bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the corporate governance and corporate performance nexus: evidence from value-based metrics
Authors: Yakubu Ibrahim Nandom , Kapusuzoglu Ayhan , Ceylan Nildag Basak
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study seeks to empirically examine the influence of corporate governance on corporate performance in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs data from 30 listed firms spanning from 2008 to 2018 and applies the generalized method of moments technique. The authors use economic value added, shareholder value added (SVA) and economic margin (EM) as measures of corporate performance.

Findings

The findings reveal that the presence of both inside directors and outside (nonexecutive) directors significantly improves corporate performance, lending credence to both the stewardship theory and the agency theory. The inclusion of women on the corporate boards and frequent meetings of the board reduce the economic profits of firms. The authors find that CEO duality impedes corporate performance, supporting the presumption of the agency theory. The study further reveals that audit committee size and ownership concentration positively drive the performance of quoted firms in Ghana.

Originality/value

Prior studies on corporate governance and firm performance nexus have chiefly adopted traditional accounting-based performance measures such as return on assets and return on equity to evaluate firm performance. However, these indicators are critiqued for being historic and fail to consider firms' cost of equity. In light of the shortcomings of the accounting-based proxies, this study takes a unique direction by using value-based metrics, which are considered superior measures of performance. Besides, to the best of the authors' knowledge, this study provides a first attempt to investigate the link between corporate governance and firm performance using SVA and EM as performance indicators.
The underestimated global warming potential of refrigerant losses in retail real estate: the impact of CO2 vs CO2e
Authors: Kuenzle Chiara , Wein Julia , Bienert Sven
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper investigates the impact of CO2 vs CO2 “equivalents” (CO2e) by analyzing fugitive emissions, with a particular focus on Fluorinated gases (F-gases), arising from refrigerant leakages in buildings. F-gases are an especially powerful set of GHGs with a global warming potential hundreds to thousands of times greater than that of CO2.

Design/methodology/approach

The significant impact of CO2e is tested by means of an empirical study with current consumption data from German food retail warehouses. This evaluation involves the analysis of the Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor's country- and property-type specific pathway, coupled with a paired samples t-test to examine the hypotheses. The assessment is undertaken by evaluating the type of gas and the amount of leakage reported in the baseline year, subsequently converting these values to CO2e units.

Findings

On average, F-gases account for 40% of total building emissions and nearly 45% of cumulative emissions until 2050. In light of ongoing climate change and the rising number of Cooling Degree Days (CDDs), it becomes imperative to assess both the environmental and economic impact of F-gases and to transition toward environmentally friendly refrigerants.

Originality/value

The analysis sheds light on the seldom-addressed threats posed by CO2e emissions stemming from refrigerant losses. By identifying these threats, investors can devise strategies to mitigate potential future costs and carbon risks.
Islamic finance dispute resolutions in the English courts: past experience and an outlook for the future
Authors: Berrahlia Badreddine
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper explores the experience of “Shari’a” as non-state law in the English courts through a historical analysis of past Islamic finance dispute resolutions (IFDRs). This paper aims to propose a conceivable scenario relating to the law applicable in international commercial contracts in the English courts with the emergence of the Hague Principles 2015.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper addresses several issues that have been raised in English case law: doubts about the legal nature of “Shari’a” as non-state law; the limits placed on freedom of choice of “Shari’a” law by the application of a single legal system; and the distinction between application of law and incorporation by reference of “Shari’a” in IFDRs. The paper then analyses the conformity of “Shari’a” with the provisions now used to resolve Islamic finance disputes (trade and investment) in the English courts, using an empirical analysis of The Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions standards.

Findings

The paper provides that, in theory, “Shari’a” standards could play a significant role in IFDRs after Brexit, even though a gap persists in practice because the Hague Principles 2015 have not yet been adopted by the English legal system.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses on the English courts and shows how the IFDRs could be resolved with the emergence of Hague Principles 2015 in the post-Brexit era.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper appears to be the first paper to provide a conceivable scenario relating to the future of the IFDRs in the English courts.
How Taiwanese contract manufacturers initiate supply chain integration: the effects of bricolage, improvisation and environmental uncertainty
Authors: Lai Hsien-Che , Lee Tai-Yu
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how bricolage and improvisation increase the opportunities for supply chain integration of contract manufacturers. Connecting bricolage/improvisation with resource dependence theory offers an appropriate theoretical lens with which to understand the increasing focus on the view that bricolage and improvisation are feasible ways to create desired resources for contract manufacturers. Such resources can then enhance the autonomy of contract manufacturers in supply chain by building contract manufacturer–supply chain partner relationship interdependencies.

