bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of key audit matter reporting on analyst forecast accuracy and forecast dispersion: evidence from Chinese listed firms
Authors: Hu Zhiying , Li Yan , Lin Beixin , Kleinman Gary
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the decision usefulness of key audit matters (KAMs) disclosures from the perspective of financial analysts.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from two groups of Chinese-listed firms subject to different audit standards, the authors use a quasi-natural experiment and the difference-in-differences approach to examine the impact of KAMs on analyst forecasts. The authors also conduct a textual analysis on management disclosures as well as on the content of KAM disclosures.

Findings

The results of this study show that both forecast errors and dispersion have significantly declined for the firms disclosing KAMs compared to the firms without such disclosures. Further analysis presents evidence that KAM disclosures have resulted in simultaneous increase in management disclosures and audit quality. In addition, auditor characteristics, such as auditor’s dependence on client fees and its industry specialization, and firm’s characteristics, such as its ownership structure and its social connection with the auditor, appear to affect the informativeness of KAM disclosures. The authors also perform content analysis of KAMs to provide additional insight.

Research limitations/implications

As AH firms are required to adopt the expanded audit report one year before A shares firms, by design, there is only one year in which these two types of companies differ. Therefore, the results without overgeneralizing the impact of KAM disclosures should be interpreted. In addition, this study involves the Chinese market alone and, therefore, may be affected by factors peculiar to the functioning of the Chinese economy and financial markets.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study lies in highlighting the salience of KAM context in shaping the relationship between auditors, managers and analysts and its collective impact on information environment. The findings of this study are significant in that they help establish the importance of KAM disclosures in helping to assure that higher quality financial information is available to capital markets, as well as information that is otherwise unavailable given disclosure mandates in China. This study adds to the literature on the importance of providing additional means of safeguarding auditor independence and on the value of auditor expertise in providing useful content in audit disclosures. Moreover, the findings suggest that the expanded audit report can help reduce the level of asymmetric information, especially for state-owned entities. They provide insight on how the new audit rule influences managers and auditors communicating complex accounting matters as well as the moderating effect of the social connections between auditors and firm executives.
Pension discount rate, executive stock-based compensation and investor sentiment
Authors: Sun Fang , Wei Xiangjing
Published: November 2022

Purpose

In this paper, the impact of stock-based compensation and further the joint effects of stock-based compensation and investor sentiment on pension discount rate choice is examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses is tested using fixed effects models and instrumental variable analysis where pension discount rate is the dependent variable, and stock-based compensation and investor sentiment are our variables of interest.

Findings

It was found that pension discount rate is negatively associated with managers' stock-based compensation. Further analysis indicates that managers with larger stock-based compensation tend to adjust down their pension discount rates in higher (smaller) degree, responding to high (low) investor sentiment.

Practical implications

The findings provide important insights into how managers use pension discount rates to engage in earnings management. Understanding these relationships has implications for interpreting pension numbers reported in the financial statements and designing pension accounting rules that minimize the possibility that managers take advantage of the complexity associated with pension accounting to influence the reported earnings and executive compensation. Moreover, the findings suggest the need for increased attention from boards of directors, auditors and regulators to reported pension liabilities and service costs, especially for firms paying higher proportion of stock-based compensation to managers and during periods of high investor sentiment.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the extant literature by identifying the joint impacts of stock-based compensation and investor sentiment as incentives for pension discount rate manipulation. The empirical results of this study also have important implications for corporate governance and regulation.
Essential internal control: evidence from the executive branch of the State of Ceará
Authors: Gadelha Ana Lúcia Lima , Gouveia Luis Borges , Sarmento Anabela Mesquita
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This article aims to identify management practices that evidence how internal control have been considered essential, from the edition of the State Constitutional Amendment no. 75 of 2012, within the public administration of the executive branch of the State of Ceará, during the period 2012–2021.

Design/methodology/approach

The study relates the identified management practices to COSO (The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations) methodology “Internal Environment” component categories. The research is classified as basic, exploratory and bibliographic, on the theme of internal control in scientific articles published between 2015 and 2021, and documental, carried out through official documents, including the 27 Brazilian constitutions.

Findings

Existence of management practices that corroborate the essentiality of internal control in Ceará.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to evidencing the control practices implemented in Ceará, not evaluating them as to their quality.

Practical implications

Contributions on control on constitutional-legal bases for other Brazilian Federation States.

Social implications

Possibility of introducing the research theme into various branches of scientific knowledge, such as political science and contributing to public organizations to implement policies with the proper application of resources for the benefit of society.

Originality/value

The originality of the research is in demonstrating the essentiality of internal control in the State of Ceará, from the edition of management acts performed by the executive branch, based on Constitutional Amendment 75 of 2012, which did not become a dead letter of the law, enabling other states of the federation to do the same.
Middle East tourism – Opportunities and solutions
Authors: Vij Mohit , Nadkarni Sanjay
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to review the contribution made by the theme issue to the body of knowledge on tourism growth drivers and challenges in the Middle East and the subsequent impact of tourism growth drivers in the region in developing and promoting tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis of the contributing articles featured in this theme issue was undertaken. Additionally, industry white papers and government portals were consulted to identify the historical relevance, current proceedings and future scope of tourism in the Middle East.

