bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioural biases affecting investors’ decision-making process: a scale development approach
Authors: Jain Jinesh , Walia Nidhi , Kaur Manpreet , Singh Simarjeet
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The advocates of behavioural finance have denounced the existing literature on investors’ rationality in the decision-making process and questioned the existence of efficient markets and rational investors. Although diversified research has been conducted in the area of behavioural finance, yet there is a need of further explorations into the field as the available knowledge base is confined to one or a few behavioural biases confronted by investors while making investment decisions. Hence, this study aims to develop a comprehensive, reliable and valid scale to measure the behavioural biases affecting investors’ decision-making process.

Design/methodology/approach

To develop a comprehensive, reliable and valid scale for measuring the behavioural biases affecting investors’ decision-making process, rigorous multi-stage scale development methodology has been followed. Stage one started with an extensive review of the literature followed by interviews from experienced stockbrokers to clarify construct and getting novel insights about dimensions of behavioural biases. In stage two, 52 items measuring the dimensions of behavioural biases were generated and got evaluated from panel of judges. Pilot testing was done in the third stage which gave a set of 39 items. Finally, in fourth stage, data were collected from 332 individual equity investors on a 7-point Likert scale using the snowball sampling technique.

Findings

The results of the study highlighted that behavioural biases is a multidimensional phenomenon that significantly affects investors’ decisions and has different dimensions, namely, Availability Bias, Representativeness Bias, Overconfidence Bias, Market Factors, Herding, Anchoring, Mental Accounting, Regret Aversion, Gamblers’ Fallacy and Loss Aversion. The present research has developed a comprehensive, reliable and valid scale for measuring behavioural biases affecting equity investors’ decision-making process.

Originality/value

Behavioural finance is an emerging area in the field of research particularly in the Indian context which needs further exploration. The present research concentrates on rendering an empirically tested scale to the researchers for measuring the behavioural biases and its impact on investor’s decision-making. Such an instrument can contribute to making progress in the area of behavioural finance and other research studies may also find it useful to achieve their goals.
Stakeholders’ perceptions of competitive tourism destination: empirical evidence from Serbia
Authors: Milutinovic Verica , Musanovic Jelena , Beric Dejan
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study made an advance over previous work by providing a modified model for measuring the competitiveness of tourism destinations based on competitive performance from a stakeholder perspective. Furthermore, this paper aims to evaluate the sources of relative strengths and weaknesses perceived of a destination.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a quantitative approach to seek opinions of 135 tourism stakeholders. Univariate and bivariate statistical analyses were used to describe the profile of the respondents, quantify the main findings and test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The results highlight the importance of safety in determining the attractiveness of a destination and its significance for the competitiveness of a destination. The strongest indicator of competitiveness is “Core resources and attractions,” while the weakest indicator is “Destination management.” Also, employees in public institutions and in the tourism industry in general have different opinions about competitive tourism destinations for most dimensions.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the fact that the findings do not consider the demand side, which has a major impact on the destination, they minimize the research gap and contribute to the existing literature review.

Practical implications

The results are of particular value to stakeholders and destination management responsible for strengthening the competitiveness of tourism destinations.

Originality/value

The research progressed over previous studies by developing and empirically testing a modified conceptual model for measuring destination competitiveness from a supply-side perspective and recommending improvements for the emerging tourism destinations.
Does diet breadth affect the complexity of the phytophagous insect microbiota? The case study of Chrysomelidae
Authors: Brunetti Matteo , Magoga Giulia , Gionechetti Fabrizia , De Biase Alessio , Montagna Matteo
Published: December 2021

Chrysomelidae is a family of phytophagous insects with a highly variable degree of trophic specialization. The aim of this study is to test whether species feeding on different plants (generalists) harbour more complex microbiotas than those feeding on a few or a single plant species (specialists). The microbiota of representative leaf beetle species was characterized with a metabarcoding approach targeting V1–V2 and V4 regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA. Almost all the analysed species harbour at least one reproductive manipulator bacteria (e.g., Wolbachia, Rickettsia). Two putative primary symbionts, previously isolated only from a single species (Bromius obscurus), have been detected in two species of the same subfamily, suggesting a widespread symbiosis in Eumolpinae. Surprisingly, the well‐known aphid symbiont Buchnera is well represented in the microbiota of Orsodacne humeralis. Moreover, in this study, using Hill numbers to dissect the components of the microbiota diversity (abundant and rare bacteria), it has been demonstrated that generalist insect species harbour a more diversified microbiota than specialists. The higher microbiota diversity associated with a wider host‐plant spectrum could be seen as an adaptive trait, conferring new metabolic potential useful to expand the diet breath, or as a result of environmental stochastic acquisition conveyed by diet.
Ghostly real estate: Haunting, debt and capitalist realism in Milan
Authors: Pozzi Giacomo
Published: December 2021