Design/methodology/approach

Given that the primary focus of the study was whether and how contract manufacturers respond to resource constraints, namely, bricolage and improvisation and environmental uncertainty as a moderating effect of fastener contract manufacturers' supplier/buyer integration, only firms that had contractual agreements involving manufacturing services for original equipment manufacturer and/or original design manufacture data were included in this population. This study selected a population from a list of 674 fastener firms provided by the Taiwan Industrial Fastener Institute in 2020 using a mailed survey to test the hypotheses. By the beginning of 2022, 165 completed questionnaires were returned, and the total useable sample was 158.

Findings

Hypotheses are tested using 158 contract manufacturers of the Taiwanese fastener industry. Results show that bricolage can lead contract manufacturers to initiate supplier and buyer integration. The moderating effect of environmental uncertainty further strengthens the above positive relationships. Without the moderating effect of the environmental uncertainty, improvisation leads contract manufacturers to initiate only supplier but not buyer integration. However, when the moderating effect of environmental uncertainty is included, improvisation leads contract manufacturers to initiate only buyer integration.

Originality/value

This finding highlights the importance of the environmental uncertainty when contract manufacturers adopt bricolage/improvisation to initiate supply chain integration.
Evaluation of TPM adoption factors in manufacturing organizations using fuzzy PIPRECIA method
Authors: Vikas  , Mishra Akanksha
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The aim of this paper states that total productive maintenance (TPM) is an improvement tool which employs the effective utilization of employees in order to enhance the reliability of the equipment in consideration.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper identifies and evaluates the factors accountable for the adoption of TPM methodology in manufacturing organizations. Twenty-four factors affecting the TPM implementation are explored and categorized into five significant categories. Afterwards, these identified TPM factors have been evaluated by using a most popular Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach namely fuzzy pivot pairwise relative criteria importance assessment (F-PIPRECIA).

Findings

In this paper, through application of F-PIPRECIA, “Behavioural factor” is ranked first while “Financial factor” the last. Considering the sub-factors, “Top management support and commitment” is ranked first while “Effective use of performance indices” is ranked the last. A further sensitivity analysis indicates the factors that need higher level of attention.

Practical implications

The result of current research work may be exploited by the top administration of manufacturing enterprises for assessing their TPM adoption status and to recognize the frail links of TPM application and improve accordingly. Moreover, significant factors of TPM can be identified and deploy them successfully in their implementation procedure.

Originality/value

The conclusion obtained from this research enables the management to clearly understand the significance of each considered factor on the adoption of TPM in the organization and hence, provides effective utilization of resources.
Short video marketing strategy: evidence from successful entrepreneurs on TikTok
Authors: Chen Huan , Ma Dalong , Sharma Bhakti
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to delve into entrepreneurs’ perceptions and interpretations of short video marketing on TikTok.

Design/methodology/approach

In light of the study’s exploratory nature, a qualitative approach was used. The authors conducted in-depth interviews with 17 entrepreneurs to uncover their insights on short video marketing via TikTok. Data analysis was carried out using thematic analysis and NVivo, and rigorous measures were in place to ensure the quality of the study.

Findings

This study’s findings suggested that entrepreneurs’ usage of TikTok is customer-oriented, with the purposes of promoting their businesses, generating word-of-mouth and managing customer relationships. As such, the gratification of connection with their audience, entertainment and information provision needs motivate entrepreneurs’ use of TikTok for social media marketing. Additionally, entrepreneurs’ use of TikTok may also contribute to their gratification of creativity and spontaneity needs, which may otherwise be limited in the context of other social media platforms.

Originality/value

This study expands the previous literature on entrepreneurship, social media marketing and the uses and gratification approach by revealing the specifics, nuances and dynamics of TikTok marketing from the entrepreneurs’ emic perspective.
The machine learning framework for traffic management in smart cities
Authors: Tiwari Pulkit
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The objective of this research work is to design a data-based solution for administering traffic organization in a smart city by using the machine learning algorithm.

Design/methodology/approach

A machine learning framework for managing traffic infrastructure and air pollution in urban centers relies on a predictive analytics model. The model makes use of transportation data to predict traffic patterns based on the information gathered from numerous sources within the city. It can be promoted for strategic planning determination. The data features volume and calendar variables, including hours of the day, week and month. These variables are leveraged to identify time series-based seasonal patterns in the data. To achieve accurate traffic volume forecasting, the long short-term memory (LSTM) method is recommended.

Findings

The study has produced a model that is appropriate for the transportation sector in the city and other innovative urban applications. The findings indicate that the implementation of smart transportation systems enhances transportation and has a positive impact on air quality. The study's results are explored and connected to practical applications in the areas of air pollution control and smart transportation.

