bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum spin representation for the Navier-Stokes equation
Authors: Meng Zhaoyuan , Yang Yue
Published: November 2024

We develop a quantum representation for Newtonian viscous fluid flows by establishing a mapping between the Navier-Stokes equation (NSE) and the Schrödinger-Pauli equation (SPE). The proposed nonlinear SPE incorporates the two-component wave function and the imaginary diffusion. Consequently, classical fluid flow can be interpreted as a non-Hermitian quantum spin system. Using the SPE-based numerical simulation of viscous flows, we demonstrate the quantum/wavelike behavior in flow dynamics. Furthermore, the SPE equivalent to the NSE can facilitate the quantum simulation of fluid dynamics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Impact of submicron
Nb3Sn
stoichiometric surface defects on high-field superconducting radiofrequency cavity performance
Authors: Willson Sarah A. , Harbick Aiden V. , Shpani Liana , Do Van , Lew-Kiedrowska Helena , Liepe Matthias U. , Transtrum Mark K. , Sibener S. J.
Published: November 2024

Nb3Sn film coatings have the potential to drastically improve the accelerating performance of Nb superconducting radiofrequency (SRF) cavities in next-generation linear particle accelerators. Unfortunately, persistent Nb3Sn stoichiometric material defects formed during fabrication limit the cryogenic operating temperature and accelerating gradient by nucleating magnetic vortices that lead to premature cavity quenching. The SRF community currently lacks a predictive model that can explain the impact of chemical and morphological properties of Nb3Sn defects on vortex nucleation and maximum accelerating gradients. Both experimental and theoretical studies of the material and superconducting properties of the first 100 nm of Nb3Sn surfaces are complicated by significant variations in the volume distribution and topography of stoichiometric defects. This work contains a coordinated experimental study with supporting simulations to identify how the observed chemical composition and morphology of certain Sn-rich and Sn-deficient surface defects can impact the SRF performance. Nb3Sn films were prepared with varying degrees of stoichiometric defects, and the film surface morphologies were characterized. Both Sn-rich and Sn-deficient regions were identified in these samples. For Sn-rich defects, we focus on elemental Sn islands that are partially embedded into the Nb3Sn film. Using finite element simulations of the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equations, we estimate vortex nucleation field thresholds at Sn islands of varying size, geometry, and embedment. We find that these islands can lead to significant SRF performance degradation that could not have been predicted from the ensemble stoichiometry alone. For Sn-deficient Nb3Sn surfaces, we experimentally identify a periodic nanoscale surface corrugation that likely forms because of extensive Sn loss from the surface. Simulation results show that the surface corrugations contribute to the already substantial drop in the vortex nucleation field of Sn-deficient Nb3Sn surfaces. This work provides a systematic approach for future studies to further detail the relationship between experimental Nb3Sn growth conditions, stoichiometric defects, geometry, and vortex nucleation. These findings have technical implications that will help guide improvements to Nb3Sn fabrication procedures. Our outlined experiment-informed theoretical methods can assist future studies in making additional key insights about Nb3Sn stoichiometric defects that will help build the next generation of SRF cavities and support related superconducting materials development efforts.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Digital financial literacy and financial well-being – evidence from India
Authors: Bhat Suhail Ahmad , Lone Umer Mushtaq , SivaKumar ArunKumar , Krishna U.M. Gopal
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the influence of digital financial literacy (DFL) on the financial well-being (FWB) of students in Andhra Pradesh, specifically exploring the factors of impulsivity and self-control. Both DFL and FWB are treated as multi-dimensional constructs in the study. The research delves into the impact of DFL dimensions, viz. digital financial knowledge, digital financial experience and digital financial skills, on both impulsivity and self-control. Subsequently, the study assesses the effects of impulsivity and self-control on financial well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

To gather data, a questionnaire-based survey method was employed, reaching 475 university students through purposive sampling. The study utilizes confirmatory factor analysis for scale validation and structural equation modeling for hypothesis testing.

Findings

The results reveal a significantly negative influence of digital financial knowledge (DFK), digital financial experience (DFE) and digital financial skills (DFS) on impulsivity, while demonstrating a significantly positive impact on self-control. Additionally, the study finds that impulsivity negatively affects financial well-being, whereas self-control has a positive impact. Focusing on higher education institutions in Andhra Pradesh, the research highlights students’ limited concern for long-term financial planning.