Findings

This summary article highlights the key outcomes relating to the tourism growth drivers and challenges in the Middle East that will assist in policy and decision-making by the pertinent stakeholders, especially in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Originality/value

Despite steep growth in international arrivals, tourism development in the Middle East has not been adequately addressed in academia. This theme issue highlights the region's tourism-related background, problems and constraints, thereby addressing a critical gap in the literature.
Growth of the invasive Navua sedge (Cyperus aromaticus) under competitive interaction with pasture species and simulated grazing conditions: Implication for management
Authors: Shi Boyang , Osunkoya Olusegun O. , Soni Abhishek , Campbell Shane , Dhileepan Kunjithapatham
Published: November 2022

Navua sedge (Cyperus aromaticus), a perennial monocot plant native to tropical Africa, is a major weed in pasture and cropping areas in the wet tropical regions of Australia and South Pacific countries. In grazing pasture lands, rapid growth and reproduction of unpalatable Navua sedge leads to displacement of co‐occurring pasture species and depletion of livestock carrying capacity and production. Understanding the interspecific competitive ability of Navua sedge with co‐occurring desirable grasses and in response to varying ecological scenarios (e.g., grazing and plant density) is critical for the management of the weed in pasture situations. In a glasshouse setting, two co‐occurring pasture species—humidicola (Urochloa humidicola) and Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) were grown with Navua sedge, in pots using a replacement series model. For each Navua sedge weed–pasture species pair, the experimental setup comprised of four ratios in two densities under simulated grazing and nongrazing conditions of the pasture grasses. Navua sedge growth and reproduction was highest when it grew as a monoculture or when co‐occurring pastures were exposed to simulated grazing as this action, reduced the competitiveness of the pasture grasses. Overall and using biomass gained, tiller production and relative yield as indices of growth dynamics, Rhodes grass was more competitive against Navua sedge than humidicola in both grazed and nongrazed conditions especially under high plant density. These results suggest the potential to include competitive pastures in integrated management strategies for Navua sedge, but species selection and grazing practices may influence the effectiveness of this approach.
Associations between coastal proximity and children’s mental health in Australia
Authors: Oostenbach Laura H. , Noall Jennifer , Lamb Karen E. , Pearson Amber L. , Mavoa Suzanne , Thornton Lukar E.
Published: November 2022

Limited research has explored associations between blue spaces and mental health, specifically in children. This study assessed links between coastal proximity and depression and anxiety among children in Australia and tested whether duration of residency at current address moderated associations. It also explored associations between within‐individual changes in coastal proximity and changes in depression and anxiety. Data were from 2400 children aged 11–12 years in Wave 5 (2012) and aged 14–15 years in Wave 6 (2014) of the national Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Outcomes were children’s self‐reported symptoms of depression and anxiety. Exposure was coastal proximity (<2, 2–<5, 5–<10, 10–<20, 20–<50, and ≥50 km). Linear models were fitted to examine cross‐sectional associations and fixed effects models for within‐individual associations. After adjustment for potential confounders, findings suggested that those living close to the coast (<2 km) had lower levels of depression than those living the furthest from the coast (≥50 km) during childhood (Wave 5) but not adolescence (Wave 6). No associations were observed with anxiety. There was weak evidence to suggest residency duration moderated associations. No associations were observed for within‐individual changes. Further research is needed to understand whether and what characteristics of coastal environments may benefit children’s mental health.
Development and characterization of probiotic (co)encapsulates in biopolymeric matrices and evaluation of survival in a millet yogurt formulation
Authors: Kouamé Kouadio Jean Eric‐Parfait , Bora Awa Fanny Massounga , Li Xiaodong , Sun Yue , Tian Songfan , Hussain Muhammad , Liu Lu , Coulibaly Ibourahema
Published: November 2022