Originality/value

The present paper has created the machine learning framework for the transportation sector of smart cities that achieves a reasonable level of accuracy. Additionally, the paper examines the effects of smart transportation on both the environment and supply chain.
Environmental investment growth (EIG) and corporate cost stickiness in China: substantive or symbolic management?
Authors: Xu Fei , Liu XinZhu , Liu Qian , Zhu XiaoYang , Zhou DuanMing
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Considering the greenwashing risk of symbolic environmental management, this study aims to distinguish the motivation for environmental investment growth (EIG) from the corporate cost stickiness and anti-stickiness perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes the impact of substantive and symbolic environmental management on cost stickiness. Subsequently, competing hypotheses are proposed. Finally, empirical tests are conducted on Chinese A-share listed companies from 2010 to 2019.

Findings

EIG significantly improves enterprises’ cost stickiness. The cost of high EIG enterprises does not decrease significantly with a decline in income compared to other enterprises, which is consistent with the motivation for substantive environmental management. Enterprises with high asset specificity and optimistic management expectations show more obvious substantive environmental management. Government and public environmental concerns cause more pronounced substantive environmental management.

Practical implications

An evaluation of corporate environmental responsibility should take into account both what the company has disclosed and what it has actually done.

Social implications

Governments and the public should have a comprehensive understanding of corporate environmental management. They need to strengthen their ability to recognize symbolic environmental management and support substantive environmental management.

Originality/value

Fundamental to the evaluation of corporate environmental responsibility, this study distinguishes the motivations for corporate EIG disclosures from the cost stickiness perspective to avoid the risk of greenwashing. Hypotheses on the impact of substantive and symbolic environmental management on cost stickiness are presented. This study verifies the substantive environmental management characteristics of listed Chinese companies.
Establishing interrelationships and dependencies of critical success factors for implementing offsite construction in the UK
Authors: Obi Lovelin Ifeoma , Arif Mohammed , Lamb Steve Michael , Ashayeri Ilnaz
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The United Kingdom (UK) construction sector is transforming with increasing confidence in offsite construction (OSC) solutions following its accrued benefits. To sustain this momentum, exploring viable strategies to promote successful OSC implementation is a top priority. This paper aims to identify and establish interrelationships and logical dependencies of critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing OSC on building projects in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilised a qualitative research approach. Following a critical review of extant literature, brainstorming and focus group sessions were carried out with OSC experts in the UK construction industry to identify and contextualise CSFs for OSC implementation. Interpretive structural modelling (ISM) and matrix impact cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification (MICMAC) were used to analyse and model the interrelationships between the contextualised CSFs.

Findings

The study identified eighteen CSFs for implementing OSC on projects in the UK positioned on seven hierarchical levels and clustered into dependent, linkage and independent factors. The top five CSFs established were client commitment, top management support, adequate OSC knowledge and experience, flexible leadership and flexible business models. These were located at the base of the ISM model, possessing the highest driving powers in facilitating the successful implementation of OSC on projects.

Originality/value

This study established a hierarchical interrelationship and the importance of the CSFs influencing the successful implementation of OSC. This would assist OSC clients and project teams in identifying and prioritising particular areas for strategic actions, which offer advantages in pursuing successful OSC project outcomes in the UK. Previous research on OSC implementation in the UK had not examined CSFs' interrelationships.
Cognitive performance of depressed older people with cognitive decline
Authors: Salazar Ana María , Reyes María Fernanda , Pedraza Olga , Lozano Angela Gisselle , Montalvo María Camila , Rodriguez Fandiño Juan Camilo
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Different studies relate the presence of depression to lower cognitive performance and higher functional dependence in older people; however, this is not entirely clear. The purpose of this study is to validate the existence between the association of these conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted in which the memory, metamemory and global functionality test performance of depressed and non-depressed participants was compared between two groups, one cognitively healthy and other with cognitive decline. The participants were 420 older adults, with an average age of 69 and five years of schooling.

Findings

The importance of describing cognitive performance in older adults with depression may provide evidence to support an adequate differential diagnosis and the design of an adequate future therapeutic plan. Identifying and preventing depression in the elderly can improve health and well-being in the elderly.

Originality/value

Depression is a prevalent and highly disabling disease. When it is suffered by an older person, it is associated with higher mortality, functional dependence, poor physical health, worse quality of life indicators and psychological well-being. In the elderly, the clinical diagnosis of depression is difficult, as it has a high comorbidity and is often confused with other health conditions prevalent during older adulthood.
Acoustic camouflage increases with body size and changes with bat echolocation frequency range in a community of nocturnally active Lepidoptera
Authors: Simon Ralph , Dreissen Alrike , Leroy Helene , Berg Matty P. , Halfwerk Wouter
Published: October 2023

Body size is an important trait in predator–prey dynamics as it is often linked to detection, as well as the success of capture or escape. Larger prey, for example, often runs higher risk of detection by their predators, which imposes stronger selection on their anti‐predator traits compared to smaller prey.

