bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transmission mechanism of simmelian ties on the knowledge spiral – the conducive combination of a high-performance work practice and knowledge fermentation
Authors: Kang Xin , Zhao Danni , Liu Qiang
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse how different strengths of simmelian ties affect knowledge spirals and investigate which major factors affect the influence of simmelian ties on knowledge spirals.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data in this paper were collected through e-mail and interview questionnaires to R&D teams in high-tech manufacturing enterprises in China. The authors obtained 132 teams' valid responses. The interval decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (interval DEMATEL) method, differential evolution (DE) algorithm and Bayesian structural equation modelling (BSEM) were employed to test the theoretical framework developed for this paper.

Findings

The results show that strong simmelian ties have positive associations with high-performance work practices (HPWPs). Meanwhile, weak simmelian ties have positive associations with HPWPs. Furthermore, HPWPs and knowledge fermentation play a conducive role in the relationship between simmelian ties and knowledge spirals.

Originality/value

This paper contributes in three ways. First, it extends research on the relational antecedents of knowledge spirals. Second, this paper extends the study of social capital related to knowledge spirals. Third, this paper elucidates less familiar factors relating HPWPs to knowledge fermentation by testing the mediating role of HPWPs in knowledge fermentation.
Earnings guidance: market pressure or corporate governance? Evidence from corporate innovation in China
Authors: Yang Daoguang , Wang Jiani , Chen Hanwen
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate whether and how earnings guidance affects corporate innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploiting the setting of China, where the Shenzhen Stock Exchange has required all public firms listed on its ChiNext board to issue earnings guidance since 2012, this study uses a difference-in-differences (DID) methodology to examine the effect of earnings guidance on corporate innovation and further conducts cross-sectional analyzes from the information risk and monitoring demand perspectives. Moreover, the authors conduct path analysis to verify the possible channels through which corporate innovation is impeded by market pressure or improved through increased corporate transparency.

Findings

This study documents a positive relationship between earnings guidance and corporate innovation, as measured by the number of invention patents, indicating that the “corporate governance” hypothesis dominates in China. Cross-sectional analyzes show that this positive effect is more pronounced for firms subject to greater information risk and monitoring demand. Finally, the path analysis further confirms that earnings guidance improves innovation by increasing corporate transparency.

Practical implications

First, this study captures the bright side of mandatory earnings guidance and suggests that increasing the disclosure frequency can yield benefits for firms. Second, the findings imply that regulations, regardless of what they refer to, should be based on a country’s specific context.

Originality/value

First, this study provides evidence supporting the “corporate governance” argument based on the context of China and, thus contributes to the debate on earnings guidance. Second, this study enriches the literature on the economic consequences of earnings guidance. Third, the study extends research on the determinants of corporate innovation.
Human resources strategy as a catalyst for the success of the competitive strategy: an analysis based on alignment
Authors: Gonzalez-Benito Javier , Suárez-González Isabel , González-Sánchez Daniel
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Competitive strategy is one of the key factors traditionally related to performance, but research explaining the mechanisms through which this strategy improves business results is scant. This study aims to shed light on this relationship by analyzing human resource management (HRM) strategy as an essential tool for transforming business strategy into results.

Design/methodology/approach

Focusing on two generic competitive strategies, the authors establish hypotheses on the need for alignment among four echelons: business strategy, HRM system objectives, HRM system capabilities and business performance. The authors test these hypotheses with structural equation modeling techniques using data provided by 204 industrial companies.

Findings

The results show that to get the most out of a competitive strategy based on quality differentiation, HRM system objectives and capabilities must be focussed on quality. In the same way, a competitive strategy based on innovation differentiation requires HRM system objectives and capabilities focussed on flexibility to achieve the maximum impact on performance. In this second case, alignment is fundamental in low dynamic environments.

Originality/value

This research not only provides additional evidence for the strategic relevance of the human resources (HR) function but also reveals the potential benefits of focusing on objectives and capabilities rather than on practices. Moreover, it shows that the role of HRM objectives and capabilities in the implementation of a competitive strategy can be shaped by factors beyond the company's control, such as environmental dynamism.
Curbing the drawbacks of digitization on psycho-social risks at work in educational institutions. Preliminary evidence from Europe
Authors: Palumbo Rocco
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Digitization is reshaping the functioning of educational institutions. Large attention has been paid to the innovative service models enabled by digitization. However, the implications of digitization on employees’ well-being need further investigation. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of digitization on psycho-social risks at work in a large sample of European educational institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary data were collected from the third wave of the European Survey of Enterprises on New and Emerging Risks (ESENER). A serial mediation model was designed to obtain evidence on the implications of digitization on the psycho-social risks at work in 3,540 educational institutions. Alongside the direct implications of digitization on psycho-social risks, its indirect effects mediated by occupational health interventions and healthy workplace initiatives were investigated.

Findings

Digitization exacerbated psycho-social stressors at work. Increasing time pressures and intensifying work, digitization imperiled the employees’ well-being. Occupational health partially mediated the implications of digitization on psycho-social risks. Although healthy workplace interventions seemed to prevent the side effects of digitization on psycho-social risk, its mediating role was not statistically significant.

