bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How analyst recommendations respond to corporate uncertainty caused by investment behavior
Authors: Zhang Longwen , Wei Minghai
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Corporate investment behavior increases the uncertainty of a company’s operation and performance. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how analyst recommendations respond to corporate uncertainty caused by investment behavior and what motivates analysts to react as they do.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors test two motivation hypotheses: the hypothesis that analysts are currying favor with management to obtain private information and the hypothesis that analysts have conflicts of interest due to connections. Using Chinese analyst-level data from 2007 to 2015, the authors find that overall investment levels, R&D investment and M&A events are significantly positively correlated with analyst recommendations, suggesting that analysts tend to react optimistically to corporate investment behavior.

Findings

Analysts are only optimistic about companies with low information transparency, suggesting that analysts may be trying to curry favor with management to gain access to private information. The authors find that analysts with stronger recommendations have more private information and analysts with more private information publish more accurate earnings forecasts, which supports the hypothesis that analysts curry favor with management through optimistic recommendations to obtain more private information. This is consistent with the logic that the difficulty of earnings forecasting increases under uncertain conditions, increasing the demand for private information. The authors then group the analysts according to their underwriting connections, securities company’s proprietary connections and fund connections, and find that the positive correlation between corporate investment behavior and analyst recommendations exists only in the unconnected groups. This is evidence against the hypothesis that analysts have conflicts of interest due to their connections.

Originality/value

First, the authors link the optimism of analysts with the uncertainty of analysts’ information inputs to partially unpack the black box of analysts’ analyses. Second, the authors test the two hypotheses mentioned. There is a lack of comparative studies on the influence of different motivations on the behavior of analysts.
Transformational leadership and innovation in teaching and learning activities: the mediation effect of knowledge management
Authors: Supermane Sugunah
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Education institutions persist by transforming leadership skills to manage their knowledge resources efficiently as well as enhance the lecturer’s teaching and learning innovation capabilities. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate whether knowledge management plays a role of mediator between transformational leadership and teaching and learning innovation in teacher education.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect the primary data from 359 teacher educators across Malaysia. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to all the samples, and the collected data was analysed using structural equation modelling approach.

Findings

The data analysis indicated that knowledge management did not play the role of a mediator in this study because the direct effect of transformational leadership on teaching and learning innovation was stronger than the indirect effect of transformational leadership through knowledge management.

Practical implications

From the aspect of implications on the practice, it was suggested that all lecturers and head of departments attend clinical training and workshops on knowledge management to further understand the knowledge management processes that could enhance the quality of teaching in teacher education institutes.

Originality/value

This study is perhaps the first study to investigate the role of knowledge management as a mediator between transformational leadership and teaching and learning innovation in teacher education.
Three stages of entrepreneurial orientation: the founder’s role
Authors: Ljungkvist Torbjörn , Boers Börje , Samuelsson Joachim
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the development of the five dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) over time by taking a founder’s perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on an in-depth single-case study. It combines semi-structured interviews in the company with archival data, such as annual reports, press clips and interviews in business magazines.

Findings

The results indicate that the EO dimensions change from being personalized and directly solution-oriented to being intangible value-creation-oriented.

Originality/value

By suggesting ownership-based EO configurations, this study contributes insights into how different ownership forms propel EO. These configurations – that is, personal, administrative based and intangible focused – show the impact of the EO dimensions and provide a systematic and theoretical understanding of EO change over time.
High-speed impact assessment for composite air inlet
Authors: Doubrava Radek , Oberthor Martin , Bělský Petr , Raška Jan
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the approach for the design of a jet engine composite air inlet for a new generation of jet trainer aircraft from the perspective of airworthiness requirements regarding high-speed impact resistance.

Design/methodology/approach

Validated numerical simulation was applied to flat test panels. The final design was optimised and verified by validated numerical simulation and verified by testing on a full-scale demonstrator. High-speed camera measurement and non-destructive testing (NDT) results were used for the verification of the numerical models.

Findings

The test results of flat test panels confirmed the high durability of the composite structure during inclined high-speed impact with a near-real jet inlet load boundary condition.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to the sensitivity of the composite material on technology production, the results are limited by the material used and the production technology.

Practical implications

The application of flat test panels for the verification and tuning of numerical models allows optimised final design of the air inlet and reduces the risk of structural non-compliance during verification tests.

Originality/value

Numerical models were verified for simulation of the real composite structure based on high-speed camera results and NDT inspection after impact. The proposed numerical model was simplified for application in a real complex design and reduced calculation time.
The future trip: a story of transformational change
Authors: Brandt Eva Norrman , Andersson Ann-Christine , Kjellstrom Sofia
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The study of successful transformational change processes in organizations has been limited. The purpose of this paper is to understand a change process and the type of change that occurred in a pharmaceutical company in Sweden 2005–2014.

