bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engaging young people through photovoice in coastal resorts
Authors: Tickle Sarah
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine and reflect upon the value of using a camera with young people in the research process. In particular, the paper discusses the opportunities that a camera can bring when researching young people’s lives, subsequently encouraging the use of photovoice with young people in ethnographic research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines how photovoice can be a beneficial method of data collection when researching young people’s lives. By adopting a qualitative participatory approach, and employing photovoice as one of the main methods, rich and meaningful data were gathered that traditional qualitative methods alone would not have captured.

Findings

Photovoice was used alongside traditional methods to explore how young people experienced and perceived policing, safety and security in a coastal resort. Using a camera, captured rich images which alongside the narratives given by the young people, provided profound and detailed accounts.

Originality/value

Using innovative participatory qualitative research methods with young people and adapting to the research setting allowed for deep and meaningful explorations of young people’s lives to be gathered. Carefully considering the use of appropriate methods of data collection and selecting methods that are “fun” and “interesting” empowered young people and provided the researcher with an insight into their social worlds.
Military expenditure and economic growth: the case of India
Authors: Abdel-Khalek Gouda , Mazloum Mohammed Gamal , El Zeiny Mohammed Ramadan Mohammed
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The relationship between military expenditure and economic growth is complex. The purpose of this paper is to examine this relationship in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The design of this study is descriptive in the theoretical part, and quantitative in the applied one. The study uses time series approach, and Hendry General-to-Specific (GTS) modeling methodology, to examine and analyze the relationship between military expenditure and economic growth in India, during the period 1980-2016.

Findings

The study shows the following: Absence of causal relationship between military expenditure and economic growth in India, during indicated period. The continuous regional tensions facing India represent the main factor for adopting Indian military strategy and emphasizing military capabilities. India has been able to build and develop links between civilian and military sectors. The Indian military scientific and manufacturing policies have achieved self-sufficiency in some of its military needs, a strong military industrial base and high levels of military exports. India participated with developed countries in military strategic industries. Such participation contributed to the integration of civilian and military sectors. India gave rights to private sector and foreign direct investment (FDI) for manufacturing in military industries, giving full marketing rights to the Indian government. These new policies considered a great move toward deep changes for Indian military manufacturing policy.

Social implications

The findings shed light on the importance of stimulating links between civilian and military sectors, particularly in the industrial sectors and scientific activities.

Originality/value

This study has a contribution to literature of military expenditures' economic effects. Theoretically, this study tries to fill the research gap regarding the impact of military expenditure in Indian case. Furthermore, to the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that examines the relationship between military expenditure and economic growth in India using Hendry general-to-specific (GTS) modeling methodology and time series approach.
Activation energy for Cu-Sn intermetallic in CNT-reinforced Sn-1.0Ag-0.5Cu solder
Authors: Mayappan Ramani , Salleh Amirah , Tokiran Nurul Atiqah , Awang N.A.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the addition of 0.05 Wt.% carbon nanotube (CNT) into the Sn-1.0Ag-0.5Cu (SAC) solder on the intermetallic (IMC) growth. Lead-based solders play an important role in a variety of applications in electronic industries. Due to the toxicity of the lead in the solder, lead-free solders were proposed to replace the lead-based solders. Sn-Ag-Cu solder family is one of the lead-free solders, which are proposed and considered as a potential replacement. Unfortunately, the Sn-Ag-Cu solder faces some reliability problems because of the formation of the thick intermetallic compounds. So the retardation of intermetallic growth is prime important.

Design/methodology/approach

The solder joint was aged under liquid state aging with soldering time from 1 to 60 min.

Findings

Two types of intermetallics, which are Cu6Sn5 and Cu3Sn were observed under a scanning electron microscope. The morphology of Cu6Sn5 intermetallic transformed from scallop to planar type as the soldering time increases. The addition of carbon nanotube into the SAC solder has retarded the Cu6Sn5 intermetallic growth rate by increasing its activation energy from 97.86 to 101.45 kJ/mol. Furthermore, the activation energy for the Cu3Sn growth has increased from 102.10 to 104.23 kJ/mol.

Originality/value

The increase in the activation energy indicates that the growth of the intermetallics was slower. This implies that the addition of carbon nanotube increases the reliability of the solder joint and are suitable for microelectronics applications.
Dispersal limitation relative to environmental filtering governs the vertical small‐scale assembly of soil microbiomes during restoration
Authors: Chen Weimin , Jiao Shuo , Li Qiaoping , Du Nini
Published: November 2019

Uncovering the plant‐soil feedback mechanisms underlying the assembly of belowground microbial communities is essential for terrestrial biodiversity conservation. However, little is known about the small‐scale spatial assembly processes of distinct soil microorganisms, especially during natural restoration of ex‐arable ecosystems.

We examined the spatial structure of soil microbiomes in arable land and reforested soils to elucidate the underlying assembly processes at a small spatial scale. The analysis was based on a MiSeq sequencing database, detecting the diversity of archaeal, bacterial and fungal communities, simultaneously, from 300 soil samples along vertical and horizontal profiles during 30‐year reforestation.