Practical implications

Digitization should be accompanied by interventions aimed at ensuring occupational health and at promoting a healthy workplace to minimize its drawbacks on psycho-social risks. Occupational health creates a greater awareness of the negative effects of digitization on work-related stressors. Healthy workplace initiatives contribute to enhancing the employees’ psycho-physical well-being.

Originality/value

This study reports the negative implications of digitization on psycho-social risks at work in educational institutions, envisioning some avenues for further development.
Determining the factors affecting brand authenticity of startups in social media
Authors: Fouladi Shayan , Ekhlassi Amir , Sakhdari Kamal
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to determine the affecting factors of the brand authenticity of startups in social media.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative method based on a grounded theory approach, this research specifies and classifies the affecting factors of brand authenticity of startups in social media through in-depth semi-structured interviews.

Findings

Multiple factors affecting the brand authenticity of startups in social media are determined and categorized as indexical, iconic and existential cues through this research. Connection to heritage and having credible support are determined as indexical cues. Founder intellectuality, brand intellectuality, commitment toward customers and proactive clear and interesting communications are identified as iconic cues. Having self-confidence and self-satisfaction, having intimacy with the brand and a joyful feeling for interactions with the community around the brand are determined as existential cues in this research. This research furthers previous arguments on a multiplicity of brand authenticity by shedding light on the relationship between the different aspects of authenticity and the form that different affecting factors can be organized together. Consumers eventually evaluate a strengthened perception of brand authenticity through existential cues that reflect the cues of other aspects (iconic and indexical) which passed through the goal-based assessment and self-authentication filter.

Research limitations/implications

The research sampling population can be more diversified in terms of sociodemographic attributes. Due to the qualitative methodology of this research, assessment of the findings through quantitative methods can be considered in future research.

Practical implications

Using the findings of this research, startup managers can properly build a perception of authenticity in their consumers’ minds by using alternate factors while lacking major indexical cues such as heritage. This research helps startup businesses to design their brand communications better to convey their authenticity to their audiences.

Originality/value

This research determines the factors affecting the authenticity of startup brands in social media. It also defines the process of authenticity perception through different aspects of brand authenticity.
When cooperation turns ugly: exploring the dark side of social capital
Authors: Strindlund Lena , Abrandt Dahlgren Madeleine , Ståhl Christian
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This article explores theoretical assumptions regarding negative consequences of social capital in the empirical case of a failed cooperation project, and how these consequences are related to processes involving people, structures and environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based on a case study of a cooperation project within municipal labor market services. The methodology followed a theorizing process, where data were collected through ethnographical methods and analyzed in relation to existing concepts from theories describing negative effects of social capital and shadow organizing.

Findings

The results highlight how the development of negative social capital in the project can be understood through three relational processes, namely the social dynamics of insulation, homogenization and escalating commitment. The authors conclude that the quality of social capital is conditional upon complex interactions within social structures. Moreover, the results highlight the importance of studying organizing practices outside explicit structures, in order to identify the development of non-canonical practices and their consequences.

Practical implications

Organizing cooperation projects that aim to bridge professional competencies or organizational boundaries have to be attentive toward informal organizing practices which if remaining unrecognized may grow and threaten the original intentions.

Originality/value

The study makes a theoretical contribution by combining a shadow organizing approach with literature on social capital. This combination proves especially useful for analyzing how organizational dynamics can influence the development of social capital into producing negative effects.
Electronic warp-break detection mechanism for manual looms
Authors: Afriyie Alex Osei , Howard Ebenezer Kofi , Asinyo Benjamin Kwablah , Badoe William , Seidu Raphael Kanyire , Apau Edward
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a system that detects warp breakage in manual looms using simple mechanisms combined with electronic circuitry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the universal design methodology model where results from observations and interviews aided in designing the appropriate blueprints for the mechanism.

Findings

Testing procedures revealed that the conductivity of steel bars coupled with the weight of the droppers affected the efficiency of the mechanism. Additionally, the weight of the drop wires influenced the rising of the warp threads during shedding. Considering this, a plate thickness of 0.06 mm was ideal for the droppers which did not affect warp shedding. Test outcomes at the weaving shed proved the workability of the mechanism for timely or prompt repair of a broken warp by weavers that ensured fabric quality.

Originality/value

The issue of warp breaks remains a critical problem at weaving on manual looms which influence the quality of fabrics. These looms are used by craftsmen in producing interesting fabrics for the market of which they depend on for their living. Premise on this, a two-way (light + sound) alert system was developed to assist weavers to effectively locate and repair broken yarns. Additionally, weavers with special needs (blind people) would be notified on a warp break for immediate repair from someone. This would limit the unnecessary challenges associated with broken warp yarns during weaving.
Exploration of kids ready to wear clothing brands for measurement and fit discrepancies
Authors: Prabhakar Deepasri , Rajagopal Sudhakar
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to probe customers’ expectations and explore discrepancies across various domestic kids’ ready to wear (RTW) apparel brands for measurements, fit, shape and labelling/nomenclature.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through qualitative and quantitative methods. Interviews were held with the consumers to understand their perceptions and expectations with the kids’ wear brands for measurements, fit and labelling. The approach had a twofolded purpose of addressing the consumers’ dissatisfaction and the apparel manufacturer’s perspective.