The formulation of probiotics‐enriched products still remains a challenge for the food industry due to the loss of viability, mainly occurring upon consumption and during storage. To tackle this challenge, the current study investigated the potential of using sodium alginate and inulin (SIN) in combination with various encapsulating materials such as skim milk (SKIM), whey protein concentrate (WPC), soy protein concentrate (SPC), and flaxseed oil (FS) to increase the viability of Lactobacillus casei upon freeze‐drying, under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, during 28 days of storage at 4°C, and in a formulation of millet yogurt. Microstructural properties of microcapsules and co‐microcapsules by SEM, oxidative stability of flaxseed oil in co‐microcapsules, and physicochemical and sensory analysis of the product were performed. The produced microcapsules (SIN‐PRO‐SKIM, SIN‐PRO‐WP, and SIN‐PRO‐SP) and co‐microcapsules (SIN‐PRO‐FS‐SKIM, SIN‐PRO‐FS‐WP, and SIN‐PRO‐FS‐SP) had a high encapsulation rate >90%. Moreover, encapsulated and co‐encapsulated strains exhibited a high in vitro viability accounting for 9.24 log10 CFU/g (SIN‐PRO‐SKIM), 8.96 log10 CFU/g (SIN‐PRO‐WP), and 8.74 log10 CFU/g (SIN‐PRO‐SP) for encapsulated and 10.08 log10 CFU/g (SIN‐PRO‐FS‐SKIM), 10.03 log10 CFU/g (SIN‐PRO‐FS‐WP), and 10.14 log10 CFU/g (SIN‐PRO‐FS‐SP) for co‐encapsulated. Moreover, encapsulated and co‐encapsulated cells showed higher survival upon storage than free cells. Also, the SEM analysis showed spherical particles of 77.92–230.13 µm in size. The physicochemical and sensory analysis revealed an interesting nutritional content in the millet yogurt. The results indicate that the SIN matrix has significant promise as probiotic encapsulating material as it may provide efficient cell protection while also providing considerable physicochemical and nutritional benefits in functional foods.
Visit‐to‐visit variability of blood pressure and risk of macrovascular and microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes: A Chinese primary‐care cohort study
Authors: Deng Ying , Liu Yin , Zhang Shengchao , Yu Hanbing , Zeng Xiaozhou , An Rongrong , Chen Zhenyuan , Sun Na , Yin Xiaoxv , Dong Yue
Published: November 2022

Background

We evaluated the effects of visit‐to‐visit variability of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) on macrovascular and microvascular complications among patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A total of 11 043 patients with type 2 diabetes from primary healthcare institutions between January 2010 and June 2020 were included. The visit‐to‐visit blood pressure variability was calculated using three metrics: SD, coefficient of variation (CV), and average real variability (ARV), obtained over a 12‐month measurement period. The associations of visit‐to‐visit blood pressure variability with macrovascular and microvascular complications were evaluated using multivariate‐adjusted Cox proportional hazards models, and hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported.

Results

There were 330 macrovascular events and 542 microvascular events. Compared to those for participants with the lowest quartile of SD of SBP and DBP, increased risks were observed in patients with the highest quartile of SD of SBP and DBP for macrovascular complications (SD‐SBP: HR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.24–2.57; SD‐DBP: HR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.50–3.25) and microvascular complications (SD‐SBP: HR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.39–2.46; SD‐DBP: HR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.36–2.44). CV and ARV of SBP and DBP also had statistically significant associations with macrovascular and microvascular complications. The optimal variability of blood pressure target was SD of SBP <6.45 mm Hg and SD of DBP <4.81 mm Hg.

Conclusions

Visit‐to‐visit blood pressure variability may be a potential predictor for macrovascular and microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Discussion on “Instrumental Variable Estimation of the Causal Hazard Ratio,” by Linbo Wang, Eric Tchetgen Tchetgen, Torben Martinussen, and Stijn Vansteelandt
Authors: Baer Benjamin R. , Strawderman Robert L. , Ertefaie Ashkan
Published: November 2022

We propose and study an augmented variant of the estimator proposed by Wang, Tchetgen Tchetgen, Martinussen, and Vansteelandt.
Latent profiles of maternal disrupted communication: Relations to affect and behaviour in early infancy
Authors: Khoury Jennifer E. , Cunningham Molly , Jenkins Emma , Enlow Michelle Bosquet , Lyons‐Ruth Karlen
Published: November 2022

Few studies have examined how mothering is organized in the first months of infancy, especially regarding risk‐related interactions. Person‐centred approaches, including latent profile analysis (LPA), add valuable insights about early parenting by identifying distinct profiles of interaction. First, this study aimed to identify profiles of disrupted maternal interaction during the Still‐Face Paradigm among 181 mothers and their 3‐ to 8‐month‐old infants. Second, the study assessed how each maternal profile was related to infant affect and interactive behaviour. The LPA identified four profiles of maternal interaction: optimal, negative/intrusive, withdrawing and pervasively disrupted. The pervasively disrupted profile, in particular, has not been identified in past research. Each profile was associated with specific aspects of infant affect and behaviour. Recognition of disrupted behavioural profiles among at‐risk mothers and infants in the early months could facilitate more precise tailoring of early interventions to the needs of mothers and infants with differing profiles of interactive risk.
Novel de novo ZNF148 truncating variant causing autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and intellectual disability
Authors: Miao Chunyue , Du Lin , Zhang Yu , Jia Feiyong , Shan Ling
Published: November 2022