Compared with environmental filtering, dispersal limitation made crucial contributions to microbial community assembly. Archaeal and bacterial communities with a wider niche breadth were governed more by dispersal limitation than were fungal communities.

The effect of dispersal limitation on archaeal and bacterial communities increased first and then decreased over time, while the effect on fungi temporally increased.

Synthesis and applications. Our results highlight the variation of assembly processes governing distinct soil microbiomes during reforestation, with dispersal limitation playing a prominent role. This finding suggests that the increase in soil microbial diversity during natural restoration is mainly due to the stochastic influx and dispersal of microorganisms. This greater understanding of microbial community assembly can contribute to more targeted and efficient environmental management practices for the restoration of terrestrial ecosystems, for example, by promoting the restoration practices and shortening the restoration period. These practices may thus be incorporated into policies developed for effective biodiversity conservation, especially the restoration and maintenance of subsurface soil microbial diversity and associated functions.
Drivers of above‐ground understorey biomass and nutrient stocks in temperate deciduous forests
Authors: Landuyt Dries , Maes Sybryn L. , Depauw Leen , Ampoorter Evy , Blondeel Haben , Perring Michael P. , Brūmelis Guntis , Brunet Jörg , Decocq Guillaume , den Ouden Jan , Härdtle Werner , Hédl Radim , Heinken Thilo , Heinrichs Steffi , Jaroszewicz Bogdan , Kirby Keith J. , Kopecký Martin , Máliš František , Wulf Monika , Verheyen Kris
Published: November 2019

The understorey in temperate forests can play an important functional role, depending on its biomass and functional characteristics. While it is known that local soil and stand characteristics largely determine the biomass of the understorey, less is known about the role of global change. Global change can directly affect understorey biomass, but also indirectly by modifying the overstorey, local resource availability and growing conditions at the forest floor.

In this observational study across Europe, we aim at disentangling the impact of global‐change drivers on understorey biomass and nutrient stocks, from the impact of overstorey characteristics and local site conditions. Using piecewise structural equation modelling, we determine the main drivers of understorey biomass and nutrient stocks in these forests and examine potential direct and indirect effects of global‐change drivers.

Tree cover, tree litter quality and differences in former land use were the main drivers of understorey biomass and nutrient stocks, via their influence on understorey light and nitrogen availability and soil acidity. Other global‐change drivers, including climate and nitrogen deposition, had similar indirect effects, but these were either weak or only affecting nutrient concentrations, not stocks.

Synthesis.We found that direct effects of global‐change drivers on understorey biomass and nutrient stocks were absent. The indirect effects of global change, through influencing resource availability and growing conditions at the forest floor, were found to be less important than the effects of overstorey cover and composition. These results suggest that understorey biomass and nutrient stocks might respond less to global change in the presence of a dense overstorey, highlighting the buffering role of the overstorey in temperate forests.
Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Protein Extraction Conditions Affect Extraction Yield and Protein Quality
Authors: Potin François , Lubbers Samuel , Husson Florence , Saurel Rémi
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this paper was to study the extraction conditions of hemp proteins from undelipidated press‐cakes. The effects of different hydration conditions on protein recovery yield and polypeptide profile were evaluated: pH (2 to 12), ionic strength (0 to 500 mM NaCl) and press‐cake/liquid weight ratio (2% to 22%). pH was the most impacting factor. At acidic pH (2 to 7) the extraction yields were low and quite constant (<7%), corresponding mainly to hemp albumins solubilization. The extraction of globulins started to increase significantly from pH 8, with protein extraction yield varying from 8.3% at pH 8 to 67.1% at pH 12 for a 10% press‐cake/liquid weight ratio. The addition of NaCl in press‐cake suspensions did not increase the total nitrogen content in aqueous extracts at alkaline pH while the lowest press‐cake/liquid weight ratios (5% to 10%) were revealed optimal regarding protein recovery rate. The intense coloration observed on the aqueous extracts above pH 8 was assigned to solubilization and oxidation of phenolic compounds whose concentration increased about sevenfolds from pH 2 to 12. At the highest applied pH (11 to 12), the formation of covalent complexes between phenolic compounds and some hemp polypeptides was hypothesized. Aqueous extraction at strong alkaline pH (>9) without salt addition and respecting a 10% press‐cake/liquid weight ratio should be retained to optimize protein extraction yield. However, further purification steps are required to evaluate the nutritional, organoleptic, and techno‐functional properties of hemp proteins extracted in such conditions.