Ghosts and analogous supernatural entities are pervasive cultural objects. Anthropologists have delved into the religious, social and cultural value of these presences in depth. However, the discipline does not seem to have dedicated enough energy to interpreting this phenomenon in late capitalist societies. Nevertheless, the relationship between ghosts and capitalism constitutes an object of great interest. The real estate sector seems to be particularly suited to investigating the logic of haunting in contemporary societies. Haunting, which gives rise to ghosts, is a compelling category for understanding power relations and economic brutality. Following Derrida, ghosts are relations that mediate different temporalities in the present. In the cases of the foreclosure I ethnographically observed in Milan, those peculiar relations are debt relationships. Judges and justice system actors who oversee the procedures, aware of the presence of ghosts, act in the awareness that this haunting can in no way be resolved, following a logic that Fisher has defined as ‘capitalist realism’.
Implementation costs of IFRS 9 for non‐financial firms: evidence from China
Authors: Fang Xingtong , Guo Yuanyuan , Mei Beilei , Ye Jianfang
Published: December 2021

Examining Chinese non‐financial firms between 2016 and 2019, this study documents that the new accounting standard for financial instruments imposes severe implementation costs on affected firms, as evidenced by a significant rise in the selling of available‐for‐sale (AFS) equity investments and increased audit fee premiums. We also find that the disposal of AFS is more prominent in state‐owned enterprises (SOE) and firms issuing corporate bonds. The increase in audit fees is more severe for non‐SOEs, bigger audit firms and firms with a higher total account balance affected by the new standard.
New insights into genetics underlying of plumage color
Authors: Davoodi P. , Ehsani A. , Vaez Torshizi R. , Masoudi A. A.
Published: December 2021

Plumage color can be considered as a social signal in chickens and a breeding identification tool among breeders. The relationship between plumage color and trait groups of immunity, growth and fertility is still a controversial issue. This research aimed to determine the genome‐wide additive and epistatic variants affecting plumage color variation in chickens using the chicken Illumina 60k high‐density SNP array. Two scenarios of genome‐wide additive association studies using all SNPs and independent SNPs were carried out. To perform epistatic association analysis, the LD pruning approach was used to reduce the complexity of the analysis. We detected seven novel significant loci using all of the SNPs in the model and 14 SNPs using the LD pruning approach associated with plumage color. Moreover, 89 significantly associated SNP–SNP interactions (P‐value <10−6) distributed in 25 chromosomes were identified, indicating that all of the signals together putatively influence the quantitative variation of plumage color. By annotating genes relevant to top SNPs, we have distinguished 18 potential candidate genes comprising HNF4beta, CKMT1B, TBC1D22A, RPL8, CACNA2D1, FZD4, SGMS1, IRF8, OPTN, LOC420362, TRABD, OvoDA1, DAD1, USP6, RBM12B, MIR1772, MIR1709 and MIR6696 and also 89 putative gene–gene combinations responsible for plumage color variation in chickens. Furthermore, several KEGG pathways including metabolic pathway, cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, focal adhesion, melanogenesis, glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis–keratan sulfate and sphingolipid metabolism were enriched in the gene‐set analysis. The results indicated that plumage color is a highly polygenic trait which, in turn, can be affected by multiple coding genes, regulatory genes and gene–gene epistasis interactions. In addition to genes with additive effects, epistatic genes with tiny individual effect sizes but significant effects in a pair have the potential to control plumage coloration in chickens.
Managerial Over‐Optimism and Research and Development Investment: Evidence from Korean Initial Public Offering Firms*
Authors: Soon Kim Kyung , Young Chung Chune , Hwon Lee Jin , Park Jongchan
Published: December 2021

Examining 1114 Korean firms between 2001 and 2015, we find that positive discretionary research and development expenditures in initial public offering years positively relate to future investment but do not significantly affect future performance. Thus, managerial optimism rather than signaling likely drives over‐investment. High‐tech firms generally over‐invest more, and those that over‐invest are more likely to delist within 5 years. Future research and development expenditures are positively associated with future operating and stock performance only for high‐tech firms with low discretionary research and development expenditures around initial public offerings. Successful initial public offerings may create over‐confidence, resulting in inefficient expenditures.
Identifying and changing cognitive vulnerability in the classroom: preliminary evaluation of CUES‐Ed, a school‐based universal cognitive behavioural early intervention service for 7–10 year olds
Authors: Underwood Raphael , Redfern Anna , Plant Debbie , Bracegirdle Karen , Browning Sophie , Jolley Suzanne
Published: December 2021

Background

School‐based early intervention may alleviate current emotional and behavioural problems, and, by targeting underlying vulnerability, safeguard children's future mental health. Improving on mixed outcomes to date is an international public health priority. CUES‐Ed is a classroom‐based, clinician‐led, universal cognitive behavioural programme for primary school children, designed to promote emotional literacy and regulation. Additionally, CUES‐Ed targets cognitive mechanisms implicated in the future development of mental disorder: stigmatising appraisals of emotional expression and of unusual perceptual experiences, and the tendency to jump‐to‐conclusions (JTC). We report here on fitness for purpose of our in‐service assessment of cognitive vulnerability, and change in cognitive vulnerability following CUES‐Ed and compared with a naturalistic waitlist.