Originality/value

This study underscores the relevance of understanding the crucial role of digital financial literacy in enhancing their financial well-being. The implications of these research findings are substantial and can be utilized to shape educational programs for students in higher education institutions. Such programs can guide institutions in imparting knowledge and skills related to personal finance management, particularly in the context of the increasing digitalization of financial transactions.
Students’ ratings to evaluate effective teaching practices of secondary schools in Bangladesh
Authors: Asadullah Sheikh , Gunawan Indra
Published: November 2024

Purpose

International studies have emphasised the importance of effective teaching for student learning. However, few studies have investigated teaching practices in Bangladesh. The purpose of the study set out to explore the mathematics teaching behaviour of secondary school level of Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

A convenient sampling strategy was used to collect 502 grade nine students’ perceptions from 15 mathematics classes within Dhaka Metropolitan City (DMC). A valid and reliable student questionnaire was used where the students rated their mathematics teachers' teaching behaviours identified in the dynamic model of educational effectiveness (DMEE).

Findings

The findings from the quantitative analysis of the student evaluations revealed that the mathematics teachers demonstrated structuring, modelling, questioning, teacher–student interactions and teacher dealing with misbehaviours in their daily classroom teaching.

Research limitations/implications

A small sample of mathematics classes were chosen in the study; hence, the findings may not be totally representative nor generalisable to the population of secondary mathematics teachers within Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Practical implications

The study conducted in Bangladesh contributes to the international dimension to educational effectiveness research. The findings from the study provide partial support for teaching factors and dimensions in DMEE (Creemers and Kyriakides, 2008), and emphasise the need for further studies, particularly in cross-cultural contexts.

Originality/value

This is the first study to evaluate teaching behaviours of secondary mathematics teachers through students’ perceptions in Bangladesh. It contributes important insights about teaching behaviours to inform the development of evidence-based policy and practice on quality teaching in the region.
Leakage prediction approach and influencing factor analysis from seal test
Authors: Gong Ran , Li Jinxiao , Xu Jin , Zhang He , Che Huajun
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Leakage serves as a core indicator of sealing performance degradation, particularly under high-speed and heavy-duty operational where increased leakage is common. Within heavy-duty vehicle transmissions, the leakage can lead to excessive pressure loss and eventual transmission failure. This study aims to introduce a predictive method for assessing sealing ring leakage in vehicle transmissions based on operating conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Seal test was carried out using a specialized seal test rig. Various data points were collected during this test, including leakage, friction torque, oil temperature, oil pressure and rotating speed. The collected data underwent noise separation and reconstruction using the complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise method. Subsequently, a leakage prediction model is developed using the random forest regression with parameter optimization. A quantitative evaluation for influencing factors in leakage prediction process is investigated.

Findings

The results achieve a mean accuracy index exceeding 95%, demonstrating close alignment between predicted and actual leakage values. Feature contribution results highlight that the trends of the oil temperature, friction torque and oil pressure significantly affect the leakage prediction, with the oil temperature trend exerting the most substantial influence.

Originality/value

This work sheds light on the interplay between operating conditions and sealing performance degradation, offering valuable insights for understanding and addressing sealing issues effectively.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-07-2024-0271/
The state of contemporary intergroup conflict in the Papua New Guinea Highlands
Authors: Forsyth Miranda
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the scholarship over the past 30 years on what used to be called Melanesian warfare or “tribal fighting” and is termed in this paper “intergroup conflict” in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. The paper categorises the drivers of intergroup conflict that make up the landscape for conflict in the Highlands. It starts with cultural factors and the understandings about conflict that have long been used to explain such violence, then adds newer factors. It argues that while the individual existence of each driver is important, far more important is the way in which they interact with each other in reinforcing feedback loops that propel the actors involved towards violence.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a thorough review of the scholarly and grey literature on the topic, drawing from the fields of anthropology, criminology, political science, law, justice and peacebuilding.

Findings

The overall finding of the paper is that the nature of intergroup conflict, its scale and dynamics, has changed considerably over the past 30 years, most prominently in the entanglement of the state with local-level conflicts. This has significantly affected the nature of intergroup conflict today, deepening the attractors towards violence and conflict, while weakening the ability of existing state and non-state systems to prevent it. The picture that emerges is one in which the interconnectivity of factors promoting violence has intensified, the rate of change is accelerating and levels of violence are amplified.

Originality/value

This paper is an original work.
Reexamining the relationship between knowledge paradox and collaborative performance
Authors: Huang Ming-Chang , Tsai Ming-Kun , Chen Tzu-Ting , Chiu Ya-Ping , You Wan-Jhu
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to empirically investigate how knowledge paradox affects collaboration performance. Knowledge paradox, which arises from the simultaneous need for knowledge sharing and protection, is common in interorganizational collaboration. Using the ambidexterity perspective, this paper aims to reexamine the effect of the knowledge paradox on collaborative performance to explore the moderating roles of structural and contextual ambidexterity.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a sample of 153 firms involved in vertical and horizontal collaboration, collected via questionnaires. Hypotheses were tested using hierarchical regression analysis.