Practical Application

The traditional extraction process of hemp proteins by alkaline solubilization and isoelectric precipitation, mostly from delipidated hemp press‐cake, leads to limited quantity and poor solubility of extracted proteins, and data related to extraction conditions are insufficiently available to optimize this process. This article aims to find optimal hydration conditions (pH, ionic strength, press‐cake to liquid ratio) for protein extraction from undelipidated hemp press‐cake, allowing high protein recovery and preserving protein quality. The results obtained represent very useful data for developing an economically viable and sustainable extraction process of proteins from raw hemp press‐cake.
The fungal community and its interaction with the concentration of short‐chain fatty acids in the faeces of Chenghua, Yorkshire and Tibetan pigs
Authors: Li Jiayan , Chen Daiwen , Yu Bing , He Jun , Huang Zhiqing , Mao Xiangbing , Zheng Ping , Yu Jie , Luo Junqiu , Tian Gang , Luo Yuheng
Published: November 2019

Despite their important roles in host nutrition and metabolism, and potential to cause disease, our knowledge of the fungal community in the mammalian gut is quite limited. To date, diversity and composition of fungi in swine gut still remains unknown. Therefore, the first internal transcribed spacer of fungi in faecal samples from three breeds of pigs (10 pigs for each breed) was sequenced based on an Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform, and the relationship between the fungal community and the concentrations of main short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) was also analysed. Results indicated that Chenghua (local, higher body fat rate), Yorkshire (foreign, higher lean meat and growth rate) and Tibetan (plateau, stronger disease resistance) pigs harboured distinct fungal community. The Basidiomycota and Ascomycota presented as the two predominant phyla, with Loreleia, Russula and Candida as the top three genera in all samples. Network analysis revealed a total of 35 correlations among different fungal genera, with 27 (77.14%) positive and 8 (22.86%) negative pairwise interactions. Canonical correspondence analysis suggested that fungi in the faeces of pigs were more correlated to the concentration of acetate and butyrate rather than propionate. Spearman’s correlation further showed that Tomentella was positively correlated to both acetate and butyrate, and Loreleia was positively correlated to propionate (P < 0.05), while Nephroma and Taiwanofungus were negatively correlated to acetate and propionate (P < 0.05). These findings expanded our knowledge on the intestinal fungi in pigs with different genotypes and phenotypes, indicating that fungi may play an indispensable role during the metabolism of host and the maintenance of intestinal health. The cross‐feeding between fungi and other microorganisms may be crucial during the digestion of dietary carbohydrates and the associated physiological processes, which is worthy to be further studied.
Primary hyperparathyroidism is associated with a higher level of serum uric acid: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ponvilawan Ben , Charoenngam Nipith , Ungprasert Patompong
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Studies have suggested that primary hyperparathyroidism could be a risk factor for hyperuricemia although the results were not consistent across the studies. This systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed in order to identify all available studies and summarize their results together.

Methods

A systematic review was performed using EMBASE and MEDLINE from inception to August 2018 to identify all cohort studies that consisted of 2 cohorts, a cohort of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and a cohort of individuals without hyperparathyroidism. Eligible studies had to provide data on mean serum uric acid level and standard deviation of both cohorts, which would be extracted to calculate mean difference (MD). Pooled MD was then calculated by combining MDs of each study using a random‐effects model. Funnel plot was used for evaluation for publication bias.

Results

A total of 9 cohort studies met the inclusion criteria and were included into the meta‐analysis. The pooled analysis found that patients with primary hyperparathyroidism had a significantly higher level of serum uric acid than individuals without hyperparathyroidism with the pooled MD of 65.00 μmol/L (95% CI 37.74‐92.25). The statistical heterogeneity was high with I2 of 90%. The funnel plot was relatively symmetric and did not provide evidence for publication bias.

Conclusion

Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism had a significantly higher level of serum uric acid compared to individuals without hyperparathyroidism.
Polymorphism in ASCL1 target gene DDC is associated with clinical outcomes of small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Kim Ji Hyun , Lee Shin Yup , Choi Jin Eun , Do Sook Kyung , Lee Jang Hyuck , Hong Mi Jeong , Kang Hyo‐Gyoung , Lee Won Kee , Shin Kyung Min , Jeong Ji Yun , Choi Sun Ha , Lee Yong Hoon , Seo Hyewon , Yoo Seung Soo , Lee Jaehee , Cha Seung Ick , Kim Chang Ho , Park Jae Yong
Published: November 2019

Background

Achaete‐scute homolog 1 (ASCL1) is a basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factor and is essential in the differentiation of neuroendocrine cells and neural tissues. ASCL1 is frequently overexpressed in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of SCLC.

Methods

This study was conducted to identify the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ASCL1 target genes and clinical outcomes of patients with SCLC after chemotherapy. A total of 261 patients diagnosed with SCLC were enrolled in this study. The association between 103 SNPs in 58 ASCL1 target genes and the response to chemotherapy and survival of patients with SCLC were analyzed.

Results

Among the 103 SNPs, 10 SNPs were significantly associated with the response to chemotherapy, and 19 SNPs were associated with OS in multivariate analyses. Among these, Dopa Decarboxylase (DDC) rs12666409A>T was significantly associated with both a worse response to chemotherapy and worse OS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.18–0.90, P = 0.03; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.10–2.10, P = 0.01, respectively, under a dominant model). In a stage‐stratified analysis, the association was significant only in the extensive disease subgroup (aOR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.06–0.60, P = 0.01; aHR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.16–2.56, P = 0.01, respectively, under a dominant model), but not in the limited disease subgroup.