Methods

From 05/2017–11/2017, 960 children participated (900 CUES‐Ed; 60 naturalistic waitlist). Assessments were completed in whole classes; 732 children provided pre‐post data on all measures; 227 were missing data through absence or poor completion (n = 1 declined assessment).

Results

Relationships between baseline cognitive vulnerability measures and their components were consistent with reliable and valid assessment. Cognitive vulnerability reduced from before to after CUES‐Ed and compared with the naturalistic waitlist, for JTC (large effects) and stigmatising appraisals (small–medium effects), for all children (ESs pre‐post: 0.2–1.0; between‐group: 0.1–1.0) and vulnerable subgroups (ESs pre‐post: 0.5–1.7; between‐group: 0.2–2.0).

Conclusions

Targeted cognitive vulnerability mechanisms change following CUES‐Ed. As stigmatising appraisals and JTC may increase vulnerability to future mental illness, findings suggest a promise in reducing future risk. A formally controlled research study, with longer‐term follow‐up, is required to test this. Limitations and implications for future evaluation are discussed.
Spatial behavior of domestic cats and the effects of outdoor access restrictions and interventions to reduce predation of wildlife
Authors: Cecchetti Martina , Crowley Sarah L. , Wilson‐Aggarwal Jared , Nelli Luca , McDonald Robbie A.
Published: December 2021

Domestic cats (Felis catus) that roam outdoors have increased exposure to hazards to their health and welfare. Outdoor cats can themselves present a hazard to biodiversity conservation and wild animal welfare. Approaches to reducing predation of wildlife by cats might also bring benefits to cats by reducing their roaming and associated risks. We investigated ranging behaviors of domestic cats that regularly captured wild prey, and that had restricted or unrestricted outdoor access. We tested whether interventions aimed at reducing predation also affected their spatial behavior. We evaluated cat bells, Birdsbesafe collar covers, using a “puzzle feeder”, provision of meat‐rich food, object play, and a control group. Seventy‐two cats in 48 households in England completed the 12‐week trial in spring 2019. Home ranges were small (median AKDE95 = 1.51 ha). Cats with unrestricted outdoor access had 75% larger home ranges, 31% greater daily distances traveled, and reached 46% greater maximum distances from home, than cats with restricted outdoor access. None of the treatments intended to reduce predation affected cat ranges or distances traveled. While owners might use interventions to reduce predation, the only effective means of reducing cat roaming and associated exposure to outdoor hazards was restriction of outdoor access.
One size does not fit all: Genetic considerations from the Missouri elk restoration
Authors: Pero Ellen M. , Bell Donovan A. , Robinson Zachary L. , Chitwood M. Colter , Hildreth Aaron M. , Berkman Leah K. , Keller Barbara J. , Sumners Jason A. , Hansen Lonnie P. , Isabelle Jason L. , Eggert Lori S. , Titus Chelsea L. , Millspaugh Joshua J.
Published: December 2021

Population restoration is an inherently costly conservation practice typically reliant on animal translocations. There are many approaches to translocation and consideration is paid to understanding how various translocation models influence restoration success. Translocation strategies are often designed to meet site‐specific objectives, minimize cost, and maximize success. We investigated genetic diversity retention associated with the low‐founder, multi‐release, single admixed stock translocation model of the Missouri elk (Cervus canadensis) restoration in 2011–2013. We further estimated effective population size and projected future losses in genetic diversity if the restored Missouri elk herd is maintained at the population size objective with no immigration from neighboring states. We observed relatively high levels of genetic diversity retention as evidenced by minimal losses in allelic richness and expected heterozygosity. Our projections indicated 90% genetic diversity retention within the Missouri population for roughly 130 years. Where number of progeny or source stocks are limited by resource or disease considerations, use of a relatively low‐founder, single admixed source may enable retention of genetic variation, while minimizing costs.
Neural oscillations are locked to birdsong rhythms in canaries
Authors: Boari Santiago , Mindlin Gabriel B. , Amador Ana
Published: December 2021

How vocal communication signals are represented in the cortex is a major challenge for behavioural neuroscience. Beyond a descriptive code, it is relevant to unveil the dynamical mechanism responsible for the neural representation of auditory stimuli. In this work, we report evidence of synchronous neural activity in nucleus HVC, a telencephalic area of canaries (Serinus canaria), in response to auditory playback of the bird's own song. The rhythmic features of canary song allowed us to show that this large‐scale synchronization was locked to defined features of the behaviour. We recorded neural activity in a brain region where sensorimotor integration occurs, showing the presence of well‐defined oscillations in the local field potentials, which are locked to song rhythm. We also show a correspondence between local field potentials, multiunit activity and single unit activity within the same brain region. Overall, our results show that the rhythmic features of the vocal behaviour are represented in a telencephalic region of canaries.
The Relationship between Item Developer Alignment of Items to Range Achievement‐Level Descriptors and Item Difficulty: Implications for Validating Intended Score Interpretations
Authors: Schneider M. Christina , Agrimson Jared , Veazey Mary
Published: December 2021