Findings

This study demonstrates that the stronger the knowledge paradox is, the higher the potential for value creation. Thus, knowledge paradox has a positive impact on collaborative performance. The functions of structural ambidexterity and contextual ambidexterity strengthen this positive relationship.

Originality/value

This paper not only expands the theoretical application of the knowledge paradox and ambidexterity theory in the context of interorganizational relationships but also provides significant managerial implications. By comprehending the dynamics of the knowledge paradox and the role of ambidexterity, managers can make well-informed decisions to enhance their collaborative performance.
A typology of brand knowledge associations projected in brand-generated signals
Authors: Veloutsou Cleopatra , Ballester Estefania
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The extensive brand associations research lacks organisation when it comes to the used information cues. This paper aims to systematically map and categorise the brand knowledge associations’ components and develop a typology applicable to any brand.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the restaurant and hotel industries in four different European cultural clusters as contexts, this work uses well-established systematic qualitative analysis approaches to categorise, code and model pictorial content in two studies. A four-stage sampling process identified Instagram brand-posted signals (photos), 243 from 26 restaurants in Madrid, Paris and Rome for study one and 390 from 29 hotels in Moscow, Berlin and Stockholm for study two. Adhering to relevant guidelines, the manual coding procedures progressed from 246 for restaurants and 231 for hotels initially generated free information coding inductive codes to a theory-informed categorisation. Quantitative analysis complemented the qualitative analysis, revealing the information cues relative utilisation.

Findings

For both studies, the analysis produced a typology consisting of two high-level and five lower-level brand knowledge association categories, namely: (a) brand characteristics consisting of the brand as a symbol, the brand as a product and the brand as a person, and (b) brand imagery consisting of user imagery and experience imagery. The five lower-level categories comprise of sub-categories and dimensions, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the brand associations conceptual structure relevant to brands operating in any industry.

Research limitations/implications

Researchers can use this typology to holistically encapsulate brand associations or design projects aiming to deepen brand knowledge association aspects/dimensions understanding.

Practical implications

Managers can use this typology to portray brands. Some of the identified lower-level categories and/or sub-categories and dimensions are likely to need customisation to fit specific contexts.

Originality/value

The suggested categorisation offers a solid, comprehensive framework for effectively categorising and coding brand knowledge associations and proposes a new theory in the form of a typology.
Talent philosophies and institutional factors as determinants of talent management in SMEs: a French country-specific empirical investigation
Authors: Abid Kousay
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Talent management (TM) is a crucial strategic issue for global organizations, extending beyond multinationals and big companies to encompass small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and contexts outside the Anglo-Saxon sphere. However, TM in SMEs is still under-researched, with a lack of studies and evidence on TM determinants and TM in practice. This study explores, using the lens of institutional theory, how talent philosophies and a combination of institutional factors shape TM in French SMEs, highlighting the interplay between these elements within the specific context of French SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the limited knowledge about TM determinants in SMEs and the need to uncover and understand the phenomenon investigated, this study is exploratory in nature and lends itself to a qualitative research approach. In-depth semi-structured interviews with 27 CEOs, managers, TM and HR managers across 15 SMEs in France provided a comprehensive cross-industry perspective.

Findings

The study reveals that talent philosophies in French SMEs are predominantly inclusive and development-oriented, influenced by institutional factors such as the cultural logic of proximity and personalization, state support mechanisms like the Fonds Unique Interministériel (FUI) and legal frameworks that emphasize equal opportunity. Organizational elements like size and proximity foster a community-focused, egalitarian TM approach, while ownership and vulnerability lead to a reactive and informal TM strategy. The study presents a model that links these determinants to the specific TM approaches observed in French SMEs, illustrating how institutional factors like centralized control and egalitarianism shape TM practices.

Research limitations/implications

This paper highlights the need for more empirical studies on talent philosophies, institutional and organizational factors not only in SMEs but also in comparison with multinational enterprises (MNEs), through institutional theory. Particular attention should be paid to the homogenization of SME sizes based on their level of establishment.

Originality/value

This study extends studies on TM determinants in SMEs, from the perspective of talent philosophies, utilizing insights from French institutional theory. It is also among the few and new studies to highlight contextual issues of TM as well as how TM is practiced depending on internal and external factors.
Cash or crash? The diversification game and corporate cash holdings in India
Authors: Saxena Vedika , Sahoo Seshadev
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how corporate diversification influences corporate cash holdings (CCH) in India. It also assesses CCH behavior and its determinants during crisis, stability and recovery periods.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the system generalized method of moments (System GMM) on 1684 non-financial firms listed on the National Stock Exchange during 2002–2022. Further analyses are carried out for group-affiliated firms based on investment cash flow sensitivity, agency costs and debt capacity.