Conclusion

The results of our study suggest that DDC rs12666409A>T may be useful markers for predicting the clinical outcomes of patients with SCLC undergoing chemotherapy.
Circulating plasma lncRNAs as novel markers of EGFR mutation status and monitors of epidermal growth factor receptor‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy
Authors: Lv Panpan , Yang Shaoxing , Liu Wenjing , Qin Haifeng , Tang Xiuhua , Wu Fangfang , Liu Zeyuan , Gao Hongjun , Liu Xiaoqing
Published: November 2019

Background

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutations predict tumor response to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs) in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, even patients with EGFR‐sensitive mutations in NSCLC have limited efficacy with EGFR‐TKI. Studies have shown that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is related to diagnosis and prognosis with NSCLC. This study aimed to explore the correlation between lncRNA in NSCLC patients with EGFR mutation status and EGFR‐TKI efficacy.

Methods

The amplification‐refractory mutation system method was used to test the EGFR mutation status in tumor tissues and pleural effusions of NSCLC patients. Three EGFR‐mutant patients and three EGFR wild‐type patients were selected. Differential lncRNA was performed on the pleural effusions of the two selected groups of patients using Clariom D Human chip technology. Five lncRNAs significantly associated with EGFR mutation status were screened by FC value and GO analysis, and then evaluated by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in NSCLC patients' pleural effusions. Three were further analyzed in NSCLC patients' plasma.

Results

There were 61 significant differences in lncRNA between EGFR mutation‐positive and wild‐type patients. Among them, SCARNA7, MALAT1, NONHSAT017369, NONHSAT051892, and FTH1P2 were significantly associated with EGFR mutation status. SCARNA7, MALAT1, and NONHSAT017369 showed consistent results with plasma in pleural effusions compared to EGFR wild‐type, all upregulated in the EGFR mutation group.

Conclusion

This study shows that lncRNAs can be used not only as potential biomarkers for predicting the mutation status of EGFR and the efficacy of EGFR‐TKI, but also for monitoring the efficacy of EGFR‐TKI.
The role of organic amendments to soil for crop protection: Induction of suppression of soilborne pathogens
Authors: Vida Carmen , de Vicente Antonio , Cazorla Francisco M.
Published: November 2019

Application of external organic inputs to soils can be considered as one of the most ancient strategies in agriculture, and it has been commonly used since the very beginning of human‐based agricultural practices. During all this time, application of several organic matters to agricultural soils has demonstrated their benefit to plants and soils. Organic amendments have proved to be useful in recovering soil properties, improving soil quality and, in some cases, can be directly involved in providing beneficial effects to plants. All these obtained effects finally lead to an increase in crop protection and sustainability. One most expected effect caused by the application of organic amendments, is the suppression of a wide range of soilborne pathogens (mainly bacterial and fungal pathogens) due to the induction of physicochemical and biological changes in soils. In order to get insight into the nature of the induced soil suppression of soilborne plant pathogens, the analysis of the physical, chemical and the microbial changes, pointed to the key role of beneficial activities produced by soil microorganisms finally adapted to the environmental changes produced by the influence of organic amendments. As shown in the case studies reported here, participation of soil microbes specifically selected after organic amendment is crucial in the control of fungal soilborne diseases. Moreover, the development of “omics” approaches allowed these recent studies to go one step further, revealing the main actors involved in the induced soil suppressiveness and their activities. Thus “omics” techniques will help to understand the soil and its microbiome as a whole system, and to assign the important roles of its biological components.
Dietary alpha‐ketoglutarate promotes beige adipogenesis and prevents obesity in middle‐aged mice
Authors: Tian Qiyu , Zhao Junxing , Yang Qiyuan , Wang Bo , Deavila Jeanene M. , Zhu Mei-Jun , Du Min
Published: November 2019

Aging usually involves the progressive development of certain illnesses, including diabetes and obesity. Due to incapacity to form new white adipocytes, adipose expansion in aged mice primarily depends on adipocyte hypertrophy, which induces metabolic dysfunction. On the other hand, brown adipose tissue burns fatty acids, preventing ectopic lipid accumulation and metabolic diseases. However, the capacity of brown/beige adipogenesis declines inevitably during the aging process. Previously, we reported that DNA demethylation in thePrdm16promoter is required for beige adipogenesis. DNA methylation is mediated by ten–eleven family proteins (TET) using alpha‐ketoglutarate (AKG) as a cofactor. Here, we demonstrated that the circulatory AKG concentration was reduced in middle‐aged mice (10‐month‐old) compared with young mice (2‐month‐old). Through AKG administration replenishing the AKG pool, aged mice were associated with the lower body weight gain and fat mass, and improved glucose tolerance after challenged with high‐fat diet (HFD). These metabolic changes are accompanied by increased expression of brown adipose genes and proteins in inguinal adipose tissue. Cold‐induced brown/beige adipogenesis was impeded in HFD mice, whereas AKG rescued the impairment of beige adipocyte functionality in middle‐aged mice. Besides, AKG administration up‐regulatedPrdm16expression, which was correlated with an increase of DNA demethylation in thePrdm16promoter. In summary, AKG supplementation promotes beige adipogenesis and alleviates HFD‐induced obesity in middle‐aged mice, which is associated with enhanced DNA demethylation of thePrdm16gene.
Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Inhibition Ameliorates Cardiac Dysfunction and Exacerbates Hypotension Caused by Alcohol in Female Rats
Authors: Yao Fanrong , Abdel‐Rahman Abdel A.
Published: November 2019