Nocturnal Lepidoptera (moths) vary strongly in body size, which has consequences for their predation risk, as bigger moths return stronger echoes for echolocating bats. To compensate for increased predation risk, larger moths are therefore expected to have improved anti‐predator defences. Moths are covered by different types of scales, which for a few species are known to absorb ultrasound, thus providing acoustic camouflage. Here, we assessed whether moths differ in their acoustic camouflage in a size‐dependent way by focusing on their body scales and the different frequency ranges used by bats.

We used a sonar head to measure 3D echo scans of a total of 111 moth specimens across 58 species, from eight different families of Lepidoptera. We scanned all the specimens and related their echo‐acoustic target strength to various body size measurements. Next, we removed the scales covering the thorax and abdomen and scanned a subset of specimens again to assess the sound absorptive properties of these scales.

Comparing intact specimens with descaled specimens, we found almost all species to absorb ultrasound, reducing detection risk on average by 8%. Furthermore, the sound absorptive capacities of body scales increased with body size suggesting that larger species benefit more from acoustic camouflage. The size‐dependent effect of camouflage was in particular pronounced for the higher frequencies (above 29 kHz), with moth species belonging to large‐bodied families consequently demonstrating similar target strengths compared to species from small‐bodied families. Finally, we found the families to differ in frequency range that provided the largest reduction in detection risk, which may be related to differences in predation pressure and predator communities of these families.

In general, our findings have important implications for predator–prey interactions across eco‐evolutionary timescales and may suggest that acoustic camouflage played a role in body size evolution of nocturnally active Lepidoptera.
From Donald Dewar to Humza Yousaf: The Role of Scotland's First Ministers and the Importance of Political Leadership
Authors: Hassan Gerry
Published: October 2023

The establishment of the Scottish Parliament created new institutions and a political environment which has had lasting implications for Scottish and UK politics, including furthering the rise of the Scottish National Party and the independence question. One central element of this new terrain has been the emergence of the Scottish government and the post of First Minister of Scotland. The latter, the most prominent devolved political position in Scotland, has so far been subjected to little detailed analysis.

Drawing on a wide array of material, research and interviews with key individuals, this article explores four aspects: first, the nature of the office of first minister; second, how it has evolved over the past quarter century; third, what various post‐holders have brought to the role; and finally, how they have been influenced by wider contextual factors such as the changing dynamics of party support, electoral competition and intra‐party considerations. The article offers some provisional conclusions about the changing nature of political leadership and the interplay between institutional factors, public opinion and the role of the individual political actors in the twenty‐first century, which has relevance not just for Scotland but further afield.
The Pitfalls of Ascribing Moral Agency to Corporations: Public Obligation and Political and Social Contexts in the Commercial Determinants of Health
Authors: GÓMEZ EDUARDO J. , MAANI NASON , GALEA SANDRO
Published: October 2023

Policy Points

Government and civil society should be held more accountable for creating food and beverage regulatory policies rather than assigning moral agency to the food and beverage industry.

Nutrition policymaking institutions should ensure civil society's ability to design regulatory policy.

Government policymaking institutions should be isolated from industry interference.
Simulation of population size and economic scale supportable by available freshwater in China in 2030
Authors: Guo Lishuo , Wang Qinpeng
Published: October 2023

Limited water availability, population growth, and increasing water demand have resulted in freshwater crises in many countries, including China. In this paper, the water resource‐carrying capacity (WRCC) model simulated the trajectory of China's various systems, representing interactions among humans, water resources, and economics, among others. The results indicated that, at the national level, 700 billion m3 of available freshwater could support population sizes of 2.12, 1.96, and 1.85 billion, along with economic sizes of $40.65, $34.08, and $29.21 trillion, under high‐, moderate‐, and low‐development scenarios, respectively. And it also showed the population and economic size of each province across China under high‐, moderate‐, and low‐development scenarios. This study's WRCC‐based simulations can provide guidance for future policies related to water, population, and economics. Overall, contributions of this study include (1) a quantitative model related to freshwater security and water policies; (2) the model narratives that paint a better picture of China's future water security and socioeconomic development; (3) the conclusion that it is conducive to adjust water use rigid constraints with water policies; (4) an understanding that it is more intuitive to use population size and economic scale instead of dimensionless scores to characterize the state of WRCC. The WRCC model is instructive for the other counties or regions.
Greening the flow: Harnessing foreign remittances for sustainable development and environmental governance: Evidence from 2SLS testing approach
Authors: Naseem Sobia , Hu Xuhua , Sarfraz Muddassar , Mohsin Muhammad
Published: October 2023