Design/methodology/approach

An interactive research design was used, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 individuals, asking about their views on the change journey. Meetings and dialogue with leaders from the organization also took place. Observations from feedback meetings with leaders were included in the analysis. The results were analysed using a time-ordered display identifying key events, interpreted by a theoretical lens determining the type of change over a period of 10 years.

Findings

This was a transformational change caused by external pressure, supported by visionary and transparent leadership, collaborative methods aiming at broad involvement and systemic understanding. The results indicated a 40 per cent increase in productivity and altered organizational design and culture. Sense-making activities, persistent adoption of quality improvement tools, dispersed power and sequential change activities underpinned the success.

Practical implications

The results provide insight into the processes of transformational change. Change leaders were provided with knowledge, inspiration and insight when facing transformations.

Social implications

Increased prevalence of transformational change calls for new organizational competencies and altered roles for leaders and employees. There is a need for new ways of developing competence and new recruitment policies for leaders.

Originality/value

This case presents unique empirical evidence of a successful cultural transformation led by a leader using post-conventional principles.
Accounting and politicians: a theory of accounting information usefulness
Authors: Ouda Hassan A.G. , Klischewski Ralf
Published: November 2019

Purpose

How do cognitive aspects influence the use/non-use of accounting information by the politicians? The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize and theorize the readiness to use and the actual use of accounting information in relation to the human and social agency involved.

Design/methodology/approach

Applying cognitive fit theory and social cognitive theory, the authors explain how cognition of accounting information producers and users relates to their tasks and their environment. Analyzing cognitive matching, the authors develop accounting information usefulness as a function of the cognitive match between the accounting information producers and users.

Findings

The theoretical findings posit that cognitive fit increases with the degree of matching between the cognition of accounting information producers and the cognition of accounting information users. The theory proposes that enriching and matching the various cognitive factors lead to formation of more aligned mental representations to govern the processes of accounting information production and use as a prerequisite for the accounting information usefulness.

Research limitations/implications

By theorizing human cognition, behavior and learning, the authors seek to contribute to the explanation and prediction of accounting information use. Future research needs to empirically validate and/or further develop the propositions.

Practical implications

Practically, the conceptualization can be used to align individual and collective learning on both sides and to introduce information use audit as an instrument for supporting collective learning.

Originality/value

The theory of accounting information usefulness is the first attempt in public sector accounting literature to explain the relation of production and consumption of accounting information in relation to the cognition of the actors involved.
Making sense of the users of public sector accounting information and their needs
Authors: van Helden Jan , Reichard Christoph
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to dismantle the complex issue of “use of accounting information (AI)” by pointing to different groups of information users, diverging interests and needs of these user groups and various influential factors on the usability and the actual use of AI.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper includes a literature review and conceptual reflections.

Findings

The review of recently published articles on the issue of “use of accounting information” presents an actual picture of the academic debate on purposes of use, user types, needs of various user groups and factors influencing the usability and the actual use of AI. The subsequent conceptual reflections deal with so far less regarded user groups, with options to strengthen the user perspective in budgeting and financial reporting, with approaches for engaging users in the content of accounting documents, with interrelations between user needs, usability and use intensity, including various antecedents of the different variables of the information-use issue.

Research limitations/implications

This paper presents promising routes for future research.

Practical implications

The paper emphasizes the importance of paying more attention to the specific information needs and the motivations of various stakeholder groups generally interested in using financial information.

Originality/value

The paper presents results of reviewing recent literature on the issue of “use of accounting information” and provides some insight into specific aspects of this issue.
What drives board committee structure? Evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Jiraporn Pornsit , Uyar Ali , Kuzey Cemil , Kilic Merve
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Board committees enable boards to function effectively, as committees improve the quality of corporate governance by fulfilling specific, assigned tasks. This study aims to explore how board structure, CEO duality and audit quality are associated with board committee structure in the context of an emerging market, namely, Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consisted of 122 firms listed on the Industrial Index of Borsa Istanbul for the years between 2012 and 2014, inclusive, and this yielded 366 firm-year observations. To test the hypotheses, the panel data analysis method was used, which enabled the elimination of certain problems, such as multicollinearity and estimation bias, as well as specification of the time-variant association between the predictor variables and the output variable.

Findings

Board size, board independence and firm size had a positive association with the number and size of board committees, whereas CEO duality had a negative association with the number and size of board committees. Moreover, the appointment of female members on audit and corporate governance committees was more frequent in firms that had a high proportion of women on their boards. Finally, audit quality was positively associated with the existence of risk committee, the overall diversity of board committees and the diversity of corporate governance committees.