Background

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) protects against alcohol‐evoked cardiac dysfunction in male rodents, but its role in the estrogen (E2)‐dependent hypersensitivity of female rats to alcohol‐evoked myocardial oxidative stress and dysfunction is not known.

Methods

We addressed this question by studying the effect of cyanamide (ALDH2 inhibitor) on cardiac function, blood pressure, alcohol‐metabolizing enzyme (alcohol dehydrogenase, cytochrome P450 2E1, catalase, and ALDH2) activities, and cardiac redox status (reactive oxygen species, ROS; malondialdehyde, MDA) in the absence or presence of ethanol (EtOH) in female sham‐operated (SO) and ovariectomized (OVX) rats.

Results

Cyanamide attenuated the EtOH‐evoked myocardial dysfunction (reduced dP/dtmax and LVDP) in SO rats. EtOH, cyanamide, or their combination did not alter dP/dtmax or LVDP in OVX rats. Cyanamide induced cardiac oxidative stress and abrogated the subsequent alcohol‐evoked increases in ROS and MDA levels in SO rats. Neither EtOH nor cyanamide influenced ROS or MDA levels in OVX rats. Importantly, cyanamide exaggerated EtOH‐evoked hypotension in SO and uncovered this hypotensive response in OVX rats, which implicates ALDH2 in the vasodilating effect of EtOH.

Conclusions

Contrary to our hypothesis, cyanamide attenuated the E2‐dependent cardiac dysfunction caused by alcohol, likely by preconditioning the heart to oxidative stress, while exacerbating the vasodilating effect of alcohol. The latter might predispose to syncope when cyanamide and alcohol are combined in females.
Drinking, Social Abstaining, and Refusing Invitations: Demographic Differences Persist Across College
Authors: Greene Kaylin M. , Maggs Jennifer L.
Published: November 2019

Background

Alcohol use and misuse are prevalent on many college campuses. The current study examined participation in college environments where alcohol is present and being consumed. We documented students’ alcohol consumption, social abstaining (i.e., attending an alcohol‐present event, but not drinking), and refusing invitations to drinking events. We tested for differences by parental education, immigrant status, race–ethnicity, and gender. We charted longitudinal change across college.

Methods

First‐year students attending a large public US university (n = 681, 18% first‐generation college student, 16% first‐generation immigrant, 73% racial–ethnic minority group member, 51% women) were recruited and followed longitudinally for 7 semesters. Each semester, students completed up to 14 daily surveys; responses were aggregated to the semester level (n = 4,267).

Results

Multilevel logistic regression models demonstrated that first‐generation college students were less likely to drink and refuse invitations to drinking events than students with a college‐educated parent (Adjusted Odds Ratios [AORs]: 0.66, 0.72, respectively). Similarly, first‐generation immigrants were less likely to drink, socially abstain, and refuse invitations (AORs: 0.58 to 0.73). Compared with White students, Black and Asian American students were less likely to drink (AORs: 0.55, 0.53) and refuse invitations to drinking events (AORs: 0.68, 0.66). The proportion of days spent drinking increased across college, and refusing invitations was the most common at the start and end of college.

Conclusions

First‐generation college students, first‐generation immigrant students, and Black and Asian students participated less in prodrinking environments during college. These findings indicate that on drinking and nondrinking days, students’ participation in alcohol‐present situations differed by background. Furthermore, our results indicate that the students who are most likely to refuse invitations to drinking events are the same students who drink most frequently.
Beyond cheap talk: management's informative tone in corporate disclosures
Authors: Li Maoliang , Wu Huiying , Xiao Min , You Jiaxing
Published: November 2019

This study investigates the information content of Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) reports of listed Chinese companies. We develop a Chinese word dictionary and measure the tones of MD&As. Our results indicate that tone is positively associated with future earnings and is particularly useful when a firm's future prospect is uncertain, accounting information is difficult to understand, or board monitoring is strong. Further analyses show that tone also predicts future cash flow, future sales growth, market reactions, analysts’ revisions, and institutional investors’ shareholdings. Together, we provide robust evidence that in emerging markets such as China, management tone conveys valuable information beyond cheap talk.
The probability of informed trading and mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Bugeja Martin , Lu Meiting , Shan Yaowen , To Thomas
Published: November 2019

This paper investigates the role of the probability of informed trading (PIN) in mergers and acquisitions (M&A). We show that acquirers with higher PINs use more cash to finance their deals due to their higher cost of equity, and acquirers use more equity financing when acquiring targets with higher PINs to share the information risk with the target shareholders. We also find that acquirers and targets with higher PINs both experience higher announcement returns when cash financing is used, indicating that PINs are priced in the M&A market.
Trends in opioid use disorder and overdose among opioid‐naive individuals receiving an opioid prescription in Massachusetts from 2011 to 2014
Authors: Burke Laura G. , Zhou Xiner , Boyle Katherine L. , Orav E. John , Bernson Dana , Hood Maria‐Elena , Land Thomas , Bharel Monica , Frakt Austin B.
Published: November 2019

Aims

To examine how the risks of incident opioid use disorder (OUD), non‐fatal and fatal overdose have changed over time among opioid‐naive individuals receiving an initial opioid prescription.