Findings

The findings show that firm diversification (at the group level) results in a roughly 6% fall in cash ratio, thereby implying that diversified firms (diversified business groups) hold lower cash levels than specialized firms. The reduced cash balances are attributed to the financially unconstrained nature of diversified business groups, higher debt capacity, good governance behavior and active internal markets. Additionally, the authors observe a time-varying cash policy for diversified firms, with mean cash holdings being 2% higher during crisis periods. Moreover, the findings reveal that the inverse relationship between diversified firms and CCH is less pronounced for unrelated diversified firms (2% fall in cash ratio) than related diversified firms (5% fall in cash ratio).

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine the relationship between corporate diversification and CCH in India during both crisis and non-crisis periods. The authors’ research uniquely uses System GMM on a large sample and differentiates between related and unrelated diversification.
Punching above their weight? Examining player development pathways in Belgian football: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Bullough Steve , Balliauw Matteo , Mills Andrew , Fallon Niall
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Belgium has consistently produced world-class footballers, outperforming many larger football associations despite having a smaller talent pool and fewer resources. This paper aims to (1) examine the development pathways of Belgian professional players over the past decade and (2) quantify the role of opportunities in European leagues outside the “Big 5” for a comparative analysis of different player development systems. By exploring how Belgian players progress through various leagues and systems, this study seeks to identify strategic insights that can inform the development practices of both Belgian football and other European nations with similar constraints.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on player performance were collected over ten seasons (2013/14 to 2022/23) from 15 European leagues, including the “Big 5” (England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain) and ten other prominent leagues (Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, Switzerland and Turkey). The variables collected included player name, nationality, team, league, season, appearances, minutes played, age and position. For Belgian players in the sample, the youth academies they attended were also noted.

Findings

Belgian players have achieved significant success, particularly in terms of transitioning into the “Big 5” leagues. However, the number of “home-grown” players making appearances and gaining minutes in the Belgian league is relatively low (ranking 13th of the 15 leagues studied). In contrast, Belgian players rank third in terms of total minutes played in the “Big 5” leagues, behind Portuguese and Dutch players. Anderlecht was the most successful Belgian club in developing professional players, and other key contributors were clubs with consistent Champions League participation.

Originality/value

While substantial research exists on player development in the “Big 5” European leagues, comparatively little attention has been given to other significant European leagues. This paper addresses that gap by examining the role of smaller leagues in developing young talent, despite their limited resources and reduced access to Europe's elite competitions. The findings highlight the need for policy reforms and strategic improvements at both the national and European levels to enhance player development pathways.
Unveiling impact measurement: navigating the evolving landscape in France
Authors: Trasciani Giorgia , Petrella Francesca
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This article aims to explore the growing adoption of social impact measurement (SIM) among French Social and Solidarity Economy Organizations (SSEOs) in the context of a global drive for accountability. It examines the evolution of SIM, its implications, risks and methodological challenges. Key themes include the transition from “social utility” to “social impact,” the emergence of an impact-driven market, and concerns about the limitations of standardized measurement models. The paper calls for a diverse approach to evaluation, aiming to preserve the unique identities of SSEOs and promote innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

This comprehensive literature review, covering both academic and grey literature, explores the evolution of SIM in French SSEOs. It focuses on regulatory frameworks, stakeholder engagement and methodological principles to provide a thorough understanding of the implications and potential risks.

Findings

The findings highlight a major shift in public policy instruments, driven by the growing adoption of SIM within French SSEOs. While SIM methods offer opportunities, they also pose risks, such as the commodification of social impact, the rise of isomorphic practices and an overemphasis on performativity.

Research limitations/implications

The research implications emphasize the need to recognize how SIM affects the organizational identity of SSEOs and to foster discussions on alternative evaluation methods. A limitation of the study is its focus on French SSEOs, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other contexts within the broader social economy sector.

Practical implications

The article provides valuable insights for policymakers, SSEOs and stakeholders on the role of SIM in the French social economy. It advocates for critical evaluation and policy alignment to improve the sector’s overall effectiveness.

Social implications

The social implications involve gaining a deeper understanding of how SIM practices affect the identity and operations of French SSEOs. By emphasizing risks such as commodification and isomorphic trends, the article encourages reflection on the broader societal impacts.