This paper presents results of a score interpretation study for a computer adaptive mathematics assessment. The study purpose was to test the efficacy of item developers’ alignment of items to Range Achievement‐Level Descriptors (RALDs; Egan et al.) against the empirical achievement‐level alignment of items to investigate the use of RALDs as the epicenter of the test score interpretation validity argument. Item developers aligned 82%–87% of items in a computer adaptive item bank for Grades 3–8 mathematics to the assessment's RALDs that had been reconciled to the test scale after standard setting. The degree of consistency between the hypothesized alignment and actual alignment was examined using agreement statistics. Item developers correctly identified the empirical achievement level of 56%–60% of the items, which was above the chance level of agreement. An emerging technique known as embedded standard setting (ESS; Lewis and Cook) was then used to evaluate whether score interpretations based on item developer classifications of items to RALDs were comparable to the score interpretations derived from the cut scores set in 2018. Score interpretations for the first two achievement levels were consistent across administrations; however, for the most advanced students score interpretations were not maintained.
Safety and efficacy of therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for patients over 90 years of age
Authors: Zhang Da‐ya , Zhai Ya‐qi , Zhang Guan‐jun , Chen Sheng‐xin , Wu Lang , Li Ming‐yang
Published: December 2021

Aims

This study aimed to explore the safety and efficacy of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients over 90 years of age.

Methods

The study included 176 patients aged over 85 years who received their ERCP from February 2002 to January 2021. In the case group (super‐elderly group), 44 patients were 90 years old or above. In the control group (younger group), there were 132 patients aged 85–89 years. The control group was matched according to patient gender and the same indications of ERCP at a 1:3 ratio. Logistic regression models were employed to evaluate all complications.

Results

The case group had higher acute physiology and chronic health evaluation scoring system (APACHE‐II) scores and rate of hypoalbuminemia. APACHE‐II scores (≥6 or 7) were significantly more common in the case group. The rates of technical success and complete success in the case group were 100% and 100% respectively, which were similar to the rates in the control group, namely a technical success rate of 98.5% and a complete success rate of 98.5%. The rate of complication in the case group was 9.1%, which was slightly lower than that of the control group (15.2%, P > 0.05). ERCP‐related death occurred in one patient in the control group, who had malignant biliary obstruction and died from cholangitis. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications such as pancreatitis, hemorrhage, and infection between the two groups. In the multivariate analysis, the independent risk factor was Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) for overall complication.

Conclusions

ERCP can be performed safely and successfully in patients aged ≥90 years. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 50–55.
Ensilage potential and nutritional value of Columbus grass (Sorghum almum Parodi) at different phenology and storage duration in the derived savanna zone of Nigeria
Authors: Usman Samaila , Jimoh Saheed O. , Amisu Ahmed A. , Dele Peter A. , Olanite Jimoh A. , Shen Yuying
Published: December 2021

Insufficient forage supply from natural rangelands during the dry season hampers ruminants' performance in the derived savanna zone of Nigeria. Therefore, to provide alternative feed resources, we evaluated silage potential of Columbus grass (Sorghum almum Parodi) at boot, dough and maturity stages for 4‐, 8‐, 12‐ and 16‐week ensiling durations, in a 3 × 4 factorial experiment. The dry matter yield (DMY) was determined at each harvest stage, and the forages were subsequently ensiled. The results revealed that the DMY of S. almum at maturity was 8.98% and 18.67% higher than at dough and boot stages, respectively (p < 0.05). The silages were ranked “good silage” based on physical characteristics. Silage pH decreased with advancing ensiling duration from 4 to 16 weeks in boot (5.25–4.63), dough (5.63–4.11) and maturity (5.42–4.91), with a corresponding increase in lactic and volatile fatty acids. Crude protein (CP) was higher in forages ensiled at maturity and increased with ensiling duration after initial decline from 4 to 8 weeks. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and hemicellulose increased quadratically from boot to dough and subsequently declined at maturity. Growth stage, ensiling duration and their interactions influenced the macrominerals' content (p < 0.05). Silages' dry matter intake (DMI) declined from boot to dough stage across the ensiling durations, and except for 8 weeks, the DMI increased at maturity by 6.71%, 5.54% and 7.19% in 4, 12 and 16 weeks, respectively. Therefore, owing to the lower NDF and high DMY, CP and DMI of S. almum ensiled at maturity for 16 weeks, it could guarantee a quantitative and qualitative forage supply to maintain optimum animal performance throughout the dry season.
An Entirely Different ‘Theodicy’. Karl Barth’s Interpretation of Human Suffering in the Context of his Doctrine of das Nichtige☆
Authors: Wüthrich Matthias D.
Published: December 2021