Design

Retrospective, longitudinal study using the Massachusetts Chapter 55 data set, which linked multiple administrative data sets to study the opioid epidemic. We identified the cumulative incidence of OUD, non‐fatal and fatal overdose among the opioid‐naive initiating opioid treatment in Massachusetts from 2011 to 2014 and estimated rates of these outcomes at 6 months and at 1, 2, 3 and 4 years to 2015. We used Cox regression to examine the association between characteristics of the initial prescription and risk of these outcomes.

Setting

Massachusetts, USA.

Participants

Massachusetts residents aged ≥ 11 years in 2011–15 who were opioid‐naive (no opioid prescriptions or evidence of OUD in the 6 months prior to the index prescription) (n = 2 154 426). The mean age was 49.1 years, 55.3% were female and 47.3% had commercial insurance.

Measurements

Opioid prescriptions were identified in the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) database, as were the characteristics of the initial prescription database. The outcomes of OUD and non‐fatal overdose were identified from claims in the All Payer Claims Database (APCD) and hospital encounters in the acute hospital case mix files. Fatal overdoses were identified using Registry of Vital Records and Statistics (RVRS) death certificates and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) circumstances of death and toxicology reports.

Findings

Among opioid‐naive individuals receiving an initial opioid prescription, the risk of incident OUD appears to have declined between 2011 and 2014, while rates of overdose were largely unchanged. For example, the 1‐year OUD rate was 1.18% in 2011, 1.11% in 2012, 1.26% in 2013 and 0.94% in 2014. Longer therapy duration was associated with higher risk of OUD [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.19–2.29 for duration of 3 or more months], non‐fatal (HR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.53–1.82) and fatal opioid overdose (HR = 2.24, 95% CI = 1.91–2.61). Concurrent benzodiazepine treatment was also associated with higher risk of OUD (HR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.12–1.17), non‐fatal (HR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.10–1.30) and fatal overdose (HR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.61–2.16).

Conclusions

Among opioid‐naive individuals in Massachusetts receiving an initial opioid prescription, the risk of incident opioid use disorder appears to have declined between 2011 and 2014, while rates of overdose were largely unchanged. Longer therapy duration and concurrent benzodiazepines were associated with higher rates of opioid use disorder and opioid overdose.
Problem drinking, wellbeing and mortality risk in Chinese men: findings from the China Kadoorie Biobank
Authors: Im Pek Kei , Millwood Iona Y. , Chen Yiping , Guo Yu , Du Huaidong , Kartsonaki Christiana , Bian Zheng , Tan Yunlong , Su Jian , Li Yilei , Yu Canqing , Lv Jun , Li Liming , Yang Ling , Chen Zhengming ,   China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) Collaborative Group
Published: November 2019

Aims

To assess the associations of problem drinking with wellbeing and mortality in Chinese men.

Design

Population‐based prospective cohort study.

Setting

Ten diverse areas across China.

Participants

A total of 210 259 men aged 30–79 years enrolled into China Kadoorie Biobank between 2004 and 2008.

Measurements

Self‐reported alcohol intake and indicators of problem drinking (i.e. drinking in the morning, unable to stop drinking, unable to work due to drinking, negative emotions after drinking, having shakes after stopping drinking) were assessed by questionnaire at baseline, along with stressful life events (e.g. divorce, income loss, violence) and wellbeing‐related measures (e.g. life satisfaction, sleep problems, depression, anxiety). Problem drinking was defined as reporting at least one of the drinking problem indicators. Follow‐up for mortality and hospitalized events was through linkage to death registries and national health insurance systems. Multivariate logistic regression models assessed cross‐sectional relationships between problem drinking and stressful life events/wellbeing. Cox proportional hazards regression models estimated prospective associations of problem drinking with mortality/hospitalized events.