Originality/value

The article’s originality stems from its thorough exploration of SIM’s evolution within French SSEOs. Its value lies in shedding light on the complex relationship between SIM adoption, organizational identity and societal values, thereby encouraging informed decision-making and deeper discourse within the SSEOs landscape.
Scaling social impact. A framework for collaboration between social enterprises and for-profit enterprises
Authors: de Bell Leendert , Bakker Linda
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to contribute to a better understanding of innovative forms of collaboration between different types of enterprises – aimed at scaling social impact – and address the challenges and complexities inherent to these specific types of partnerships. The particular focus is on strategic collaboration between work-integration social enterprises (WISEs) and mainstream, or for-profit enterprises (FPEs) with the shared objective to create more and better employment opportunities for disadvantaged individuals in the labour market.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a qualitative research design. The total sample consisted of 16 small- and medium-sized enterprises (both WISEs and FPEs), which were selected for their proven, business-to-business revenue model and their explicit ambition to create more inclusive jobs for disadvantaged individuals. Data collection and analysis took place between 2021 and 2023 and consisted of: semi-structured interviews with representatives of the participating enterprises to get a better understanding of the way in which current partnerships operate; and co-creative research methods to facilitate change processes – within and outside these partnerships – aimed at creating more social impact.

Findings

Most collaborations between WISEs and FPEs start purely transactional, with the exchange of products or services, but once they become more familiarised with each other, the realisation of (joint) social impact becomes more significant. The ambition to further coordinate and integrate operations is prominent, but the partnership process is not without challenges and requires time, commitment and trust. So far, only few collaborations can be considered truly transformational.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the discussion on strategic alliances and cross-sector collaborations by providing a conceptual framework and a practical instrument to shape strategic collaboration between social enterprises and FPEs that aim to create more social impact.
Real‐world safety and effectiveness of adalimumab in patients with pyoderma gangrenosum: Interim analysis of a post‐marketing observational study in Japan
Authors: Yamamoto Toshiyuki , Yamanaka Keiichi , Yamasaki Kenshi , Isaji Hisaaki , Matsubara Naoko , Hozawa Hiroyuki , Kawakami Tamihiro
Published: November 2024

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rapidly progressive disease characterized by deep ulcers, predominantly in the lower extremities. Adalimumab, a monoclonal antibody against tumor necrosis factor alpha, is the first drug approved for PG treatment in Japan, ahead of other countries. We conducted a multicenter, open‐label, post‐marketing observational study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of adalimumab in Japanese patients with PG. Of 67 patients enrolled, 37 in the safety analysis set and 32 in the effectiveness analysis set were included in this interim analysis. (Nineteen patients whose case report forms were not collected and 11 whose data were not fixed by the data cut‐off date were excluded from the study). In the safety analysis set, the mean age was 62.9 years and 86.5% of patients had comorbidities, including ulcerative colitis (21.6%), diabetes mellitus (18.9%), and hypertension (10.8%); subtypes of PG included ulcerative (n = 33), vegetative (n = 2), and pustular (n = 2). Mean exposure duration to adalimumab was 185.5 days. Systemic steroids were used before (70.3%) and during (56.8%) adalimumab treatment. The incidence proportion of overall adverse drug reactions was 18.9%. The incidence proportions of all infections and serious infections reported as adverse drug reactions were 13.5% and 10.8%, respectively. The proportion of patients with a Physician Global Assessment score (total lesions) of 0/1 at weeks 12, 26, and 52 was 42.9%, 36.8%, and 50.0%, respectively. This interim analysis revealed the characteristics of Japanese patients with PG treated with adalimumab in the actual clinical setting and the real‐world safety and effectiveness of adalimumab. At the time of the interim analysis, adalimumab treatment was generally well tolerated, and no new safety concerns were detected. Further follow‐up of this study will provide a more detailed understanding of the long‐term safety and effectiveness of adalimumab in patients with PG refractory to conventional treatments.
Organic farming and semi‐natural habitats for multifunctional agriculture: A case study in hedgerow landscapes of Brittany
Authors: Boinot Sébastien , Alignier Audrey , Aviron Stéphanie , Bertrand Colette , Cheviron Nathalie , Comment Gwendoline , Jeavons Emma , Le Lann Cécile , Mondy Samuel , Mougin Christian , Précigout Pierre‐Antoine , Ricono Claire , Robert Corinne , Saias Grégoire , Vandenkoornhuyse Philippe , Mony Cendrine
Published: November 2024

Finding more sustainable ways to produce food is a major challenge for humanity in the face of biodiversity extinction and climate change. Consequently, research on the ability of agroecosystems to provide multiple functions is growing. In this regard, the relative importance of organic farming and landscape‐scale measures for improving multifunctionality has recently been debated.

We investigated the effects of farming system (conventional vs. organic) at field scale, total length of hedgerows in the landscape and their interaction on the multifunctionality of 40 winter cereal fields in Brittany (France). Our multifunctionality assessment integrated 21 indicators of five agroecosystem goods: biodiversity conservation, nutrient cycling and soil structure, pest and disease regulation, food production and socio‐economic performance.