Foreign remittances have significantly impacted recipient countries' economic growth and financial development over the past few decades. However, eco‐friendly climate change mitigation techniques must be implemented immediately due to the environmental implications of foreign remittances. Recipient nations' industrial and agricultural sectors are bolstered by remittances, ultimately contributing to carbon dioxide emissions. This paper examines the effects of remittances on economic growth by incorporating CO2 emissions, financial development, industry, and agriculture‐added value. This study examines panel data spanning 32 years (1990–2021) for eight countries: China, the Philippines, Egypt, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. The relationship among selected variables and their impact on CO2 emission is examined using the two‐stage least squares (2SLS) and Granger causality approach. The empirical results show that increased financial development and economic growth decrease environmental quality through toxic CO2 emissions. The remittances and agricultural sector help to mitigate CO2 emission by their negative contribution toward environmentally destructive activities in top remittances‐based countries. Except for agriculture, CO2 emission is bidirectionally related to all variables. Incorporating industrialization (as an instrumental variable) to improve the financial system leads to an upward trend in CO2 emissions reduction. As a result, the study makes important suggestions to economists and policymakers on reducing CO2 emissions in Asian countries.
Comparative phylogeography reveals dissimilar genetic differentiation patterns in two sympatric amphibian species
Authors: PAN Tao , ZHANG Caiwen , OROZCO TERWENGEL Pablo , WANG Hui , DING Ling , YANG Liuyang , HU Chaochao , LI Wengang , ZHOU Wenliang , WU Xiaobing , ZHANG Baowei
Published: October 2023

Global climate change is expected to have a profound effect on species distribution. Due to the temperature constraints, some narrow niche species could shift their narrow range to higher altitudes or latitudes. In this study, we explored the correlation between species traits, genetic structure, and geographical range size. More specifically, we analyzed how these variables are affected by differences in fundamental niche breadth or dispersal ability in the members of two sympatrically distributed stream‐dwelling amphibian species (frog, Quasipaa yei; salamander, Pachyhynobius shangchengensis), in Dabie Mountains, East China. Both species showed relatively high genetic diversity in most geographical populations and similar genetic diversity patterns (JTX, low; BYM, high) correlation with habitat changes and population demography. Multiple clustering analyses were used to disclose differentiation among the geographical populations of these two amphibian species. Q. yei disclosed the relatively shallow genetic differentiation, while P. shangchengensis showed an opposite pattern. Under different historical climatic conditions, all ecological niche modeling disclosed a larger suitable habitat area for Q. yei than for P. shangchengensis; these results indicated a wider environment tolerance or wider niche width of Q. yei than P. shangchengensis. Our findings suggest that the synergistic effects of environmental niche variation and dispersal ability may help shape genetic structure across geographical topology, particularly for species with extremely narrow distribution.
Individual‐based landscape genomics for conservation: An analysis pipeline
Authors: Chambers E. Anne , Bishop Anusha P. , Wang Ian J.
Published: October 2023

Landscape genomics can harness environmental and genetic data to inform conservation decisions by providing essential insights into how landscapes shape biodiversity. The massive increase in genetic data afforded by the genomic era provides exceptional resolution for answering critical conservation genetics questions. The accessibility of genomic data for non‐model systems has also enabled a shift away from population‐based sampling to individual‐based sampling, which now provides accurate and robust estimates of genetic variation that can be used to examine the spatial structure of genomic diversity, population connectivity and the nature of environmental adaptation. Nevertheless, the adoption of individual‐based sampling in conservation genetics has been slowed due, in large part, to concerns over how to apply methods developed for population‐based sampling to individual‐based sampling schemes. Here, we discuss the benefits of individual‐based sampling for conservation and describe how landscape genomic methods, paired with individual‐based sampling, can answer fundamental conservation questions. We have curated key landscape genomic methods into a user‐friendly, open‐source workflow, which we provide as a new R package, A Landscape Genomics Analysis Toolkit in R (algatr). The algatr package includes novel added functionality for all of the included methods and extensive vignettes designed with the primary goal of making landscape genomic approaches more accessible and explicitly applicable to conservation biology.
Gender moderates the association between posttraumatic stress disorder and mutual intimate partner violence in an emergency department sample
Authors: Caetano Raul , Cunradi Carol , Ponicki William R. , Alter Harrison J.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Patients in emergency departments (EDs) constitute a diverse population with multiple health‐related risk factors, many of which are associated with intimate partner violence (IPV). This paper examines the interaction effect of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), impulsivity, drug use, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), at‐risk drinking, and having a hazardous drinker partner with gender on mutual physical IPV in an urban ED sample.

Methods

Research assistants surveyed 1037 married, cohabiting, or partnered patients in face‐to‐face interviews (87% response rate) regarding IPV exposure, alcohol and drug use, psychological distress, ACEs, and other sociodemographic features. IPV was measured with the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale. Interaction effects were examined in multinomial and logistic models.