Barth responds to the modern lack of language for talking of evil by developing the concept of das Nichtige (CD III/3, §50). ‘Das Nichtige’ – for which ‘nothingness’ is an insufficient translation – encompasses not only sin, but also the demonic dimension of evil, as well as physical suffering and death, without reducing it to a harmartiocentric perspective. Compared with traditional concepts, this leads to an almost unbearable incrimination on the idea of God. But it is only in this incrimination that the importance Barth places on the self‐justification of God in Jesus Christ is made visible. Barth's Christological ‘theodicy’ provokes critical questions: for instance, whether his view that, ultimately, God alone can judge which suffering in our life is truly evil really takes our experiences seriously. But his ‘theodicy’ is, in any case, a valid alternative to the free will defense. Barth's concept of das Nichtige is still well worth considering, especially in times of pandemics and natural disasters.
Hospitalisation, morbidity and outcomes associated with respiratory syncytial virus compared with influenza in adults of all ages
Authors: Leaver Benjamin Andrew , Smith Benjamin John , Irving Louis , Johnson Douglas Forsyth , Tong Steven Y. C.
Published: December 2021

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is understood to be a cause of significant disease in older adults and children. Further analysis of RSV in younger adults may reveal further insight into its role as an important pathogen in all age groups.

Methods

We identified, through laboratory data, adults who tested positive for either influenza or RSV between January 2017 and June 2019 at a single Australian hospital. We compared baseline demographics, testing patterns, hospitalisations and outcomes between these groups.

Results

Of 1128 influenza and 193 RSV patients, the RSV cohort was older (mean age 54.7 vs. 64.9, p < 0.001) and was more comorbid as determined by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (2.4 vs. 3.2, p < 0.001). For influenza hospitalisations, the majority admitted were aged under 65 which was not the case for RSV (61.8% vs. 45.6%, p < 0.001). Testing occurred later in RSV hospitalisations as measured by the proportion tested in the emergency department (ED) (80.3% vs. 69.2%, p < 0.001), and this was strongly associated with differences in presenting phenotype (the presence of fever). RSV was the biggest predictor of 6‐month representation, with age and comorbidities predicting this less strongly.

Conclusion

RSV is a significant contributor to morbidity and hospitalisation, sometimes outweighing that of influenza, and is not limited to elderly cohorts. Understanding key differences in the clinical syndrome and consequent testing paradigms may allow better detection and potentially treatment of RSV to reduce individual morbidity and health system burden. This growing area of research helps quantify the need for directed therapies for RSV.
Risk factors for manifestations of frailty in hospitalized older adults: A qualitative study
Authors: Wray Faye , Coleman Susanne , Clarke David , Hudson Kristian , Forster Anne , Teale Elizabeth
Published: December 2021

Aims

To explore the experiences of older people and ward staff to identify modifiable factors (risk factors) which have the potential to reduce development or exacerbation of manifestations of frailty during hospitalization. To develop a theoretical framework of modifiable risk factors.

Design

Qualitative descriptive study.

Methods

Qualitative interviews with recently discharged older people (n = 18) and focus groups with ward staff (n = 22) were undertaken between July and October 2019. Data were analysed using directed content analysis.

Results

Themes identified related to attitude to risk, communication and, loss of routine, stimulation and confidence. Using findings from this study and previously identified literature, we developed a theoretical framework including 67 modifiable risk factors. Risk factors are grouped by patient risk factor domains (pain, medication, nutritional/fluid intake, mobility, elimination, infection, additional patient risk factors) and linked care management sub‐domains (including risk factors relating to the ward environment, process of care, ward culture or broader organizational set up). Many of the additional 36 risk factors identified by this study were related to care management sub‐domains.

Conclusion

A co‐ordinated approach is needed to address modifiable risk factors which lead to the development or exacerbation of manifestations of frailty in hospitalized older people. Risk assessment and management practices should not be duplicative and, should recognize and address modifiable risk factors which occur at the ward and organizational level.

Impact

Some older people leave hospital more dependent than when they come in and this is, in part, due to the environment and process of care and not just the severity of their presenting illness. Many of the risk factors identified need to be addressed at an organizational rather than individual level. Findings will inform a programme of research to develop and test a novel system of care aimed at preventing loss of independence in hospitalized older people.
A comparative ultrastructural study of tintinnid loricae (Alveolata, Ciliophora, Spirotricha) and a hypothesis on their evolution
Authors: Agatha Sabine , Bartel Heidi
Published: December 2021

Tintinnid ciliates build loricae, whose structure, shape, and size still largely represent the basis for taxonomy and classification, although genetic analyses demonstrated their limited utility for inferring evolutionary relationships. The textures of the lorica walls, however, result from the chemical and physical properties of the forming material, which is supposed to be rather conserved in closely related taxa, viz., congeners and confamilial genera. Within a particular texture, small deviations in the chemical composition might affect the wall's stickiness and accordingly its capability to adhere foreign particles, explaining the intertwining of tintinnids with hyaline and agglutinated loricae in phylogenetic inferences. In a comprehensive comparative study, the lorica textures were electron microscopically and morphometrically analyzed in 21 species from 17 genera and more than nine families together with literature data. Most species were investigated for the first time, and the taxa cover a substantial portion of the molecular genealogy. The phylogeny‐aware analysis of the lorica‐related features provides a preliminary hypothesis on lorica evolution. Eventually, this conspectus suggests the dominance of hard lorica walls with an alveolar texture and proposes different modes of lorica formation.
Daily Experiences of Discrimination and Ethnic/Racial Minority Adolescents’ Sleep: The Moderating Role of Social Support
Authors: Chen Shanting , Alers‐Rojas Francheska , Benner Aprile , Gleason Marci
Published: December 2021

