three levels of conflict over wildlife: Level 1 conflicts are disputes over issues such as crop or livestock loss or concerns about safety, yet typically involve relatively high tolerance of the damage‐inducing species. In level 2 conflicts, in addition to visible impact of wildlife, there is a history of unsatisfactory attempts to address these issues, creating underlying resentment, tensions, and a sense of injustice among at least one of the parties. Level 3 conflicts are deep‐rooted and become intertwined with the identities of the parties and community involved, and extend to broader tensions over social identities and clashing values and beliefs. Such conflicts require mediated reconciliation dialogues and conflict transformation approaches. A structured understanding how to address a conflict before it escalates to a deeper level is fundamental for managing conservation challenges as complex and dynamic as conflicts over wildlife.
Correlation and the omitted variable: A tale of two prices
Authors: Han Xing , Pan Zheyao
Published: August 2020

We offer a new perspective on the low‐beta anomaly by acknowledging the omitted‐variable problem in the correlation component of beta: Correlation is “plagued” by firm size (the omitted variable) to exhibit a negative price. Once isolating the size impact, a hidden positive price emerges for the size‐orthogonalized component of correlation. Further analyses suggest that (a) the positive price of the size‐orthogonalized component is not due to mispricing, supporting the return comovement‐based pricing channel; (b) the negative price of the size‐explained component is related to illiquidity and coskewness.; (c) the omitted‐variable problem also applies to the pricing of beta.
A cross‐lagged model of depressive symptoms and mobility disability among middle‐aged and older Chinese adults with arthritis
Authors: Yang Rumei , Wang Jingxia , Wang Haocen , Tracy Eunjin Lee , Tracy Cory T
Published: August 2020

Aim

To examine the reciprocal and longitudinal associations between depressive symptoms and mobility disability in middle‐aged and older Chinese adults with arthritis.

Methods

We used three waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. The analytic sample included 4682 community‐dwelling adults aged ≥45 years with arthritis who completed the self‐report measurement of depressive symptoms and mobility disability every 2 years over a 4‐year study period. Analysis involved an autoregressive cross‐lagged model.

Results

The prevalence rates of comorbid depressive symptoms and mobility disability were 38.9%, 33.2% and 38.9%, respectively across three waves. There was a significant bidirectional and longitudinal relationship between depressive symptoms and mobility disability among middle‐aged and older Chinese adults with arthritis. A higher level of depressive symptoms in previous waves was associated with a subsequent increase in mobility disability over time. A similar pattern was also shown in the opposite direction from mobility disability to depressive symptoms over time.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that depressive symptoms and mobility disability are reciprocally related in Chinese adults with arthritis over time. In addition, it highlights the importance of early interventions aimed at reversing the downward spiral of depressive symptoms and mobility disability to improve the health of Chinese adults with arthritis. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 873–877.
Medico‐Legal Aspects of Concussion
Authors: Evans Randolph W. , Strutt Adriana M.
Published: August 2020

Concussion and the sequelae have been controversial medico‐legal issues for over 150 years. The following topics which are also important in clinical practice are discussed: definitions of concussion, neuroimaging, onset and prognosis of headaches, cognitive impairment, cognitive rehabilitation, post‐traumatic stress disorder, and risk of later development of dementia.
Effect of the exercise programme on the quality of life of prostate cancer survivors: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mardani Abbas , Pedram Razi Shadan , Mazaheri Reza , Haghani Shima , Vaismoradi Mojtaba
Published: August 2020

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the exercise programme on the quality of life of prostate cancer (PCa) survivors.

Methods

A randomized controlled, parallel trial was conducted from April 2017 to January 2018 on 80 PCa survivors. They were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups (n = 40 in each group). The exercise programme was designed based on the self‐management approach (SMA). The intervention group participated in a 12‐week exercise programme consisting of one session of group exercise and three sessions of individual exercise per week using exercise facilities in the community. Data were collected using the quality of life questionnaires and the follow‐up checklist.

Results

In the intervention group, statistically significant improvements in physical, role, emotional, social and sexual functions were reported. Also, the patients in this group reported reduced fatigue, insomnia, constipation, diarrhoea, urinary, bowel and hormonal treatment‐related symptoms in comparison with before the exercise programme (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Nurses are suggested to plan for improving the participation of PCa survivors in exercise programmes using exercise facilities in the community in order to reduce the complications of treatment and improve their quality of life.
Where are our patients? Retrospective cohort study of acute medical unit admissions during and prior to the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Lange Peter W. , Gazzard Meg , Walker Samantha , Hilton Joshua J. , Haycock Shasha , Wagstaff Jessica F. R. , Ward Grantley A.
Published: August 2020

Admissions to hospital have declined markedly during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Australia. This may be due to patients not presenting with acute illness or managing their chronic illness at home. We reviewed a cohort admitted to the Acute Medical Unit of the Royal Melbourne Hospital during and before the pandemic and found admissions were more acutely unwell and more comorbid. This may lead to worse outcomes for those not presenting, as well as those presenting late. We recommend a public health campaign to encourage Australians to present to hospital if unwell.
Industry tournament incentives and audit fees
Authors: Tan Yiqing
Published: August 2020

I examine whether industry tournament incentives of CEOs are associated with audit fees. I find that industry tournament incentives, measured by the compensation gap between a CEO under consideration and the second‐highest‐paid CEO among similar industries, reduce audit fees. Also, this effect is more pronounced for firms with a high level of mobility and managerial ability. To establish causality, I employ a difference‐in‐differences approach to compare the change in audit fees before and after the implementation of FAS 123R. My finding holds after I account for potential endogeneity, different industry classifications, and CFO incentive effects.
Rounding up performance measures in German firms: Earnings cosmetics or earnings management on a larger scale?
Authors: Lebert Sebastian , Mohrmann Ulf , Stefani Ulrike
Published: August 2020

We use Benford's Law to provide evidence that German firms round up both their net income and earnings per share. We use the introduction of the euro to show that round earnings numbers are likely the result of earnings management. The incentive to round up comes from stakeholders’ left‐digit bias when processing the information in financial statements. Since round numbers are natural benchmarks, stakeholders perceive the performance metrics directly below such thresholds as abnormally lower. However, rounding up is objectionable only if it involves large‐scale earnings management, but not in cases of negligible ‘earnings cosmetics’. Because the difference between the pre‐managed and reported earnings is unobservable, we investigate whether the prevalence of rounding up coincides with specific levels of several earnings characteristics and proxies for audit quality. If the rounding up is cosmetic, then it should occur independently of these characteristics. In contrast, if firms use earnings management on a larger scale, then it might not be possible to simultaneously round up and achieve other objectives of earnings management. Our evidence is in line with substantial earnings management.
Esophago‐pericardial fistula after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: A review
Authors: Back Sternick Eduardo , Soares Correa Frederico , Ferber Drumond Leonardo , Albuquerque Carreiro Rodrigo , Alves Rabelo Manuela , de Tarso Vaz de Oliveira Paulo
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Much have been reported about esophago‐left atrium fistula. However, esophago‐mediastinal fistula, not reaching the left atrium, has not been studied as a different clinical entity, with different management.

Methods and Results

We review and discuss the literature of esophago‐mediastinum fistula after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation with emphasis on the following points: the timing of its occurrence after ablation; the mechanisms and localization of the fistula; and its natural history.

Conclusion

We showed that esophageal stenting was associated with a better outcome in patients with esophagus‐mediastinal fistula, introduced the concept of left atrial wall weakening during ablation, and suggest a possible role of contact force use in fistula formation.