Many indicators of biodiversity conservation, pest and disease regulation, and socio‐economic performance were higher in organic than in conventional systems. However, indicators of nutrient cycling and soil structure did not improve and food production was much lower in organic systems. Total hedgerow length in the landscape had less influence than organic farming on indicators, although we observed positive interactions. Granivorous carabid abundance and semi‐net margin were highest in organic fields located in well‐preserved hedgerow landscapes.

Synthesis and applications. Our study suggests that field‐scale organic farming is necessary to promote biodiversity conservation and associated ecological functioning in crop fields, whereas landscape‐scale preservation of semi‐natural habitats alone is likely insufficient. Preservation of hedgerows in the landscape brings additional ecological and socio‐economic benefits for organic systems without compromising agricultural production. More broadly, our results call for more ambitious research into the myriad possible combinations of farming practices and agri‐environmental measures at both field and landscape scales, to improve both below‐ground and above‐ground functioning.
Remote sensing and GPS tracking reveal temporal shifts in habitat use in nonbreeding Black‐tailed Godwits
Authors: Craft Taylor B. , Piersma Theunis , Hooijmeijer Jos C. E. W. , Zhu Bing‐Run , D'Souza Malaika , O'Reilly Eoghan , Fokkema Rienk W. , Stessens Marie , Belting Heinrich , Marlow Christopher , Ludwig Jürgen , Melter Johannes , Alves José A. , Esteban‐Pineda Arturo , Gutiérrez Jorge S. , Masero José A. , Rocha Afonso D. , Dreef Camilla , Howison Ruth A.
Published: November 2024

Knowledge of the habitat requirements for migratory species throughout their full annual cycle is necessary for comprehensive species protection plans. By describing seasonal shifts of space‐use patterns in a key nonbreeding area, the Senegal Delta (Mauritania, Senegal), this study addresses a significant knowledge gap in the annual cycle of the rapidly declining continental Black‐tailed Godwit Limosa limosa limosa.

We fitted continuous‐time stochastic‐process movement models with GPS location data to describe the core areas used by 22 GPS‐tagged godwits over the 2022–2023 nonbreeding period. We mapped key habitat types, such as floodplain wetlands and rice fields, via supervised classification of satellite imagery.

Godwits in the Senegal Delta show a distinct shift in habitat use over the nonbreeding period. The core areas of godwits in the early stages of the nonbreeding period (the wet season) were primarily in natural wetlands and fields with newly planted rice. As the rice crop matured and became too dense, godwits moved towards more recently sown rice fields. Later, as floodwaters receded and rice fields dried out, godwits abandoned rice fields and shifted towards natural wetlands with fewer invasive plants, particularly within the marshes and shallow floodplains of nature‐protected areas in the lower Delta.

Synthesis and applications: Our findings illustrate the shifting importance of natural and agricultural wetlands for godwits at different stages of the nonbreeding season. Protected areas in the Senegal Delta, particularly the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary (Senegal) and Diawling National Park (Mauritania), are crucial habitats during the dry season as godwits prepare for their northward migration, whilst rice fields take a key role during the wet season. Conservation efforts should prioritize eradicating invasive plants from the Djoudj and Diawling, as well as promote agroecological management in specific rice production complexes indicated in this study.
Paraganglioma and phaeochromocytoma in adult Fontan patients
Authors: Tan Stephanie BM , Garagiola Maria Luz , Liu Xiaoyang , Kim Tae Kyoung , Brien Ciara MO
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to address the gap in knowledge in the incidence, presentation and imaging features of PPGL in Fontan patients. It has been hypothesised in the literature that Fontan circulation patients have an increased incidence of these tumours. This study is the largest cohort of adult Fontan patients in North America. The Fontan procedure is a palliative procedure for single ventricle congenital heart disease where the systemic venous return is directed into the pulmonary circulation. Fontan patients are at increased risk of developing several extracardiac complications including phaeochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL).

Methods

This retrospective single‐centre study includes all adult patients who were treated between 1 September 2015 and 1 September 2022 in a tertiary referral centre for adult congenital heart disease. Imaging and electronic medical records were retrospectively searched for the presence of PPGL.

Results

Five hundred and forty‐seven Fontan patients were included in the study. Three patients had PPGL with an incidence of 0.5%. Two patients were diagnosed with paraganglioma and one with phaeochromocytoma. All patients were female. Median age of Fontan procedure was 1.8 years (range: 1.75–27 years). Median age of PPGL diagnosis was 19 years (range: 12–39 years). Median time from Fontan operation to diagnosis of PPGL was 12 years (range: 10.3–17.2 years).