Using data from a 14‐day diary study of 95 ethnic/racial minority adolescents, this study examined the within‐person effect of daily discrimination tied to multiple social identities on adolescents’ daily sleep quality and duration and whether daily support from important others (i.e., friends, parents, and teachers) would moderate these links. We found that daily discrimination was a low‐frequency, but high‐impact event associated with shorter sleep duration. Results pointed to the nuanced roles of daily support. Support from friends was negatively related to sleep duration, whereas support from parents appeared to be promotive to sleep quality. Support from teachers protected adolescents from the negative effects of discrimination on sleep duration. Implications for future interventions targeting sleep disturbances associated with discrimination are discussed.
Changes in community functional structure and ecosystem properties along an invasion gradient ofLigustrum lucidum
Authors: Fernandez Romina D. , Castro‐Díez Pilar , Aragón Roxana , Pérez‐Harguindeguy Natalia
Published: December 2021

Questions

It is well documented that invasive alien plants can reduce species richness and diversity and modify the composition of invaded communities. However, our knowledge on the impacts of invasive alien plants on the community functional structure and ecosystem properties and the mechanisms underlying these changes is more limited. We evaluated how the community functional structure and ecosystem properties change along a gradient ofLigustrum lucidumabundance.

Location

Subtropical mountain forest in NW Argentina.

Methods

We conducted tree vegetation sampling in 164 plots distributed along a gradient ofL. lucidumabundance. ForL. lucidumand for the most abundant tree species in these plots we estimated six functional traits (specific leaf area, leaf tensile strength, leaf nitrogen concentration, leaf water potential, wood density and maximum plant height), as well as their relative growth rates. Then, we calculated indices of community functional structure (community‐weighted means for each trait; richness, evenness, divergence and dispersion). We explored the extent to which the invasive success ofL. lucidumand its impact may be attributed to niche differentiation or to fitness superiority. Finally, we explored howL. lucidumabundance alters ecosystem properties.

Results

Some indicators of community functional structure changed linearly while others tended to saturate along the invasion gradient.L. lucidumhas a higher growth rate than resident species and it lays close to the periphery, but within the limits of the functional space defined by resident trees.L. lucidumtends to displace more functionally similar resident species. Soil moisture and N content declined, while soil C:N increased withL. lucidumabundance.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that both niche differentiation and fitness superiority contribute to explain the invasion success ofL. lucidumand the changes in functional structure of the community along the gradient ofL. lucidumabundance with evident impacts on ecosystem properties.
Global identification of full‐length cassava lncRNAs unveils the role of cold‐responsive intergenic lncRNA 1 in cold stress response
Authors: Li Shuxia , Cheng Zhihao , Dong Shiman , Li Zhibo , Zou Liangping , Zhao Pingjuan , Guo Xin , Bao Yan , Wang Wenquan , Peng Ming
Published: December 2021

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been considered to be important regulators of gene expression in a range of biological processes in plants. A large number of lncRNAs have been identified in plants. However, most of their biological functions still remain to be determined. Here, we identified a total of 3004 lncRNAs in cassava under normal or cold‐treated conditions from Iso‐seq data. We further characterized a cold‐responsive intergenic lncRNA 1 (CRIR1) as a novel positive regulator of the plant response to cold stress. CRIR1 can be significantly induced by cold treatment. Ectopic expression of CRIR1 in cassava enhanced the cold tolerance of transgenic plants. Transcriptome analysis demonstrated that CRIR1 regulated a range of cold stress‐related genes in a CBF‐independent pathway. We further found that CRIR1 RNA can interact with cassava cold shock protein 5 (MeCSP5), which acts as an RNA chaperone, indicating that CRIR1 may recruit MeCSP5 to improve the translation efficiency of messenger RNA. In summary, our study extends the repertoire of lncRNAs in plants as well as their role in cold stress responses. Moreover, it reveals a mechanism by which CRIR1 affected cold stress response by modulating the expression of stress‐responsive genes and increasing their translational yield.
The Politics of the Humanitarian Gift Economy: Tamil Fishers and the 2004 Tsunami
Authors: Swamy Raja
Published: December 2021