Results

Results showed a significant interaction of gender and PTSD (odds ratio [OR] 3.06, 95% CI 1.21–7.23, p < 0.05) for mutual IPV. Regarding main effects, there were also statistically significant positive associations between mutual physical IPV and at‐risk drinking (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.07–2.77, p < 0.05), having a hazardous drinker partner (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.35–3.55, p < 0.01), illicit drug use (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.18–3.71, p < 0.01), ACEs (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.06–1.42, p < 0.01), days of cannabis use past in the 12 months (OR 1.003, 95% CI 1.002–1.005, p < 0.001), and impulsivity (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.29–3.22, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

IPV risk assessment in EDs will be more effective if implemented with attention to patients' gender and the presence of various and diverse other risk factors, especially PTSD.
Pairwise comparisons of three medication adherence outcomes in adolescents who use alcohol
Authors: Kirkland Anna E. , Tomko Rachel L. , Green ReJoyce , Browning Brittney D. , Ferguson Pamela L. , Liu Helen , Miranda Robert , Gray Kevin M. , Squeglia Lindsay M.
Published: October 2023

Background

Accurate assessment of medication adherence is important for understanding pharmacotherapy outcomes across all phases of adolescent substance use disorder (SUD) clinical trials. The objective of this study was to describe and assess the pairwise concordance between three commonly used non‐biological medication adherence assessment methods in adolescents who use alcohol to inform the selection of medication adherence measures for use in future youth SUD trials.

Methods

Participants (N = 32, 17–19‐years‐old) took N‐acetylcysteine and placebo, in a randomized cross‐over design, for 10 days each. Medication adherence was assessed (20 days total) via pill count, medication videos submitted twice daily, and the Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS®). Lin's Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC) assessed concordance and Bland–Altman plots are reported. Linear mixed‐effects models with main effects of medication, treatment block (first medication, second medication), and sequence were also run.

Results

Medication videos yielded the lowest (64%) and pill count yielded the highest (89%) adherence estimates. CCC values indicated poor correspondence, except between pill count and MEMS. The Bland–Altman plots showed good pairwise agreement between all methods. Linear mixed‐effects models indicated a difference between the first and second cross‐over medication, with adherence estimates being lower for the second medication, regardless of whether it was N‐acetylcysteine or placebo.

Conclusions

The study yielded important and practical information. First, incorporating more than one method of adherence assessment may capture estimated floor and ceiling adherence in the absence of a biological marker. This is particularly relevant for remote or hybrid studies where bio‐marker collection is challenging. Selection of the assessment methods will depend on study goals. Second, the continuation of medication adherence research can benefit each phase of clinical trials and inform rigorous pharmacotherapy evaluation.
Food security dynamics in the United States, 2001–2017
Authors: Lee Seungmin , Barrett Christopher B. , Hoddinott John F.
Published: October 2023

We study household food security dynamics in the United States from 2001 to 2017 using a new measure, the probability of food security (PFS), the estimated probability that a household's food expenditures equal or exceed the minimum cost of a healthful diet. We use PFS to analyze household‐level and subpopulation‐scale dynamics by investigating the conditional distribution of estimated food insecurity spells and the chronic and transient components of estimated food insecurity. We find that two‐thirds of households experienced no estimated food insecurity during the 2001 to 2017 period and more than half of newly food insecure households regain food security within 2 years. Households headed by female, non‐White, or less educated individuals disproportionately suffer persistent, chronic, and/or severe food insecurity.
Dynamics and determinants of human–hyaena conflicts in the surroundings of a protected area
Authors: Gonhi Prudence , Chibememe Gladman , Utete Beaven , Mahakata Innocent , Madamombe Honest
Published: October 2023

Human–wildlife conflicts (HWC) predominate in areas proximal to wildlife rich protected zones. Whereas herbivore driven HWC is easy to detect, the stealth, nocturnal and predacious nature of carnivores leads to human injury and fatality, livestock depredation and loss of livelihoods in communities proximal to Sengwa Wildlife Research Area (SWRA) in northwest Zimbabwe. This study aimed to: (1) determine the nature of human–hyaena conflicts (HHCs), (2) explore the drivers of HHCs and (3) investigate the spatial and temporal movement patterns of hyaenas in HHC hotspots in areas proximal to SWRA. The results indicated that prevalent HHC types include livestock depredation, property damage, harassment, nuisance and disruption of human movements around SWRA. Locals indicated removal of park fences, human settlement on wildlife migration corridors, increases in hyaena populations, easy stray livestock targets, increased poaching and removal of natural wildlife death carcasses by illegal hunters as key drivers of HHC. Hyaenas have a predetermined non‐seasonal movement pattern following traditional wildlife migration corridors through SWRA into proximal communities. Human–hyaena conflict abatement strategies should be underpinned by indigenous local knowledge of hyaena movement and hunting patterns. Integrating citizen science data and remote sensing techniques aids to track and understand movement and hunting patterns of hyaenas inside and outside of protected areas.
Non‐fatal removal of ground pangolin (Smutsia temminckii Smuts, 1832) tracking devices by predators
Authors: Carroll Daire , Harvey‐Carroll Jessica , Trivella Cara‐Marie , Connelly Ellen
Published: October 2023