ZNF148 gene is a Krüppel‐type transcription factor that has transcriptional regulatory function. Heterozygous variant in ZNF148 gene causes an intellectual disability syndrome characterized by global developmental delay, absence, or hypoplasia of corpus callosum, wide intracerebral ventricles, and dysmorphic facial features, while its associations with ASD and ADHD have not been reported. We report a new patient with intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The patient had a novel heterozygous truncating variant c.1818dupC (p.Lys607Glnfs*11) in the ZNF148 gene. This variation produces a ZNF148 truncated protein with a deletion of the C‐terminal activation domain and may destabilize the protein by affecting the transcriptional activation function. Brain MRI shows normal brain development. Here, we identify a novel ZNF148 heterozygous truncating variant in a patient with distinct phenotypes of ASD and ADHD, which expands the genotype–phenotype spectrum of ZNF148, and indicates ZNF148 is also a potential target gene for ASD.
Bariatric surgery and weight loss in the short‐ and long‐term: Evidence from NHANES 2015–2018
Authors: Xie Wubin , Johnston Stephen S. , Waggoner Jason R. , Doshi Ishita D. , Stokes Andrew C.
Published: November 2022

The present study aimed to examine short‐ and long‐term weight change in a nationally representative sample of US adults who reportedly underwent bariatric surgery. Individuals aged 20–64 at survey from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015–2018 were included in the analyses (n = 6776). The primary comparison groups include 62 participants who underwent bariatric surgery, 1531 eligible but did not receive surgery, and 5183 not eligible for bariatric surgery. After adjusting for demographic characteristics and comorbidity, adults who reported receiving bariatric surgery were 5.0 times (4.0–6.0) more likely to achieve at least 20% weight loss from maximum weight relative to those who were eligible but reported no surgery. The likelihood appeared to be higher when surgery was performed within 10 years (short‐term, PR 5.5, 95% CI: 4.0, 7.0) relative to surgeries that were performed for 10 or more years (long‐term, PR 3.6, 95% CI: 2.0, 5.3). In this nationally representative sample of US adults, respondents who received bariatric surgery achieved substantial and significant weight loss compared with those who were eligible and did not receive bariatric surgery. Weight loss appeared to be most apparent in the short term and persisted over the long term.
Spraints demonstrate small population size and reliance on fishponds for Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in Hong Kong
Authors: McMillan Sharne E. , Wong Anson Tsz Chun , Tang Sally Shui Yan , Yau Eugene Yu Hin , Gomersall Thomas , Wong Portia Y. H. , Vu Andy Ka Hei , Sin Simon Yung Wa , Hau Billy C. H. , Bonebrake Timothy C.
Published: November 2022

Lack of data on population sizes and resource requirements are major impediments to the effective conservation of rare species globally. The conservation of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in Hong Kong reflects many of these key challenges for elusive and difficult‐to‐study mammals. It is a rare carnivore that has narrowly escaped extirpation, now surviving within a human‐dominated environment. Using sign surveys and spraint analysis, we recorded only 40 fresh spraints from 246 otter signs locations, over 4 months of intensive sampling across 2 years. Records were restricted to the Mai Po wetlands, confirming this as the core area for Hong Kong's otter population. Molecular analysis and microsatellite genotyping identified a minimum of seven individuals, two pairs of which were likely related. The genetic and sign data together strongly indicate a small population. Fish dominated the otter diet, highlighting the importance of fishpond habitats as a premium foraging resource. Given the rapid changes surrounding the Mai Po area (especially the new Northern Metropolis Development Strategy), maintaining quality and connected habitats, in addition to sustaining commercial fishponds will be key to otter recovery and long‐term population viability in Hong Kong.
Regular protocol liver biopsy is useful to adjust immunosuppressant dose after adult liver transplantation
Authors: Narita Shohei , Miuma Satoshi , Okudaira Sadayuki , Koga Yoshito , Fukushima Masanori , Sasaki Ryu , Haraguchi Masafumi , Soyama Akihiko , Hidaka Masaaki , Miyaaki Hisamitsu , Futakuchi Mitsuru , Nagai Kazuhiro , Ichikawa Tatsuki , Eguchi Susumu , Nakao Kazuhiko
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Adjusting immunosuppression to minimal levels post‐adult liver transplantation (LT) is critical; however, graft rejection has been reported in LT recipients with normal liver function evaluated by liver biopsy (LBx). Continual protocol liver biopsy (PLB) is performed regularly in LT recipients with normal liver function in some centers; however, its usefulness remains inadequately evaluated. This study aimed to assess retrospectively the usefulness of late PLB after adult LT.

Methods

LBx evaluations of LT recipients with normal liver function and hepatitis B and C virus seronegativity were defined as PLB. The cases requiring immunosuppressive therapy for rejection findings based on Banff criteria were extracted from the PLBs, and pathological data collected before and after immunosuppressive dosage adjustment (based on modified histological activity index [HAI] score) were compared.