Research limitations/implications

The study is not free from limitations. It covers the time span between 2012 and 2014; thus, readers should be cautious about generalizing these results longitudinally, as a different time periods could possibly yield different results. The second limitation concerns the fact that only industrial firms were sampled; thus, these findings may not be valid in other sectors.

Practical implications

The paper shifts the attention of researchers from overall board structure to board committee structure. The results of the study provide insights for policymakers, boards and shareholders. Policymakers can formulate boards and committees by considering these findings. Boards can benefit from the conclusions of this study in shaping their own structure and sub-committee structures. Current and potential shareholders may find the results of the study instructive in making investment decisions.

Originality/value

This study investigates the factors associated with the structure of overall and specific board committees. Additionally, while most prior research on board committees has sampled firms that are domiciled in developed countries, this study examines the subject in an emerging country context, namely Turkey. Moreover, this study adds to the literature by examining the association between audit quality and board committee structure, which has been largely neglected in prior literature.
The potential beyond IC 4.0: the evolution of business intelligence towards advanced business analytics
Authors: Ratia Milla , Myllärniemi Jussi , Helander Nina
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The private health care sector is seeking to improve their understanding of business processes to be able to improve their performance. The purpose of this paper is to understand the future needs of the private health care sector organizations in terms of business intelligence (BI) and business analytics (BA) to ensure value creation.

Design/methodology/approach

The four evolution stages of intellectual capital enriched by managerial data-driven approach are used as a framework to point out the future of BI or BA in the private healthcare sector. The research includes private health care organizations, BI vendors and management consultants in Finland.

Findings

Based on the findings, the private health care is stepping towards a new phase of data-driven decision-making, requiring to change the whole set of mind towards use of data and required capabilities. Moreover, it shows that the future factors of BI varied from practical tools and methods such as predictive and prescriptive analytics along with AI, to more conceptual factors such as social BI co-creation and platforms.

Practical implications

As an outcome, this study provides an understanding of the role of IC components in the future BI and use of BA as well as provides a valuable insight into the future potential of BI in the private health care sector.

Originality/value

Data-driven decision-making and seeking for new business opportunities are currently one of the most discussed topics in the private health care sector. By identifying the future opportunities of BI and BA, this study provides a better understanding of the role of IC components and BI in creating potential for new business for private health care.
Fuzzy assessment analysis and key improvements to a production system
Authors: Shiau Yau-Ren , Chang Hui-Min
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The framework of Six Sigma Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control was applied in this study, and various tools and techniques were used at different stages to implement lean measures to ensure quality. The purpose of this paper is to develop a decision-making framework that assesses key quality performance to ensure that practitioners improve quality and control by modeling and optimizing production processes.

Design/methodology/approach

A model of a quality performance index system was established. The weights of factors and sub-factors, which were estimated using an FAHP, were used as a reference for the decision maker under fuzzy uncertainly to make a decision, and thus, results present the bottlenecks in processes. Furthermore, any other factors that may affect the key process bottlenecks must be considered. The critical to quality characteristics were determined, and factor levels were set. The interaction between the factors was analyzed, their significance was studied using the Design of experiments and the parameters were predicted. Finally, quality improvement decisions were made through failure mode and effects analysis.

Findings

The implementation results of this research prove that the proposed model could successfully determine the key processes and focus on the improvement of critical quality factors under limited resources.

Originality/value

This study establishes a set of performance appraisal methods for production systems, which can be used for improving productivity and quality.
Physical and physiological impacts of ocean warming alter phenotypic selection on sperm morphology
Authors: Chirgwin Evatt , Marshall Dustin J. , Monro Keyne
Published: November 2019

Global warming may threaten fertility, which is a key component of individual fitness and vital for population persistence. For males, fertility relies on the ability of sperm to collide and fuse with eggs; consequently, sperm morphology is predicted to be a prime target of selection owing to its effects on male function.

In aquatic environments, warming will expose gametes of external fertilizers to the physiological effects of higher temperature and the physical effects of lower viscosity. However, the consequences of either effect for fertility, and for selection acting on sperm traits to maintain fertility, are poorly understood.

Here, we test how independent changes in water temperature and viscosity alter male fertility and selection on sperm morphology in an externally fertilizing marine tubeworm. To create five fertilization environments, we manipulate temperature to reflect current‐day conditions (16.5°C), projected near‐term warming (21°C) and projected long‐term warming (25°C), then adjust two more environments at 21°C and 25°C to the viscosity of environments at 16.5°C and 21°C, respectively. We then use a split‐ejaculate design to measure the fertility of focal males, and selection on their sperm, in each environment.