Findings

A third of men were current regular drinkers (i.e. drank alcohol at least weekly), 24% of whom reported problem drinking: 8% of all men. Experience of stressful life events in the past 2 years, especially income loss [odds ratio (OR) = 1.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.45–2.39], was associated with increased problem drinking. Compared with low‐risk drinkers (i.e. intake < 200 g/week, no reported problem drinking or habitual heavy drinking episodes), men with problem drinking had poorer self‐reported health, poorer life satisfaction and sleep problems, and were more likely to have symptoms of depression and anxiety. Men with two or more problem drinking indicators had an approximately twofold higher risk for all‐cause mortality as well as mortality and morbidity from external causes (i.e. injuries), respectively, and 15% higher risk for any hospitalization, compared with low‐risk drinkers (all P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Eight per cent of men in China are problem drinkers, and this is associated with significantly increased risk of physical and mental health problems and premature death.
Herb endozoochory by cockatoos: Is ‘foliage the fruit’?
Authors: Blanco Guillermo , Bravo Carolina , Chamorro Daniel , Lovas‐Kiss Ádám , Hiraldo Fernando , Tella José L.
Published: November 2019

Establishing whether herb seed endozoochory is accidental or has evolved independently or in combination with other dispersal mechanisms may be valuable in the study of plant–animal interactions, but it remains unexplored for birds. We tested whether an Australian cockatoo, the galah (Eolophus roseicapilla), swallows entire seeds when feeding on other tissues without subsequent seed digestion, thus enhancing seed dispersal (the ‘foliage is the fruit’ hypothesis). Our preliminary sampling provides strong evidence supporting that this seed predator also acts as a legitimate endozoochorous disperser. A large proportion of droppings contained numerous seeds of six herb species of three plant families, surviving gut passage to be dispersed as viable propagules. The wide range in the number of seeds found in combinations with up to five species in particular droppings suggests both simultaneous and sequential passive ingestion without seed digestion and/or focused seed predation and digestion. As expected for inadvertent ingestion and inefficient digestion, our findings suggest that seed number and richness of dispersed plants are associated traits in this particular mutualistic interaction. This relationship can have important implications in community‐wide processes, favouring herbs whose seeds are disseminated in a viable state over those predated or negatively affected by gut transit.
The predictive value of cervical shear wave elastography in the outcome of labor induction
Authors: Lu Jing , Cheng Yvonne Kwun Yue , Ho Sin Yee Stella , Sahota Daljit Singh , Hui L. L. , Poon Liona C. , Leung Tak Yeung
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Bishop score, the traditional method to assess cervical condition, is not a promising predictive tool of the outcome of labor induction. As an objective assessment tool, many cervical ultrasound measurements have been proposed to represent the individual components of the Bishop score, but none of them can measure the cervical stiffness. Cervical shear wave elastography is a novel tool to assess the cervical stiffness quantitatively.

Material and methods

A total of 475 women who required labor induction were studied prospectively. Prior to routine digital assessment of the Bishop score, transvaginal sonographic measurement of cervical length, posterior cervical angle, angle of progression and shear wave elastography was performed. Shear wave elastography measurement was made at the inner, middle and outer regions of the cervix to assess homogeneity. Association of labor induction outcomes including the overall cesarean section and subgroups of cesarean section for failure to enter active phase, with cervical sonographic parameters and the Bishop score, were assessed using multivariate regression analyses. The predictive accuracy of the outcomes using models based on ultrasound measurement and the Bishop score was compared using the area under the receiver‐operating characteristics curves.

Results

Among 475 women, 82 (17.3%) required cesarean section. Shear wave elasticity was significantly higher in the inner cervical region than in other regions, indicating a greater stiffness (P < 0.001). Both inner cervical shear wave elasticity and cervical length were independent predictors of overall cesarean section (respective adjusted odds ratio [95% CI] 1.338 [1.001‐1.598] and 1.717 [1.077‐1.663]) and cesarean section for failure to enter active phase (respective adjusted odds ratio [95% CI] 1.689 [1.234‐2.311] and 2.556 [1.462‐4.467]), after adjusting for other covariates. Outcome prediction models using inner cervical shear wave elasticity and cervical length, had increased area under curve compared with models using the Bishop score (0.888 vs 0.819, P = 0.009).

Conclusions

The cervix is not a homogenous structure, with the inner cervix having the highest stiffness, which is an independent predictor of overall cesarean section, and specifically for those indicated because of failure to enter active phase. Models based on shear wave elastography and cervical length had higher predictive accuracy than models based on the Bishop score.
Genetic diversity and antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus from recurrent tonsillitis in children
Authors: Katkowska Marta , Garbacz Katarzyna , Kopala Wacław , Schubert Justyna , Bania Jacek
Published: November 2019