Results

Among 548 LBx cases, 213 LBx in 110 recipients fulfilled the inclusion criteria for PLB. Immunosuppressive therapy after PLB was intensified in 14 LBx (6.6%) recipients (12.7%); of these, nine had late‐onset acute rejection, three had isolated perivenular inflammation, one had plasma cell‐rich rejection, and one had early chronic rejection. Follow‐up LBx after immunosuppressive dose adjustment showed improvement in the modified HAI score grading in 10 of 14 cases (71.4%). No clinical background and blood examination data, including those from the post‐LT period, immunosuppressant trough level, or examination for de novo DSA, predicted rejection in PLB. Complications of PLB were found in only three cases.

Conclusion

PLB is useful in the management of seemingly stable LT recipients, to discover subclinical rejection and allow for appropriate immunosuppressant dose adjustment.
Investment and the long swings of unemployment
Authors: Hoon Hian Teck , Katsimi Margarita , Zoega Gylfi
Published: November 2022

We estimate the medium‐term relationship between investment and unemployment over the period 1960–2017 in 20 OECD countries, a period that includes the years of the Great Recession. While neoclassical growth theory typically assumes full employment—with no effect of investment on unemployment—and New‐Keynesian models assume that such a relationship only exists in the short term at business cycle frequencies, we find that over our sample period covering more than 5 decades, a statistically significant negative relationship does exist: in decades when investment fell, unemployment increased. Panel estimation, using a measure of stock market volatility as an instrument for investment, confirms the negative relationship between investment and unemployment. High stock market volatility and low investment are associated with high unemployment, other things equal. The evidence supports both Keynes' ideas about an unemployment equilibrium as well as more recent investment‐based theories of the natural rate of unemployment.
Refusing Teachers and the Politics of Instrumentalism in Educational Policy
Authors: Carusi F. Tony
Published: November 2022

In this article, F. Tony Carusi considers the politics of instrumentalism performed between educational policy and research that figures the teacher as the primary means to raise student achievement. By reducing teachers to a means toward an end, policy and research work together to collapse what teachers are into what teachers are for, and in doing so, they enable discourses that privilege the instrumental specifically as ontological. In contrast to this collapse, Carusi highlights here the resistance of the ontological to the instrumental by considering what teachers are apart from what they are for. Thinking the ontological apart from the instrumental leads to a dark pedagogy in which the refusals and negations performed by teachers occur where the politics of instrumentalism that renders them as an “in‐school factor” do not see.
Gene expression meta‐analysis in patients with schizophrenia reveals up‐regulation of RGS2 and RGS16 in Brodmann Area 10
Authors: Shriebman Yaen , Yitzhaky Assif , Kosloff Mickey , Hertzberg Libi
Published: November 2022

Regulator of G‐protein signalling (RGS) proteins inhibit signalling by G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs). GPCRs mediate the functions of several important neurotransmitters and serve as targets of many anti‐psychotics. RGS2, RGS4, RGS5 and RGS16 are located on chromosome 1q23.3–31, a locus found to be associated with schizophrenia. Although previous gene expression analysis detected down‐regulation of RGS4 expression in brain samples of patients with schizophrenia, the results were not consistent. In the present study, we performed a systematic meta‐analysis of differential RGS2, RGS4, RGS5 and RGS16 expression in Brodmann Area 10 (BA10) samples of patients with schizophrenia and from healthy controls. Two microarray datasets met the inclusion criteria (overall, 41 schizophrenia samples and 38 controls were analysed). RGS2 and RGS16 were found to be up‐regulated in BA10 samples of individuals with schizophrenia, whereas no differential expression of RGS4 and RGS5 was detected. Analysis of dorso‐lateral prefrontal cortex samples of the CommonMind Consortium (258 schizophrenia samples vs. 279 controls) further validated the results. Given their central role in inactivating G‐protein‐coupled signalling pathways, our results suggest that differential gene expression might lead to enhanced inactivation of G‐protein signalling in schizophrenia. This, in turn, suggests that additional studies are needed to further explore the consequences of the differential expression we detected, this time at the protein and functional levels.
Establishment of a laboratory‐rearing technique for the rove beetle Anotylus amicus (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) with investigations of its life cycle, behavior and morphological variations
Authors: Okuzono Motoharu , Tokuda Makoto
Published: November 2022

Rove beetles (Staphylinidae) are one of the largest families in Coleoptera. Although the ecological features of rove beetles are important subjects in terms of understanding their diversification processes, laboratory‐rearing studies have only been conducted for a few species to date. In this study, we established a continuous rearing method for Anotylus amicus (Bernhauer, 1923) (Staphylinidae: Oxytelinae) using bell cricket food. In addition, its life cycle, behavior and morphological variations were investigated using the rearing technique. The mean duration of egg, first, second and third instars, prepupa and pupa were 4.3, 4.0, 4.0, 7.8, 1.7 and 4.7 days at 24°C, respectively. Adults and larvae used substrate, food and excrement for nesting. Mate guarding by males and associated male–male combat were observed. Head width and body size sexually varied; most males were larger than females, but some were comparable to females. Many individuals possessed undeveloped short hindwings, while some, especially large females, had long ones. As A. amicus can be reared simply, have a fairly short generation period, and exhibit interesting behavioral and morphological characteristics, A. amicus is suitable for clarifying the ecological aspects of rove beetles.
Communication with mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care units: A concept analysis
Authors: Karlsen Marte‐Marie Wallander , Holm Anna , Kvande Monica Evelyn , Dreyer Pia , Tate Judith Ann , Heyn Lena Günterberg , Happ Mary Beth
Published: November 2022

Aims

The aim of this study was to perform a concept analysis of communication with mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care units and present a preliminary model for communication practice with these patients.