The ground pangolin (Smutsia temminckii Smuts 1832) is vulnerable to extinction due to poaching and trafficking. Recovery of pangolins from the trade and subsequent rehabilitation and release form a core component of pangolin conservation. Post‐release monitoring of rehabilitated pangolins through the attachment of very high frequency (VHF) transmitters and satellite devices is carried out to determine the efficacy of release protocols. We report on 14 confirmed and 19 potential incidents of device removal by predators during non‐fatal attacks, which occurred over a 6 year period. During this time, 78 devices were deployed 109 times attached to 36 rehabilitated pangolins. These incidents should be considered during the design of future post‐release monitoring protocols.
Increased spine bone density in patients with chronic hepatitis B switched to tenofovir alafenamide: A prospective, multinational study
Authors: Ogawa Eiichi , Jun Dae Won , Toyoda Hidenori , Hsu Yao‐Chun , Yoon Eileen L. , Ahn Sang Bong , Yeh Ming‐Lun , Do Son , Trinh Huy N. , Takahashi Hirokazu , Enomoto Masaru , Kawada Norifumi , Yasuda Satoshi , Tseng Cheng‐Hao , Kawashima Keigo , Lee Han Ah , Inoue Kaori , Haga Hiroaki , Do Ai‐Thien , Maeda Mayumi , Hoang Joseph H. , Cheung Ramsey , Ueno Yoshiyuki , Eguchi Yuichiro , Furusyo Norihiro , Yu Ming‐Lung , Tanaka Yasuhito , Nguyen Mindie H.
Published: October 2023

Background

Data on patients switched to tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) from nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs) other than tenofovir disoproxil fumarate are limited.

Aims

To assess the treatment and renal/bone safety outcomes following the switch to TAF.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled adult patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) who switched from any NUC to TAF at 14 centres in Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the U.S. Study outcomes were viral suppression (VR; HBV DNA < 20 IU/mL), biochemical response (BR; alanine aminotransferase normalisation), and changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and T‐scores (L‐spine) by bone absorptiometry by 24 months after switch to TAF.

Results

We enrolled 270 eligible patients. Mean age was 58.1; 58.2% were male; 12.2% had cirrhosis and 73.3% previously received entecavir monotherapy. VR rate increased significantly from 95.2% to 98.8% by 24 months after the switch to TAF (p = 0.014). Between the switch and 24 months later, the mean spine T‐score improved significantly from −1.43 ± 1.36 to −1.17 ± 1.38 (p < 0.0001), while there was no significant change in mean eGFR (88.4 ± 16.9–89.5 ± 16.3 mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.13). On multivariable analysis adjusted for age, sex, baseline spine T‐score and prior TDF or adefovir dipivoxil use, male sex was significantly associated with lower risk of worsening spine T‐score (odds ratio: 0.29, p = 0.020), while age was significantly associated with a higher risk of worsening chronic kidney disease stage (OR: 1.07, p = 0.019).

Conclusions

At 24 months after the switch to TAF, VR rates and spine bone density improved significantly while renal function remained stable.
Short Research Article: Opening a new CAMHS day hospital – does it affect inpatient admissions and does it help at all?
Authors: John Sannie , Cohen Dermot
Published: October 2023

Background

Day hospitals in child and adolescent mental health services are held to be helpful entities in the psychiatric care of young people. However, limited research has been done to look into how day hospitals and similar settings affect referrals, inpatient stays and in which cohort of patients do they show the most impact. This study's primary aims were to examine the impact of a new Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) day hospital on referrals and admissions to the associated CAMHS in‐patient unit. A secondary aim of this study was to examine the demographics and clinical outcomes of the young people attending the day hospital.

Methods

Information was gathered using retrospective reviews of clinical files and databases.

Results

There was a reduction in admissions and in the total bed days from the study area following the opening of the day hospital. There was an improvement in clinical outcomes for young people attending the day hospital.

Conclusion

Day hospital in child and adolescent mental health services can prove to be a useful modality to provide support to young people with a moderate to severe mental illness leading to reduced inpatient admissions and improving lengths of inpatient stay. It also improves clinical outcomes for cohorts of young people where inpatient stay is not warranted but higher levels of support is needed.
A cluster randomised controlled trial of an early childhood parenting programme delivered through early childhood education centres in rural Zimbabwe
Authors: Smith Joanne A. , Powell Christine A. , Chang Susan M. , Ganga Emily , Tanyanyiwa Hillary , Walker Susan P.
Published: October 2023

Background

Early childhood is a critical period for child development. Effective approaches to support families in low‐resource settings in the use of responsive and stimulating parenting are needed.