When recipients of humanitarian aid deployed their own calculus in determining the uses of the aid, nongovernmental (NGOs) and state officials read these actions as evidence of moral deficiency. Drawing on fieldwork conducted in the aftermath of the tsunami of 2004 in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu's Nagapattinam District, this article examines such actions in terms of the contradictions they illuminated and argues for an analytical strategy that foregrounds the politics of receiving and demanding aid. Reading fisher actions criticized by NGO or state officials as implicit critiques of the aims or claims of either, this article foregrounds a reading of humanitarian “gifts” as strategic and political maneuvering. Recipients rejected both the depoliticizing allure of NGO developmentalism and the state's unwillingness to link legality with rights. In one case study, fishers instead put a gift to use in ways that suited their most pressing concerns: sustaining their coastal life and the artisanal economy. The article also problematizes the divergent tendencies of a politics of rights and a hierarchically organized politics of caste identity. For the second case study, this article critically examines how fishers struggling with shoddy NGO housing turned their political ire against a far weaker community of Dalits. [NGO, humanitarianism, neoliberalization, India, gift]
Conflict and performance in research teams: how principal investigator can influence this relationship
Authors: Foncubierta‐Rodríguez María‐José , Martín‐Alcázar Fernando , Perea‐Vicente José‐Luis
Published: December 2021

The lack of consensus about overcoming the negative impact of conflict on team performance within research teams has become a challenge. Based on the complex context of knowledge‐intensive teams, this study examines the effect that a transformational leadership style of the Principal Investigator has on the relationship between team conflict and team performance. We propose an inverted U‐shaped relationship between research team conflict and research team performance, and examine the impact that the Principal Investigators’ transformational leadership has on this curvilinear relationship. Using survey data from 205 research teams, our results confirm both hypotheses. Actually, those PIs who apply the transformational leadership style will extend the positive conflict area, so, they will be able to manage a higher level of conflict in the research team. Our findings contribute to enhancing the understanding of the impact of conflict and the principal investigator’s transformational leadership style on team performance. Both theoretical and practical considerations are discussed.
A comparative transcriptome and proteomics study of post‐partum ovarian cycle arrest in yaks (Bos grunniens)
Authors: Huo Shengdong , Chen Zhou , Li Shuyuan , Wang Jine , Ma Junyuan , Yang Yanmei , Zhaxi Yingpai , Zhao Yongqing , Zhang Derong , Long Ruijun
Published: December 2021

Post‐partum ovarian cycle arrest is the main factor affecting yak reproductive efficiency. There are few reports regarding the molecular regulatory mechanism of post‐partum oestrus at transcriptome and proteome levels in yaks. Our previous studies focussed on the ovaries of yaks with post‐partum ovarian cycle arrest and post‐partum oestrus yaks. In this study, RNA sequencing transcriptomic study was combined with quantitative proteomic analyses to identify post‐partum ovarian cycle‐related genes and proteins. Consequently, 1,149 genes and 24 proteins were found to be up‐ or downregulated during post‐partum oestrus. The analysis of differentially regulated genes identified three gene or protein pairs that were synchronously upregulated and no gene or protein pairs that were synchronously downregulated, suggesting that these upregulated genes may regulate the post‐partum ovarian cycle. The functional classification of these differentially expressed genes and proteins indicated their connection with the oocyte meiosis, the oestrogen signalling pathway, the progesterone‐mediated oocyte maturation and the gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) signalling pathway. In this study, a total of six genes and two proteins involved in the oocyte meiosis, the oestrogen signalling pathway, the progesterone‐mediated oocyte maturation and the GnRH signalling pathway were identified. The CSNK1A1, M91_09723, M91_11326, M91_21439, M91_19073, SHC2, Atf6b, M91_03062, HSPCA and calmodulin could regulate oestrus, respectively, in the post‐partum so as to control the anoestrus status.
Building Global Sociology in a Divided World (1949–1990)
Authors: Genov Nikolai
Published: December 2021

Unlike physics or even demography, sociology is very sensitive to its social environment. That is why the discipline was mired with controversy and confrontations during the Cold War. How did the development of a global sociology become possible in this social context? Due to the complexity of the historical situation, one cannot expect a simple answer. This article contains an attempt at systematically analyzing the globalization of sociology along four lines of analysis and argumentation. The first line follows the stabilization and growth of national sociological communities after the Second World War. Another line of analysis concerns the developmental path of the International Sociological Association from its founding at the beginning of the Cold War up until its maturation at the end of the 1980s. The mutual influence of these processes is the third line of analysis and argumentation. The fourth cross‐cutting line of analysis is guided by the concepts of social actors, relations, and processes as analytical parameters of social interaction. The conclusion is that the adequate explanation of the globalization of sociology should focus on the interplay of these processes. Special attention is paid to the decisive mobilizing and organizing role of the ISA in this regard.
Retrospective evaluation of negative‐pressure pulmonary edema in dogs (2006‐2018): 35 cases
Authors: Herrería‐Bustillo Vicente J. , Adamantos Sophie , Lamb Christopher R. , García‐Arce Marta , Thomas Emily , Saiz‐Álvarez María Rocío , Cook Simon , Cortellini Stefano
Published: December 2021

Objective

To describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes in a population of dogs with negative‐pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE) and to identify the main causes of the disease. To evaluate any associations with morbidity and mortality.

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

Three university teaching hospitals and 2 private referral centers in the United Kingdom.

Animals

Thirty‐five client‐owned dogs presented with NPPE.