Design

The Im & Meleis approach for concept analysis guided the study.

Search Methods

A literature search was performed in January 2022 in MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, psycINFO and Scopus, limited to 1998–2022. The main medical subject headings search terms used were artificial respiration, communication and critical care. The search resulted in 10,698 unique references.

Review Methods

After a blinded review by two authors, 108 references were included. Core concepts and terminology related to communication with mechanically ventilated patients were defined by content analytic methods. The concepts were then grouped into main categories after proposing relationships between them. As a final step, a preliminary model for communication with mechanically ventilated patients was developed.

Results

We identified 39 different phrases to describe the mechanically ventilated patient. A total of 60 relevant concepts describing the communication with mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care were identified. The concepts were categorized into five main categories in a conceptual map. The preliminary model encompasses the unique communication practice when interacting with mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care units.

Conclusion

Highlighting different perspectives of the communication between mechanically ventilated patients and providers through concept analysis has contributed to a deeper understanding of the phenomena and the complexity of communication when the patients have limited possibilities to express themselves.

Impact

A clear definition of concepts is needed in the further development of guidelines and recommendations for patient care in intensive care, as well as in future research. The preliminary model will be tested further.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution, as this is a concept analysis of previous research.
The role of group identification, self‐ and collective efficacy on secondary traumatic stress and general health in a sample of emergency medical service volunteers
Authors: Caricati Luca , De vito Martina , Panari Chiara
Published: November 2022

This paper reports the results of a web‐based survey on the relationship between group identification, secondary traumatic stress, and psychological distress in a sample of Italian emergency medical service volunteers. The theoretical foundation of this research was based on the social cure approach that suggests that group identification can increase people's wellbeing by enhancing the sense of social support and mastery. Responses from 1214 volunteers (50% men) were collected and structural equation modeling was performed to assess direct and indirect effect of group identification on both secondary traumatic stress and psychological distress. Results supported expectations, and indicated that group identification was associated with decreased secondary traumatic stress and psychological distress: this relation was both direct and mediated by self‐efficacy and collective efficacy. Self‐efficacy and collective efficacy completely mediated the relationship between group identification and secondary traumatic stress, while mediation was partial for the relationship between group identification and psychological distress. Moreover, our findings revealed that collective efficacy had a higher impact on psychological distress than on secondary traumatic stress. Self‐efficacy, instead, had a significant negative effect on both secondary traumatic stress and psychological distress. Finally, secondary traumatic stress had a strong relationship with psychological distress. The practical implications for volunteers' wellbeing and volunteer association are discussed in view of the need to improve collective positive resources.
Idolatry and Time: Capitalism and Money in Twenty‐First‐Century Christian Economic Theology
Authors: Brody Samuel Hayim
Published: November 2022

Christian economic theology is distinguished from Christian social ethics by its methodological reflection on the emergence, formation, and proper boundaries of the economic sphere, as well as transcendental reflection on the conditions of possibility of economic science. In practice, this often amounts to anxiety about the authority of Christianity in the economic sphere, as well as about the extent to which Christianity can be held responsible for the system of impersonal economic domination known as capitalism. This review essay draws upon three recent works on or about Christian economic theology, and argues that this genre's anxiety about Christian authority manifests in the ways that it draws temporal boundaries between ancient, medieval, and modern economies. Ultimately, its ambivalence about economy itself is traceable to Aristotle's understanding of money as containing two natures, one defined by quality (use value) and the other by quantity (exchange value). Christianity here becomes a cipher for quality.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the subserosal layer dissection technique in dogs: 34 cases (2015‐2021)
Authors: Kondo M. , Hagiwara K. , Nukaya A. , Aso T. , Kanai H.
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To describe a standardised subserosal layer dissection technique and evaluate its outcomes in canine laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Materials and Methods

Medical records of dogs undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the standardised subserosal layer dissection technique for the treatment of cholecystolithiasis, cholecystitis, and gall bladder mucocele at a single veterinary hospital from January 2015 to September 2021 were extracted. Operative time, subserosal layer dissection achievement rate, open conversion rate, and complication rate were evaluated.

Results

Thirty‐four dogs were included. The most common preoperative diagnosis was cholecystolithiasis (n=29). Operative time was 190 minutes (range: 110 to 330 minutes). Subserosal layer dissection of more than 90% of the gall bladder bed was achieved in 27 (79%) dogs. Conversion to open surgery was required in three (8.8%) dogs. There were no cases of intraoperative bleeding, bile duct injury, or reoperation.