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of the Reach Up early childhood parenting programme on children's development, parenting attitudes and practices, when delivered through early childhood development (ECD) centres in Zimbabwe.

Methods

A cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted in Sanyati, a rural district in Zimbabwe. Twenty‐four of 51 available centres were randomised to intervention (n = 12) or control (n = 12) groups. Sixteen mothers with a child aged 12–30 months were recruited from each centre's catchment area (n = 189 intervention; n = 193 control). The intervention comprised two home visits per month delivered by centre teaching assistants over a period of 27 months. Primary outcomes were child Developmental Quotient (DQ), Language, Eye and Hand coordination, Performance and Practical Reasoning subscale scores assessed at follow‐up. Secondary outcomes were mothers' attitudes about child development, parenting practices and maternal depressive symptoms all measured at baseline and follow‐up. Intention to treat analyses was conducted using mixed‐effects regression models with the standard error adjusted for cluster and inverse proportionality weights to adjust for attrition. Significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

A total of 285 (74.6%) of 382 children enrolled were tested, with 97 children lost to follow‐up. The intervention improved the children's DQ by 3.55 points (95% CI 0.82 to 6.28), Eye and Hand by 3.58 (95% CI 0.59 to 6.56) and Practical Reasoning by 4.19 (95% CI 0.96 to 7.42). No significant improvements to Performance or Language scores, parenting attitudes, parenting practices and depressive symptoms were identified.

Conclusions

A home visiting intervention delivered by ECD teaching assistants promoted children's development. This suggests that outreach from preschools may be an effective platform for delivery of parenting interventions.
Social and ecological drivers of illegal bird hunting in the Indawgyi wetland ecosystem in Myanmar
Authors: Htay Thazin , Htoo Kyaw Kyaw , Røskaft Eivin , Ringsby Thor Harald , Ranke Peter Sjolte
Published: October 2023

Hunting and illegal bird killing are major concerns for avian conservation globally. Unsustainable bird hunting in wetland habitats, particularly those located along important flyways, has contributed to avifauna defaunation and species endangerment. Since wetlands are primary habitats for migratory birds and are associated with anthropogenic landscapes, a comprehensive understanding of bird harvesting, and its drivers is fundamental to reduce threats to current avifauna. In this study, we examined the distribution of illegal bird hunting and its socioecological drivers in the Indawgyi wetland ecosystem in Myanmar by integrating data from bird surveys, household surveys, and market surveys. We found that illegal bird hunting using nets, traps, and poisonous substances is prevalent in areas close to water and during the migration season. People who had negative attitudes toward avian species were more likely to engage in bird hunting, primarily because of the conflicts between bird conservation and crop production. Socioeconomic needs were not the major driving factors of bird killing. We therefore suggest sustainable management interventions promoting coexistence by integrating bird conservation and agricultural production, accompanied by increasing awareness to improve avian conservation in an internationally important wetland in Myanmar.
Alcohol licensing legislation and licensing system in South‐West Nigeria: Implications to regulate physical availability of alcohol
Authors: Odeigah Ogochukwu W. , Patton Robert
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The proliferation of alcohol outlets has led to increased physical availability of alcohol, harmful alcohol consumption and related harm in Nigeria. This study explored alcohol licensing legislations and licensing systems across local government councils (LGC) in South‐West, Nigeria.

Methods

Twenty‐four LGCs across three states participated in the study. Data were generated from: (i) documents containing LGC liquor licensing legislations; and (ii) semi‐structured interviews conducted with 50 LGC officials (16 legislative council clerks and 34 finance officers [director of finance, rate officers and revenue collectors]) were thematically analysed using NVivo.

Results

Nine of the sampled LGC enacted liquor licence bylaws. These mostly specified categories of liquor licences issued and licensing fees. None of the liquor licence bylaw contained regulations for controlling physical availability of alcohol and outlet density. Finance officials were licensing officers and there were no licensing committees across the LGCs. The LGC officials were unanimous in stating that generating revenue from licensing fees was the main objective for licensing alcohol outlets. The LGCs licensed alcohol outlets indiscriminately and failed to regulate outlet density.

Discussion and Conclusion

The absence of regulations for controlling outlet density has implications for physical availability of alcohol in Nigeria. Our findings strongly suggest the need to develop national liquor licensing legislation with public health objectives and implementing regulations for controlling temporal and spatial availability of alcohol. Each LGC should inaugurate a licensing committee with clearly defined roles and responsibilities for licensing stakeholders such as LGC health officials, law enforcement agencies and community members.