Conclusion

Fontan patients are at increased risk of PPGL. Clinically, the diagnosis of PPGL is challenging as symptoms and serum markers can be confounding in this population; however, the imaging features of PPGL remain typical making the role of the radiologist crucial.
Public pension contract minimalism
Authors: Anenson T. Leigh , Weiser Hannah R.
Published: November 2024

The national pension debt and COVID crises have collided. Post‐pandemic economic decline has escalated existing financial strains on state and local pension plans, impacting workers and the public welfare. With unfunded obligations exceeding one trillion dollars, many of these plans are in jeopardy. But the movement to reform government pension contracts has yet to adopt an anchoring idea, leaving judicial decisions in disarray and policymakers without guidance about how to shore up troubled retirement systems. The crux of the problem is the many meanings of contract under state and US Contract Clauses that prevent pension reform. This Essay endorses a promising path forward—contract minimalism. “Contract minimalism” concentrates on the duration of government pension contracts. It posits that public and private employment law should be treated the same. Like its private law counterpart, public sector employment at‐will ought to consist of a daily contract interval. A contract‐a‐day concept entitles employers to change the plan prospectively, with employees receiving a proportionate share of benefits for work performed. Just as several agreements safeguard salaries for labor, they should also mirror the protection afforded to deferred benefits like pensions. Contract minimalism additionally puts public and private sector employers on the same legal footing as to the authority to change pension plan terms. Thus, it aligns public pension benefits with overlapping fields of law, placing them on a firm conceptual foundation. The minimalist approach also has the advantage over approaches that are insufficiently attentive to scarce government resources or employee old‐age security. By protecting pension benefits early and incrementally, it advances a middle path with fairer, more coherent results. In the present post‐pandemic era of hard choices, minimalism provides an equilibrium between the over‐ and under‐protection of pension benefits.
Effectiveness of digital screening and brief intervention for alcohol misuse among college students: A state‐wide cluster randomized trial from India
Authors: Ghosh Abhishek , George Blessy B. , Krishnan Narayanan C. , Pillai Renjith R. , Soundappan Kathirvel , Sharma Mamta , Kumar Anil , Basu Debasish
Published: November 2024

Background

Alcohol misuse is prevalent among college students globally, including in India. Digital screening and brief interventions (DSBI) promise to address this issue. This study assesses DSBI's effectiveness in a state‐wide cluster randomized trial among college students in India.

Methods

We recruited 548 participants (274 in each DSBI and digital screening and brief advice‐DSBA) from 40 colleges across 10 districts of Punjab, India. Colleges were selected via two‐stage cluster random sampling and were allocated to groups using permuted block randomization. Participants with Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) scores between 8 and 19 were included. The digital platform directed eligible participants to their respective groups. DSBI participants received information on alcohol harms, normative and personalized feedback, a decisional balance checklist, and a menu of options. DSBA participants received screening and alcohol harm information. Follow‐ups were conducted at 3‐ and 6‐month post‐intervention. Primary outcome: reduction in AUDIT scores; secondary outcomes: frequency of drinking, drinks per drinking day, and frequency of heavy episodic drinking (HED).

Results

Baseline demographics and clinical variables did not significantly differ between groups, except for participants' age. 37.6% were women. Follow‐up rates were 513/548 at 3 months and 483/548 at 6 months, with no group differences in attrition. AUDIT scores significantly decreased in both groups at 3 and 6 months (Time F = 1870.11, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.77), with no Group × Time effects (F = 0.160, p = 0.85). Drinking frequency, HED frequency, and drinks per drinking day decreased significantly in both groups without between‐group differences.

Conclusion

The study highlights the potential policy implications of integrating brief digital interventions for alcohol misuse into educational health initiatives.
10‐K complexity, analysts' forecasts, and price discovery in capital markets
Authors: Diaz Jamie , Njoroge Kenneth , Shane Philip B.
Published: November 2024

This paper examines the behaviour of stock prices and analysts' earnings forecasts following firms' increasingly complex 10‐K filings. Our evidence suggests that greater information uncertainty outweighs greater analyst ability, and the net effect drives greater underreaction in analysts' earnings forecasts following the release of more complex 10‐Ks. Further analysis suggests that analyst underreaction mitigates market overreaction to the information in low‐complexity 10‐K filings, and overwhelms market overreaction to the information in high‐complexity 10‐K filings thus compromising price discovery of the earnings implications of more complex 10‐Ks.
Can the MD&A Tone of Listed Firms’ Annual Reports Predict Their Future Performance? Empirical Evidence Based on Machine Learning Text Analysis*
Authors: Li Shuangyan , Wang Dan , Jiang Lihua
Published: November 2024