The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus in the tonsils of children subjected tonsillectomy due to recurrent tonsilitis and to determine the spa types of the pathogens, carriage of virulence genes and antimicrobial resistance profiles. The study included 73 tonsillectomized children. Bacteria, including S. aureus were isolated from tonsillar surface prior to tonsillectomy, recovered from tonsillar core at the time of the surgery, and from posterior pharynx 2–4 weeks after the procedure. Staphylococcus aureus isolates were compared by spa typing, tested for antimicrobial susceptibility and for the presence of superantigenic toxin genes (sea‐seu, eta, etb, tst, lukS/lukF‐PV) by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Seventy‐three patients (mean 7.1 ± 4.1 years, 61.6% male) were assessed. The most commonly isolated bacteria were S. aureus. The largest proportion of staphylococcal isolates originated from tonsillar core (63%), followed by tonsillar surface (45.1%) and posterior pharynx in tonsillectomized children (18.2%, p = 0.007). Five (6.3%) isolates were identified as MRSA (mecA‐positive). Up to 67.5% of the isolates synthesized penicillinases (blaZ‐positive isolates), and 8.8% displayed MLSB resistance. The superantigenic toxin genes were detected in more than half of examined isolates (56.3%). spa types t091, t084, and t002, and clonal complexes (CCs) CC7, CC45, and CC30 turned out to be most common. Staphylococcus aureus associated with RT in children showed pathogenicity potential and considerable genetic diversity, and no clones were found to be specific for this condition although further studies are needed.
Two cases of tick‐borne transmitted tularemia on Southern Zealand, Denmark
Authors: Haulrig Morten Bahrt , Mathiasen Gustav , Nielsen Rikke Maria , Kromann Charles Boy , Krogfelt Karen Angeliki , Wiese Lothar
Published: November 2019

Francisella tularensis is a zoonotic bacterium which causes the infection tularemia. It colonizes invertebrates and vertebrates, counting wildlife animals and rodents. Humans can become infected through several pathways including contaminated food, water, and handling animals and due to bites from vectors. Ticks are known to cause tularemia in humans, though their role as a disease transferring vector is not well understood. We describe two case reports of tularemia transferred by ticks on Southern Zealand, Denmark. Case 1: A 49‐year‐old woman presented with lymphadenopathy and an unhealed sifting wound after a tick bite. Serology tests for F. tularensis were initially negative but turned positive five weeks after symptom onset, when abscess drainage was performed. Gentamicin and ciprofloxacin treatment improved the patient’s clinical condition, and she completely recovered. Case 2: A 74‐year‐old man presented with malaise, fever, and an abdominal ulcer allegedly caused after a vector bite. CRP and leukocytes were increased, while serology tests for F. tularensis were negative. Doxycycline treatment improved the patient’s clinical condition, and he completely recovered. Three weeks after symptom onset, renewed serology tests for F. tularensis were positive.
Corporate social responsibility for poverty alleviation: An integrated research framework
Authors: Medina‐Muñoz Rita D. , Medina‐Muñoz Diego R.
Published: November 2019

There is a growing demand by United Nations development agencies and governments for a higher engagement of firms in sustainable development goals, including that of eradicating poverty. Nevertheless, the social issue of poverty has not traditionally been covered by firms’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. In addition, there is a need to integrate theories in order to better explain pro‐poor CSR in developing countries. Relying on a review of both conceptual and empirical research articles on CSR for poverty alleviation, this study contributes to the CSR research agenda by proposing an integrated research framework for assessing and explaining a firm's contribution to poverty alleviation. Besides discussing the existing evidence, the following issues are critically analysed with the general purpose of obtaining the framework and suggesting avenues for future research: the assessment of a firm's contribution to poverty alleviation, types of pro‐poor CSR initiatives that could be adopted by firms, and the factors influencing a firm's contribution. The framework, which intends to be useful for future research, can also assist the United Nations to increase the firms’ contribution to its alleviating poverty sustainable development goal.
Corporate environmental reputation: Exploring its definitional landscape
Authors: Martín‐de Castro Gregorio , Amores‐Salvadó Javier , Navas‐López José E. , Balarezo‐Núñez Remy M.
Published: November 2019

Despite its growing strategic importance, the concept of Corporate Environmental Reputation (CER) still lacks a specific definition and content delimitation in the literature. This fact, together with its difficult differentiation from other similar constructs, hides the key role of this construct in the connection between management and environmental studies and in the development of corporate environmental management strategies. To address this issue, in this research, we develop a literature review on CER conceptualisation, operationalisation and measurement, and analyse its main effects on firm competitiveness and performance drawing on the Institutional Theory and the resource‐based view. As a result, we propose a CER definition, highlighting its main characteristics and drivers and delimitating it in relation to closely related concepts such as green corporate image and corporate environmental legitimacy.
How group and perceiver characteristics affect collective blame following counterproductive work behavior
Authors: Wurthmann Kurt
Published: November 2019

Two experimental studies, based on a model using a novel integration of theories, provide evidence that collective blame, the assignment of blame to members of a group besides the member(s) who directly caused a misdeed, in the aftermath of counterproductive work behavior (CWB) is higher when a group of coworkers is perceived as a single entity. Further, the studies consistently show that this relationship is mediated by inferences about both indirect causality and common blameworthy traits among group members. These findings extend prior research, which has not considered mediation in this relationship by dual inferences. Additionally, perceivers’ implicit theories about people's character were found to moderate the inferences they favor, with inferences about indirect causality versus common traits favored by perceivers with implicit theories that people's character is malleable versus fixed, respectively. These findings extend prior research by empirically supporting the notion that the nature of perceivers’ implicit theories about people's character is related to why they perceive a group to be a single entity. The findings, future directions and implications of improved understanding of the assignment of collective blame following CWB are discussed.