Projected changes in temperature and viscosity act independently to reduce male fertility, but act jointly to alter selection on sperm morphology. Specifically, environments resulting from projected warming alter selection on the sperm midpiece in ways that suggest shifts in the energetic challenges of functioning under stressful conditions. Selection also targets sperm head dimensions and tail length, irrespective of environment.

We provide the first evidence that projected changes in ocean temperature and viscosity will not only impact the fertility of marine external fertilizers, but expose their gametes to novel selection pressures that may drive them to adapt in response if gamete phenotypes are sufficiently heritable.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Validating loci associated with bovine respiratory disease complex in pre‐weaned Holstein calves
Authors: Kiser J.N. , Cornmesser M.A. , Blackburn R. , McGuirk S.M. , Taylor J.F. , Seabury C.M. , Womack J.E. ,   the Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex Coordinated Agricultural Project Research Team, Neibergs H.L.
Published: November 2019

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is considered one of the most economically important diseases in the cattle industry. Ultimately, the selection of cattle that are less susceptible to disease will allow producers to reduce the prevalence of BRD and lessen its economic impact. The objective of this study was to validate previously identified loci associated with susceptibility to BRD in an independent population of 140 pre‐weaned Holstein calves from Wisconsin (WI). Using the McGuirk health scoring system, calves were classified as either clinically affected with BRD (n = 35) or healthy (n = 105). Additive genotypic tests were performed for genomic regions previously associated with susceptibility to BRD in calves from California (CA) and New Mexico (NM). Using this method, 4 loci (P < 0.01) consisting of 10 SNP were validated in the WI population, including 2 loci from CA, 1 locus from NM, and 1 locus from a combined CA + NM population. Most of the positional candidate genes and transcription factor binding site motifs associated with these loci have functions related to innate and adaptive immune responses. The validation of loci associated with susceptibility to BRD in independent populations allows producers to more reliably select cattle that are less susceptible to BRD, improving animal welfare, decreasing the annual revenue losses, and lowering the prevalence of the disease.
Response of tree diversity and community composition to forest use intensity along a tropical elevational gradient
Authors: Monge‐González María Leticia , Craven Dylan , Krömer Thorsten , Castillo‐Campos Gonzalo , Hernández‐Sánchez Alejandro , Guzmán‐Jacob Valeria , Guerrero‐Ramírez Nathaly , Kreft Holger
Published: November 2019

Question

Land‐use change and intensification are currently the most pervasive threats to tropical biodiversity. Yet, their effects on biodiversity change with elevation are unknown. Here, we examine how tree diversity and community composition vary with elevation and how the effects of forest use intensity on tree diversity and community composition change within elevations.

Location

Eastern slopes of the Cofre de Perote mountain, state of Veracruz, Mexico.

Methods

We assessed tree diversity and composition using a sampling design in which elevation was crossed with three levels of forest use intensity: old‐growth, degraded, and secondary forests. We established 120 20 m × 20 m forest plots, located at eight sites between 0 m and 3,545 m. At each site, five replicate plots were inventoried for each level of forest use intensity.

Results

Our analyses revealed an interactive effect between elevation and forest use intensity affecting tree diversity and community composition along the elevational gradient. Contrasting effects of forest use intensity within elevation resulted in tree diversity following a low‐plateau pattern for old‐growth and a bimodal pattern for degraded and secondary forests. Along the entire elevational gradient, there were 217 tree species distributed within 154 genera and 80 families. Species accumulation curves revealed that forests at 0 m and 1,500 m elevation showed differences in species richness among forest use intensities. In contrast, species richness did not differ between old‐growth forest and the other forest use intensities in five of the eight studied elevations. In terms of community composition, secondary forests differed from old‐growth and degraded forests.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the interactive effects of elevation and forest use intensity change tree diversity patterns and community composition along a tropical elevational gradient. Degraded forests were similar to old‐growth forests in terms of species diversity and composition, suggesting that they may act as a safeguard of tree diversity in human‐dominated tropical landscapes.
Brief Report on PROSPER Academic Outcomes: Extended Model of Crossover Effects on Young Adult College Success
Authors: Spoth Richard , Trudeau Linda , Redmond Cleve , Shin Chungyeol , Feinberg Mark E. , Greenberg Mark T.
Published: November 2019