Clinical Significance

This study showed that laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the standardised subserosal layer dissection technique could be performed successfully in dogs. Future prospective clinical studies are needed to determine safety and effectiveness of this technique compared to standard techniques.
Christians in Kuwait: A Challenge for Political Tolerance
Authors: Abu Sulaib Faisal Mukhyat
Published: November 2022

The study presented here seeks to determine whether Kuwaiti Christians feel politically and socially integrated, isolated, or even threatened in Kuwait society, as well as to explore their political attitudes and primary social demands. At the same time, the study examines the attitudes and tolerance of Kuwaiti Muslims toward the Christian minority. To that end, two questionnaires were distributed to Christians and Muslims. The results suggest that Christians feel integrated into Kuwaiti society rather than isolated or persecuted. Other results suggest that they are also interested in participating in parliamentary elections and think they should have a quota of seats in the Kuwaiti parliament and a Christian minister in the government. The study also reveals that Kuwaiti Muslims harbor a high level of intolerance toward the Christian minority, which should be a red flag for Kuwaiti government and society.
Strategies for manipulating Rubisco and creating photorespiratory bypass to boost C3 photosynthesis: Prospects on modern crop improvement
Authors: Jin Kaining , Chen Guoxin , Yang Yirong , Zhang Zhiguo , Lu Tiegang
Published: November 2022

Photosynthesis is a process that uses solar energy to fix CO2 in the air and converts it into sugar, and ultimately powers almost all life activities on the earth. C3 photosynthesis is the most common form of photosynthesis in crops. Current efforts of increasing crop yields in response to growing global food requirement are mostly focused on improving C3 photosynthesis. In this review, we summarized the strategies of C3 photosynthesis improvement in terms of Rubisco properties and photorespiratory limitation. Potential engineered targets include Rubisco subunits and their catalytic sites, Rubisco assembly chaperones, and Rubisco activase. In addition, we reviewed multiple photorespiratory bypasses built by strategies of synthetic biology to reduce the release of CO2 and ammonia and minimize energy consumption by photorespiration. The potential strategies are suggested to enhance C3 photosynthesis and boost crop production.
Degos disease in a child presenting with acute renal failure
Authors: Ng Pamela Si Min , Koh Mark Jean Aan
Published: November 2022

Degos disease, also termed malignant atrophic papulosis, is a rare systemic vaso‐occlusive disorder, seldom reported in the pediatric population. The pathognomonic skin lesion in Degos disease is a papule with an atrophic porcelain‐white center with an erythematous, telangiectatic rim. The benign form of the disease remains limited to the skin, whereas, in others, it progresses to thrombotic vasculopathy in multiple organs including the gastrointestinal, cardiorespiratory, and central nervous systems, with a high mortality rate. We present a rare case of Degos disease in an adolescent female, presenting as acute renal failure secondary to thrombotic vasculopathy, with the characteristic skin lesion distinctively seen on dermoscopy.
Impact of school closures on pediatric ambulance transport in Japan
Authors: Takeuchi Shinya , Minami Marina , Asabe Yuina , Miyauchi Masato , Suganuma Narufumi , Nishiyama Kingo
Published: November 2022

Background

After the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic, nationwide school closures were implemented in many countries. This study aimed to determine the impact of the school closures on pediatric ambulance transport, comparing the situation before and after the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

This retrospective observational study was conducted using data from the Kochi‐Iryo.net database. In Kochi prefecture, schools were closed from March 6 to May 24, 2020. Pediatric emergency transport during the school closure period in 2020 was compared with that in the same period in 2019 (before the COVID‐19 pandemic) and in 2021 (when schools were not closed). Statistical analysis comprised χ2 tests with Bonferroni adjustments for multiple testing. To adjust for patient backgrounds, we also performed multiple logistic regression analyses for numbers of pediatric ambulance transports.

Results

The rate of pediatric ambulance transports was significantly lower (p = 0.008) in 2020 (276; 3.97%) than in 2019 (391; 4.87%), but there was no significant difference (p = 0.360) between 2019 (391; 4.87%) and 2021 (352; 4.56%). Multivariable analysis revealed similar trends (2019 vs. 2020: OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.73–1.00; 2019 vs. 2021: OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.82–1.11). Regarding the characteristics of pediatric ambulance transport journeys, there were no significant differences in 2019, 2020, and 2021 in terms of sex, severity, locations of ambulance stations, and disease classification.