Interventions

None

Measurements and main results

Data collected included patient characteristics, clinical history, clinicopathological abnormalities, radiographic features, treatments, and outcomes. The median age was 4 months (range 2–90) and median weight was 7.1 kg (range 1.7‐37.2). There were many causes of NPPE including leash tugs, near hanging, accidental choking, anatomical obstruction to airflow, and purposeful airway obstruction by people. The most common cause of NPPE was accidental choking (40% of cases). Dogs with an anatomical obstruction were older than 24 months. Hypoxemia with an increased alveolar‐arterial gradient was common on presentation. The majority of thoracic radiographs (65.7%) showed an alveolar or interstitial pattern in the caudodorsal area as previously described in the literature. Oxygen therapy was administered to 33 (94.3%) dogs. Furosemide was administered to 18 (51.4%) dogs. The median length of hospitalization was 2 days (range 0–14). Twenty‐eight (80%) dogs survived to discharge. Seven dogs were mechanically ventilated and only 2 of them (28.6%) survived to discharge. The requirement for mechanical ventilation was the only parameter associated with mortality (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Most cases of NPPE occur in juvenile dogs. Different incidents associated with upper airway obstruction can produce an episode of NPPE. Choking on food or toys and near hanging have not been previously described in the veterinary literature as inciting causes of NPPE. The overall prognosis is good.
Symmetric and Asymmetric Causal Relationship between Oil Prices and G7 Stock Markets: A Bootstrap Rolling-Window Granger Causality Test
Authors: Mokni Khaled , Nakhli Mohamed Sahbi , Mnari Othman , Bougatef Khemaies
Published: December 2021

This study examines the causal relationships between oil prices and the MSCI stock index of G7 countries between September 2004 and October 2020. This study is novel in implementing symmetric and asymmetric time-varying causality tests based on the bootstrap rolling-window approach. The results reveal that the causal link between oil prices and G7 stock markets is time-dependent. The periods of bidirectional causality roughly coincide with the global financial crisis and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. When asymmetry is accounted for, the results suggest an asymmetric causality between the two markets expressed by different patterns regarding positive and negative oil shocks. The results also indicate symmetric causality during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings have implications for portfolio design and hedging strategies that are important to both policymakers and investors.
Predicting Rugby League Tackle Outcomes Using Strength and Power Principal Components
Authors: Redman Kellyanne J. , Wade Logan , Kelly Vincent G. , Connick Mark J. , Beckman Emma M.
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Tackling is a fundamental skill in collision sports such as rugby league. Given the complexity of tackling and multitude of strength and power variables available for analysis, this study aimed to predict tackle outcomes in professional rugby league based on strength and power principal components (PCs). Methods: Twenty-eight rugby league players participated in this study. Maximal strength was assessed via 1 repetition maximum on the back squat, bench press, and bench pull. Lower-body vertical and horizontal power were evaluated using a countermovement jump and standing broad jump. A postmatch analysis of 5 National Rugby League matches was conducted to examine tackling outcomes. PC analysis was performed on the strength and power assessments. The first PCs were retained in each analysis, and a series of Spearman rank-order correlations were conducted between the tackle outcomes and the retained PCs. The PCs significantly related to tackle outcomes were included in the multiple regression analyses to estimate their effect on tackle outcomes. Results: Strength PC was a significant predictor of play-the-ball speed in attack, accounting for 54% of the variance. Countermovement jump PC was a significant predictor of postcontact meters, explaining 19% of the variance. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that a range of tackle outcomes may be predicted from strength and power components. The coaching staff may choose to develop programs and testing designed to focus on these components, which may further develop players’ tackle outcomes during competition.
Principles of Good Assessment Practice in Coach Education: An Initial Proposal
Authors: McCarthy Liam , Vangrunderbeek Hans , Piggott David
Published: December 2021

Despite its obvious importance, we argue that assessment as a feature of coach education programmes has been overlooked in the peer-reviewed published literature. As a result, it is suggested that approaches to assessing sport coaches within coach education programmes can sometimes be ill considered and lead to suboptimal experiences for multiple stakeholders. To address this problem situation, we tentatively propose five interconnected principles of assessment in the first section of this article. These include the integration of teaching, learning, and assessment; assessment as a means of developing metacognitive skills; authentic/practice-based assessment; clearly and transparently foregrounding success criteria; and collaboration within assessment activities. By considering these principles, we suggest that there is much to be gained by the coach education community. In the second section, we showcase how these principles have been adopted within a football coach education programme in Flanders (Belgium). With this example, we explain why assessment became a central concern of the organisation and how they developed an effective assessment approach. Finally, we invite considered discussion and comments on our paper, with a view to starting a conversation in an area that is scarcely spoken about.
Spin-orbit–coupled exciton-polariton condensates in lead halide perovskites
Authors: Spencer Michael S. , Fu Yongping , Schlaus Andrew P. , Hwang Doyk , Dai Yanan , Smith Matthew D. , Gamelin Daniel R. , Zhu X.-Y.
Published: December 2021

Spin orbital–coupled exciton-polaritons and spin-polarized condensates are found in lead halide perovskites.