This study examines crossover effects of adolescent substance misuse preventive interventions on academic success in college. It evaluates pathways of influence on college grades, via effects on school engagement, problem‐solving skills, and substance misuse in high school. Data were collected as part of an Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) evaluating a multicomponent intervention conducted in 28 school districts with middle school students. At age 19, study participants (N = 1,488) enrolled in college reported on college grades. The model fit the data, supporting hypothesized pathways of intervention impacts. Inclusion of a significant direct effect on college grades further improved model fit. Results support the potential for universal substance misuse preventive interventions delivered by community partnerships during middle school to yield effects on long‐term academic success.
Cabergoline may act as a radioprotective agent in Cushing's disease
Authors: Thakkar Kunal , Lila Anurag , Sarathi Vijaya , Ramteke‐Jadhav Swati , Goroshi Manjunath , Memon Saba Samad , Krishnatry Rahul , Gupta Tejpal , Jalali Rakesh , Goel Atul , Shah Abhidha , Sankhe Shilpa , Patil Virendra , Bandgar Tushar , Shah Nalini S.
Published: November 2019

Context

Conventional fractionated radiotherapy (CRT) achieves control of pathological hypercortisolism in 75%‐80% of patients with persistent or recurrent Cushing's disease (CD), over a mean period of 18‐24 months. Medical therapy is recommended as bridge therapy while awaiting RT effect.

Objective

To determine long‐term outcome of CRT and its predictors in CD patients.

Design, Setting and Patients

This is a retrospective case record analysis of 42 patients with CD who received CRT as a treatment modality and had at least 12 months post‐RT follow‐up. The dose delivered was 45 Gy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks. Demographic details, hormonal evaluation and radiological data were extracted from case records. Dexamethasone suppressed cortisol at cut‐off of 1.8 µg/dL was used to define remission or recurrence. Possible predictors for remission and recurrence were analysed.

Results

The mean age at the time of CRT administration was 23.7 ± 10.7 (range: 12‐48) years. A total of 29 (69%) patients achieved remission 26.5 ± 28.5 (median: 18, range: 3‐120) months after RT, while 13 (31%) patients had persistent disease at last follow‐up. There were no significant predictors of disease remission after CRT. Six (20.7%) patients had recurrence after a documented initial remission. Recurrence occurred 66.6 ± 25.9 (median: 74; range: 18 to 90) months after documented remission. Recurrence of the disease was exclusively seen in patients who received peri‐RT cabergoline. Peri‐CRT use of cabergoline was significantly associated with increased recurrence rates (P = .016).

Conclusion

Use of cabergoline in the peri‐CRT period did not affect initial remission after CRT but was associated with increased recurrence after initial remission in CD.
Physical activity, sedentary time and cardiometabolic health indicators among Mexican children
Authors: Jáuregui Alejandra , Salvo Deborah , García‐Olvera Armando , Villa Umberto , Téllez‐Rojo Martha M. , Schnaas Lourdes M. , Svensson Katherine , Oken Emily , Wright Robert O. , Baccarelli Andrea A. , Cantoral Alejandra
Published: November 2019

We examined the independent associations of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time (ST) with cardiometabolic indicators in Mexican children (4‐6 years of age). We conducted a cross‐sectional study (n = 400) using the measures of MVPA and ST (7‐day accelerometry) and the following indicators: % body fat, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI) z‐score, glycated haemoglobin, blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, leptin, adiponectin and resting blood pressure. We examined the independent associations of MVPA and ST with cardiometabolic indicators through confounder‐adjusted and mutually adjusted (including both MVPA and ST) linear regression models. Confounder‐adjusted models showed that MVPA was associated with higher BMI z‐scores and lower adiponectin levels in girls and lower body fat among boys. ST was associated with higher body fat, in the full sample, and lower LDL cholesterol among boys. After mutually adjusting for MVPA and ST, MVPA (10‐minute increase) remained significantly associated with BMI z‐score in girls (β = 0.187, 95% CI: 0.019, 0.356) and ST (60‐minute increase) remained significantly associated with higher body fat (β = 1.11%, 95% CI: 0.019, 2.203) among boys and higher glycated haemoglobin (β = 0.047% points, 95% CI: 0.000, 0.094) in the full sample. In preschool‐aged children, the objective measures of ST and MVPA were associated with small differences in cardiometabolic health indicators. ST was unfavourably associated with some cardiometabolic indicators even after adjusting for MVPA, and thus appeared to have a more significant role than MVPA, especially in boys. Future longitudinal studies should confirm these results.
Multidrug resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumor with multiple metastases to the skin and subcutaneous soft tissue: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Aickara Divya J. , McBride Jeffrey , Morrison Brian , Romanelli Paolo
Published: November 2019