Based on a sample of listed companies in China's A‐share market between 2009 and 2019, we analyze the tone of the Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) section of 15 743 annual reports through machine learning. The MD&A tone displays a significantly positive association with the firm's future financial performance, proving that the textual tone of MD&A includes forward‐looking aspects regarding management's intentions for the company's prospects, and investors can use it to forecast the firm's future performance. Additionally, higher levels of internal control quality, stronger analyst following, and higher holdings by institutional investors can enhance the correlation between the MD&A tone and the company's future performance.
The association of men's beverage intake with semen quality and assisted reproduction outcomes in patients undergoing fertility treatment
Authors: Salas‐Huetos Albert , Mitsunami Makiko , Mínguez‐Alarcón Lidia , Ortiz‐Panozo Eduardo , Murphy Michelle M. , Souter Irene , Chavarro Jorge E. ,   for the EARTH Study Team
Published: November 2024

Background

Although some studies have investigated the relationships between beverage intake and reproductive health these have generated conflicting results.

Objectives

To evaluate the associations between men's beverage intake and semen quality parameters and couple outcomes of medically assisted reproduction.

Material and methods

The relationship between preconception beverage intake and semen quality was evaluated in 896 semen samples from 343 men. The relation between beverage intake and medically assisted reproduction outcomes (fertilization, implantation, clinical pregnancy, total/clinical pregnancy loss, and live birth) was evaluated in 296 men and their female partners who underwent 714 medically assisted reproduction cycles: 306 intrauterine insemination cycles and 408 in vitro fertilization. Intake of caffeinated, alcoholic, sugar‐sweetened, and artificially sweetened beverages and sub‐groups were considered as exposures.

Results

Caffeinated, alcoholic, sugar‐sweetened, and artificially sweetened beverage intake was not associated with semen quality parameters or with fertilization, implantation, clinical pregnancy, or live birth in couples undergoing medically assisted reproduction. When specific types of beverages were explored, there was an inverse association between a greater intake of coffee/tea with caffeine and lower live birth probabilities in couples undergoing in vitro fertilization cycles. The adjusted probabilities (95% confidence interval) of live birth in the lowest and highest tertiles of intake were 0.49 (0.38, 0.61) and 0.33 (0.24, 0.43) for coffee with caffeine, and 0.49 (0.33, 0.51) and 0.31 (0.22, 0.41) for tea with caffeine. A similar trend was detected with liquor intake and live birth probabilities: 0.45 (0.37, 0.53) and 0.32 (0.25, 0.41). We also found an association between a greater beer intake and higher live birth probabilities. The adjusted probabilities (95% confidence interval) in the lowest and highest quartile of intake were 0.32 (0.23, 0.42) and 0.51 (0.39, 0.62).

Conclusion

Male preconception intakes of coffee, tea, and liquor were inversely associated, whereas beer intake was positively associated with the probability of live birth during infertility treatment.
Classification of montane grasslands in central Argentina
Authors: Zeballos Sebastián R. , Cantero Juan José , Giorgis Melisa A. , Acosta Alicia T. R. , Núñez César O. , Palchetti M. Virginia , Argibay Daihana S. , Cabido Marcelo R.
Published: November 2024

Question

We address the following questions: (1) which are the main plant communities in montane grasslands in central Argentina; (2) do those communities differ in terms of floristic composition, endemisms, chorotypes and life forms; and (3) which are the major environmental variables (climatic, topographic and edaphic) associated with the heterogeneity of the vegetation?

Location

Pampean Mountains (Sierras Pampeanas), Córdoba Province, central Argentina, an area of ca. 37,000 km2.

Methods

The survey was based on a data set comprising 746 relevés and 822 vascular plant species, collected in accordance with the Braun‐Blanquet sampling method. The data were classified using the hierarchical ISOmetric feature mapping and Partitioning Around Medoids, and ordinated through isometric feature mapping (ISOPAM). The environmental variables were related to the ISOPAM ordination.

Results

The ISOPAM classification identified two clusters, five vegetation types and 17 plant communities, which were distributed across different elevations. There were notable differences in the diagnostic species, average percentages of endemic species, chorotypes and life forms among the various vegetation types and plant communities. The primary gradient in grassland vegetation was found to be associated with elevation and related climatic variables.

Conclusions

The study provides valuable insights into the montane grasslands of the Sierras Pampeanas in central Argentina. It presents a comprehensive classification of the region's grasslands, including tall tussock grasslands, humid grasslands, stony grasslands, and grasslands with scattered shrubs and trees. Each recognized unit is distinguished by diagnostic species and a distinct floristic composition. Our findings emphasize a significant division between grasslands at higher elevation, abundant in Andean species, and Piedmont and shrubby grasslands at lower elevations, characterized by a higher prevalence of Chacoan and other Neotropical species. Grassland vegetation in other regions of the Sierras Pampeanas remains poorly studied, requiring additional research to determine the syntaxonomic position of this vegetation.