Conclusions

There was a decrease in pediatric ambulance transportation due to the public health interventions for COVID‐19, including school closures. However, this decrease was not solely due to school closures.
Tensed Facts and the Fittingness of our Attitudes1
Authors: Miller Kristie
Published: November 2022

We direct different attitudes towards states of affairs depending on where in time those states of affairs are located. Call thisthe type asymmetry. The type asymmetry appears fitting. For instance, it seems fitting to feel guilt or regret only about states of affairs that are past, and anticipation only of states of affairs that are future. It has been argued that the type asymmetry could only be fitting if there are tensed facts, and hence that since it is fitting, there are tensed facts. In this paper I argue that tensed facts are not necessary to ground the fittingness of the type asymmetry, and thus we have no reason, arising from the fittingness of the asymmetry, to posit such facts. I also argue for a stronger conclusion: even if these facts obtain they are no part of what grounds the fittingness of the type asymmetry. These facts are explanatorily redundant.
Citizen policy entrepreneurship in UK local government climate emergency declarations
Authors: Harvey‐Scholes Calum , Mitchell Catherine , Britton Jess , Lowes Richard
Published: November 2022

Policy entrepreneurship theory seeks to explain how actors, institutions, actions and interactions influence policy makers and policy outcomes; however, the role of citizens in this process remains largely unarticulated. Adopting a conception of policy entrepreneurship as a (distributed) pattern of agency rather than the actions of an individual, we analyse the development of local government climate emergency declarations (CEDs) (many of which visibly involved citizen advocacy). This analysis expands on the role of citizens in policy change and provides evidence of how citizen entrepreneurs interact collaboratively with more traditional forms of policy elites, in this case local elected representatives. Since 2018 hundreds of local governments in the United Kingdom (UK) have issued CEDs in a surge of expressions of local climate ambition. Whilst CEDs have attracted attention from scholars, the underlying dynamics and politics which drove the adoption of these policies, including the role played by citizens, remain unexplored in the literature. Interviews with councillors, council officers, and citizens reveal that citizens carry out a range of activities related to policy entrepreneurship, including problem framing, identifying solutions, networking and building coalitions, and seeking attention and opportunities. We find that they carry out these activities collectively with other citizens and collaboratively with elected representatives; whilst precise coalition‐internal dynamics vary, citizens frequently exploit opportunities to demonstrate the strength and breadth of public support for their cause.
Ethnic politics and ambivalent imaginaries of the future at the Melaka Straits
Authors: Arnez Monika
Published: November 2022

This article examines the ambivalent relationship between members of the Portuguese‐Melakan Kristang minority and the state from the 1940s to the present day through the lens of ethnic politics. It reveals how ambivalent imaginaries of the future have shaped the politics of community members and what strategies they have used to assert their place. Moreover, it analyses how partly contradictory, partly converging imaginaries of the future of the Melaka coastline fuelled the failure of the Melaka Gateway land reclamation project. Grounded in ethnographic fieldwork in Melaka in 2018 and 2019, it focuses on the Melaka Gateway, a large‐scale land reclamation project located in the Melaka Straits where three man‐made islands and one natural island with high‐rise buildings, a cruise terminal and a deep sea port have been planned.
The international service trade effects of bilateral investment treaties
Authors: Xiong Tingting , Sun Hao
Published: November 2022

This paper examines the impact of the bilateral investment treaties (BITs) on a large dataset of service trade using recently developed Poisson pseudo‐maximum likelihood (PPML) estimator regression models with multiple high‐dimensional fixed effects to estimate the structural gravity equations. The model in this paper theoretically demonstrates that BITs reduce service trade from foreign direct investment (FDI) source countries by decreasing the additional variable costs of operating a foreign affiliate. This paper also empirically confirms that BITs decrease service exports from developed to developing economies through analysing a comprehensive WTO‐OECD Balanced Trade in Services Data from 1995 to 2006.
Multiorgan metastases with massive bone involvement of a medullary thyroid carcinoma in a dog
Authors: Renzi Andrea , Sabattini Silvia , D'Annunzio Giulia , Zaccone Riccardo , Perfetti Simone , Okonji Samuel , Marconato Laura
Published: November 2022

A 10‐year‐old mixed‐breed male dog was referred for a subcutaneous mass on the ventral neck. Based on total‐body computed tomography (TBCT), the mass was located in the left thyroid lobe. Further alterations included enlargement of the ipsilateral mandibular and prescapular lymph nodes (LNs). Surgical excision of the mass and enlarged LNs was performed. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry were consistent with a medullary (C‐cell) thyroid carcinoma, with no evidence of nodal metastases. Surgery was considered curative, and no medical treatment was provided. Periodic follow‐up rechecks were unremarkable. After 18 months, the dog exhibited lethargy, vomiting, anorexia, and hind leg stiffness. TBCT revealed polyostotic osteopathy, and cytology suggested a metastatic endocrine carcinoma. Due to the dog's poor clinical condition and prognosis, the owner elected euthanasia, and a necropsy was performed. Based on gross pathology, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry, multiple metastases of the previous thyroid carcinoma were diagnosed, involving the occipital bone, multiple vertebrae, left sacral wing, fourth right rib, left scapula, left humerus, intrathoracic LNs, lung, spleen, and adrenal glands. This report describes a case of medullary thyroid carcinoma with distant multiorgan metastases and massive bone involvement after a disease‐free interval of 18 months.