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are mesenchymal neoplasms which account for less than 1% of all gastrointestinal malignancies. Of all the extra‐abdominal metastases of GIST, superficial soft tissue metastases are the rarest. Previous reports have found success with sunitinib in imatinib‐resistant GIST, but we report a certain wild‐type KIT mutation GIST with cutaneous and subcutaneous metastasis that was unresponsive to multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatments. This case illustrates that knowing the specific type of KIT mutations may uncover resistance of certain GIST's to TKIs, necessitating more targeted and alternative therapy.
Electronic cigarettes: Ever use, current use and attitudes among alcohol and other drug clients
Authors: Skelton Eliza , Silberberg Louis , Guillaumier Ashleigh , Dunlop Adrian J. , Wilkinson Ross B. , Bonevski Billie
Published: November 2019

Introduction and Aims

Electronic cigarettes (e‐cigarettes) are becoming popular and may be a potential harm reduction and quit smoking aid for people who use other drugs. Data on e‐cigarette use and perceptions among people who use drugs is limited. The current study examines tobacco smoking status, use and attitudes towards e‐cigarettes among people in drug and alcohol treatment.

Design and Methods

Data were collected through a standardised Patient Experience Tracking System device installed in the waiting room of six drug and alcohol clinical service programs located within one area health service in New South Wales, Australia during April to June 2017. Participants were clients of participating services aged 18 years and older.

Results

Five hundred and eleven participants completed the survey, 85% were current smokers, 9% were ex‐smokers and 6% were non‐smokers. Over half of all participants (53%) had tried e‐cigarettes in their lifetime, 26% reported current use and 77% of those were using them with nicotine. Just less than half of all participants believed that e‐cigarettes were helpful for quitting or cutting down smoking tobacco cigarettes (48%). More than half of all respondents (59%) believed that tobacco cigarettes were more harmful than e‐cigarettes (59%) and believed that e‐cigarettes were an acceptable quit smoking aid for patients of drug and alcohol services (64%).

Discussion and Conclusions

Most participants were current tobacco smokers and had tried an e‐cigarette though a minority were currently using e‐cigarettes. Participant attitudes were favourable towards the use of e‐cigarettes as quit smoking aids.
Pain in adults with cerebral palsy: measuring the contribution of spasticity
Authors: Smith Jonathan M C , Field Thalia S
Published: November 2019

This commentary is on the original article by Flanigan et al. on pages 379–385 of this issue.
Blame avoidance strategies in governmental performance measurement
Authors: Rajala Tomi
Published: November 2019

Performance measurement and blame avoidance are significant forces that shape the development of the public sector. Unfortunately, extant literature has not paid much attention to blame avoidance in performance measurement. Thus, this article aims to show how blame avoidance strategies can be embedded in performance measurement. This case study's results provide theoretical ideas and empirical examples that demonstrate how a particular performance measure––central government productivity––enabled blame avoidance. These results will help practitioners and academics view blame avoidance aspects in performance measurement.
Scavenger communities and fisheries waste: North Sea discards support 3 million seabirds, 2 million fewer than in 1990
Authors: Sherley Richard B. , Ladd‐Jones Hannah , Garthe Stefan , Stevenson Olivia , Votier Stephen C.
Published: November 2019

Every year fisheries discard >10 million tonnes of fish. This provides a bounty for scavengers, yet the ecological impact of discarding is understudied. Seabirds are the best‐studied discard scavengers and fisheries have shaped their movement ecology, demography and community structure. However, we know little about the number of scavenging seabirds that discards support, how this varies over time or might change as stocks and policy change. Here, we use a Bayesian bioenergetics model to estimate the number of scavenging birds potentially supported by discards in the North Sea (one of the highest discard‐producing regions) in 1990, around the peak of production, and again after discard declines in 2010. We estimate that North Sea discards declined by 48% from 509,840 tonnes in 1990 to 267,549 tonnes in 2010. This waste had the potential to support 5.66 (95% credible intervals: 3.33–9.74) million seabirds in the 1990s, declining by 39% to 3.45 (1.98–5.78) million birds by 2010. Our study reveals the potential for fishery discards to support very large scavenging seabird communities but also shows how this has declined over recent decades. Discard bans, like the European Union's Landing Obligation, may reduce inflated scavenger communities, but come against a backdrop of gradual declines potentially buffering deleterious impacts. More work is required to reduce uncertainty and to generate global estimates, but our study highlights the magnitude of scavenger communities potentially supported by discards and thus the importance of understanding the wider ecological consequences of dumping fisheries waste.
SGLT1 inhibition boon or bane for diabetes‐associated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kalra Jaspreet , Mangali Suresh Babu , Dasari Deepika , Bhat Audesh , Goyal Srashti , Dhar Indu , Sriram Dharamrajan , Dhar Arti
Published: November 2019

Chronic hyperglycaemia is a peculiar feature of diabetes mellitus (DM). Sequential metabolic abnormalities accompanying glucotoxicity are some of its implications. Glucotoxicity most likely corresponds to the vascular intricacy and metabolic alterations, such as increased oxidation of free fatty acids and reduced glucose oxidation. More than half of those with diabetes also develop cardiac abnormalities due to unknown causes, posing a major threat to the currently available marketed preparations which are being used for treating these cardiac complications. Even though impairment in cardiac functioning is the principal cause of death in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D), reducing plasma glucose levels has little effect on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that inhibitors of sodium glucose transporter (SGLT) represent a putative therapeutic intervention for these pathological conditions. Several clinical trials have reported the efficacy of SGLT inhibitors as a novel and potent antidiabetic agent which along with its antihyperglycaemic activity possesses the potential of effectively treating its associated cardiac abnormalities. Thus, hereby, the present review highlights the role of SGLT inhibitors as a successful drug candidate for correcting the shifts in deregulation of cardiac energy substrate metabolism together with its role in treating diabetes‐related cardiac perturbations.
Language learning at the dinner table: Two case studies of French homestays
Authors: Kinginger Celeste , Carnine Julia
Published: November 2019

Drawing on Vygotsky's insights on the sociocultural origins of development, we examine the French homestay as a site for learning, with a focus on the dinner table. Based on audio recordings of mealtime interactions, interviews, and field notes, we present two case studies of French language learners and their host families. “Amelia” lived for one semester with an “empty nest” couple whose prior experience of interacting with learners had shaped a distinct folk pedagogical style. “Irène” was hosted for a full academic year by a family of four; over the course of the year, her hosts continually and explicitly assisted her involvement in multiparty family talk thus fostering Irène's ability to display a locally appropriate participatory conversational style. Our findings underscore the importance of attending to the host family's role and contribute to the evidence suggesting that communicative repertoires emerge from, and are shaped by, particular experiences of communication.
The Paris Agreement objectives will likely halt future declines of emperor penguins
Authors: Jenouvrier Stéphanie , Holland Marika , Iles David , Labrousse Sara , Landrum Laura , Garnier Jimmy , Caswell Hal , Weimerskirch Henri , LaRue Michelle , Ji Rubao , Barbraud Christophe
Published: November 2019

The Paris Agreement is a multinational initiative to combat climate change by keeping a global temperature increase in this century to 2°C above preindustrial levels while pursuing efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C. Until recently, ensembles of coupled climate simulations producing temporal dynamics of climate en route to stable global mean temperature at 1.5 and 2°C above preindustrial levels were not available. Hence, the few studies that have assessed the ecological impact of the Paris Agreement used ad‐hoc approaches. The development of new specific mitigation climate simulations now provides an unprecedented opportunity to inform ecological impact assessments. Here we project the dynamics of all known emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) colonies under new climate change scenarios meeting the Paris Agreement objectives using a climate‐dependent‐metapopulation model. Our model includes various dispersal behaviors so that penguins could modulate climate effects through movement and habitat selection. Under business‐as‐usual greenhouse gas emissions, we show that 80% of the colonies are projected to be quasiextinct by 2100, thus the total abundance of emperor penguins is projected to decline by at least 81% relative to its initial size, regardless of dispersal abilities. In contrast, if the Paris Agreement objectives are met, viable emperor penguin refuges will exist in Antarctica, and only 19% and 31% colonies are projected to be quasiextinct by 2100 under the Paris 1.5 and 2 climate scenarios respectively. As a result, the global population is projected to decline by at least by 31% under Paris 1.5 and 44% under Paris 2. However, population growth rates stabilize in 2060 such that the global population will be only declining at 0.07% under Paris 1.5 and 0.34% under Paris 2, thereby halting the global population decline. Hence, global climate policy has a larger capacity to safeguard the future of emperor penguins than their intrinsic dispersal abilities.
Occurrence of filamentous fungi and mycotoxins in wrapped forages in Sweden and Norway and their relation to chemical composition and management
Authors: Schenck Jessica , Müller Cecilia , Djurle Annika , Jensen Dan Funck , O’Brien Martin , Johansen Astrid , Rasmussen Peter Have , Spörndly Rolf
Published: November 2019

A study was conducted on 124 farms in Sweden and Norway where fungal (all farms) and mycotoxin (100 of the 124 farms) presence was examined in wrapped forage bales. Samples were also analysed for chemical composition, and data on the bale production and storage system on each farm were collected. Fungi, analysed by three common sampling methods, were found in bales from 89% of the visited farms (110 farms). The most frequently isolated fungal species from the bale surface was Penicillium roqueforti. Mycotoxins were present in 39% of the 100 samples analysed. The most common mycotoxins present were enniatin B (14 farms) followed by deoxynivalenol (12 farms). The risk of finding fungi in baled forage samples was higher with odds ratio (OR) of 5.1 when less than eight layers of stretch film were applied, low seal integrity of wrapping (OR 172 at <10 s of seal integrity), higher dry‐matter content (OR 1.17–1.56 per % unit DM) and higher concentrations of acetic acid (OR 47.5 per g DM) and ethanol (OR 3.4 per g DM). Mycotoxin presence was not found to be correlated with any of the chemical characteristics of the baled forage, or with any forage production and management factors. A positive correlation was present between total fungal counts and general mycotoxin presence, but not between specific mycotoxins and the toxin‐producing fungal species.
The effect of pretreatment submucosal injections of tramadol and dexamethasone on post‐endodontic pain in mandibular molar teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Aksoy F. , Ege B.
Published: November 2019

Aim

To establish the effects of submucosal single doses of two medicines on postoperative pain after root canal treatment in mandibular molar teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

Methodology

In this randomized controlled, double‐blind clinical trial, 90 patients with the diagnosis of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis in their mandibular first or second molars were included and randomly divided into three groups (n = 30): a control group that received normal saline and two experimental groups that received a single dose of either tramadol (100 mg 2 mL−1) or dexamethasone (8 mg 2 mL−1). After local anaesthesia and before treatment, submucosal injections were administered into the mucobuccal fold adjacent to the mandibular molars, and a routine single‐visit root canal treatment procedure was performed in all groups. After the root canal treatments, the patients were asked to score their pain level using the Heft–Parker visual analogue scale (0–170 mm) at 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h. The experimental groups were compared using one‐way anova or Kruskal–Wallis H‐test. The groups that were significantly different were compared pairwise using Student's t‐test or the Mann–Whitney U‐test. The findings were expressed as the mean ± standard deviation or median (min‐max). The categorical variables were tested using the chi‐square test or Fisher's exact chi‐square test, and the results were expressed as counts and percentages.

Results

At the 6‐h and 48‐h time intervals, the intensity of pain was significantly less in both the dexamethasone and tramadol groups than in the control group (P < 0.0167). At the end of 12 h, the pain level in the dexamethasone group was significantly less compared to the other groups (P < 0.0167).

Conclusions

Pretreatment submucosal dexamethasone and tramadol injections significantly diminished post‐treatment endodontic pain of patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis following single‐visit root canal treatment. However, dexamethasone was more effective than tramadol in pain reduction in the first 12 h.
Total and trimester‐specific gestational weight gain and infant anthropometric outcomes at birth and 6 months in low‐income Hispanic families
Authors: Deierlein Andrea L. , Messito Mary Jo , Katzow Michelle , Berube Lauren Thomas , Dolin Cara D. , Gross Rachel S.
Published: November 2019

Objective

To describe total and trimester‐specific gestational weight gain (GWG) among low‐income Hispanic women and determine whether these GWG exposures are associated with infant anthropometric outcomes at birth and 6 months.

Study Design

Data were from 448 mother‐infant pairs enrolled in the Starting Early child obesity prevention trial. Prenatal weights were used to calculate total GWG and 2nd and 3rd trimester GWG rates (kg/week) and categorized as inadequate, adequate, and excessive according to the 2009 Institute of Medicine recommendations. Multivariable linear and modified Poisson regressions estimated associations of infant anthropometric outcomes (birthweight, small‐for‐gestational age [SGA], large‐for‐gestational age [LGA], rapid weight gain, and weight‐for‐age, length‐for‐age, and weight‐for‐length z‐scores at 6 months) with GWG categories.

Results

For total GWG, 39% and 27% of women had inadequate and excessive GWG, respectively. 57% and 46% had excessive GWG rates in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, respectively, with 29% having excessive rates in both trimesters. Inadequate total GWG was associated with lower infant weight and length outcomes (ß range for z‐scores = −0.21 to −0.46, p < 0.05) and lower risk of LGA (adjusted Relative Risk, aRR = 0.38; 95% confidence intervals, CI: 0.16, 0.95) and rapid weight gain (aRR = 0.72; 95%CI: 0.51, 1.00). GWG rates above recommendations in the 2nd trimester or 2nd/3rd trimesters were associated with greater weight outcomes at birth and 6 months (ß range for z‐scores = 0.24 to 0.35, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Counseling women about health behaviors and closely monitoring GWG beginning in early pregnancy is necessary, particularly among populations at high‐risk of obesity.