Findings

The results indicated that 87% of consumers gave importance to well-fitted apparel. The apparel brands considered for the study showed inconsistency and discrepancies in the measurements, leading to consumer dissatisfaction and frustrations.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the study may be useful for fashion academia, kids RTW apparel manufacturers and designers who can relate to the role of standard measurements and the varying body shapes in RTW apparel. They can work closer to develop innovative practices focusing on the fit challenges in kids RTW apparel.

Originality/value

The implication of the lack of any standard measurement for Indian kids for apparel is well-established in the study.
Dyeing and finishing of cotton fabric with eucalyptus leaves extracts
Authors: Endris Jemal , Govindan Nalankilli
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to establish a suitable procedure for dyeing and multifunctional finishing on 100% cotton using extracts of eucalyptus leaves in an eco-friendly manner.

Design/methodology/approach

Box–Behnken design of experiments and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to optimise the conditions of extraction, dyeing and finishing. Phytochemical analysis was performed to determine the chemical constituents of the extracts. Colour strength, fastness properties were evaluated for dyed fabric samples. The effectiveness of eucalyptus leaves extract as an insect repellent, aroma, antibacterial finishing agent, was assessed. Pre-soaking and padding method was used for the application of active essential oil on the fabric.

Findings

Essential oil extracted fromEucalyptus globulusleaves have great repellent rate for insects to the extent of 90% and aroma intensity of 72% and antibacterial effect of 100% bacterial reduction up to five washings. The use of citric acid as cross-linking agent helps increase the durability of the finish. Natural dyeing to get light yellow shade is possible with extracts made with water, possessing good fastness properties.

Research limitations/implications

Scaling up the extraction process and soaking larger quantities of fabrics in extracted essential oil solution before the pad applications are considered limitations of this study. However, smaller pieces of fabrics can conveniently be handled in this process. It has tremendous potential for practising industrially, to get yellow-shaded multifunctional finished cotton textiles.

Practical implications

Protection against insects, including mosquitoes, bacteria with additional aroma on cotton will be of great use in day-to-day life for the wearer.

Social implications

Eco-friendly, renewable sources of ingredients from the plant were used to obtain protection against pathogenic or odour-causing microorganisms using this hygiene finish with multiple end uses.

Originality/value

This original work enables conducting dyeing and multifunctional finishing together in a single stage, which otherwise takes a number of steps, consuming large quantities of water, chemicals and energy to impart similar effects on cotton.
Case studies in the classroom: assessing a pilot information literacy curriculum for English composition
Authors: Wishkoski Rachel , Strand Katie , Sundt Alex , Allred Deanna , Meter Diana J.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This mixed-methods study assesses a pilot library curriculum in a general education English composition course. Case-based learning (CBL), a form of problem-based learning (PBL), was used to scaffold information literacy skills and concepts across sessions. This article explores the approach's impact on student learning and engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were enrolled in four sections of an undergraduate composition course. Two sections were taught with the CBL library curriculum, and two with the standard library curriculum as a control. Pretest/posttest surveys included quantitative and qualitative measures to assess students in several areas of information literacy. Weekly reflections from a subsample of students were analyzed, and the research team conducted structured classroom observations and teaching reflections.

Findings

Quantitative survey results did not support the hypotheses that the CBL curriculum would increase students' confidence and skill levels compared to their control section peers. Although there was no significant difference between sections in measured information literacy outcomes, students generally agreed that the case studies used in the CBL curriculum taught skills applicable to their research. Teaching observation data revealed the cohesion of the curriculum across library sessions and increased student engagement in classroom activities. However, some of the case studies could be improved, and some limitations in study design point to the need for further research.

Originality/value

This study addresses a gap in the literature through a mixed-methods assessment of CBL pedagogy using a control group, contributing to an understanding of the role of PBL pedagogies in information literacy curricula.
The impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on jobs: an industry perspective
Authors: Poba-Nzaou Placide , Galani Malatsi , Uwizeyemungu Sylvestre , Ceric Arnela
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on jobs.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors followed rapid review guidelines. The authors collected industry and government reports published prior and up to August 2017 in Google and Google Scholar using combination of key words: “job automation” or “work automation” with technology keywords: “artificial intelligence,” “machine learning,” etc. In total, 11 were included in this research.

Findings

The use of AI technologies will impact jobs in the near future as some job tasks are automated. AI is likely to substitute both, routine and nonroutine tasks. It is expected that humans and robots would work together in ways never imaginable. Changes in employability skills are expected. Because of the magnitude of these impacts on jobs, consulted reports call for concerted solutions that go beyond organizations’ and industry’s boundaries to include other relevant stakeholders. Moreover, organizations will have to rethink their human resource (HR) function to realign its expertise to the reality of AI.

Practical implications

In this context, the HR function will have to understand the dynamics that generate the impacts of these technologies in a workplace, to anticipate changes and actively contribute to creating an organizational environment that will facilitate the collaboration between human workers and complex digital agents, while ensuring compliance with labor and employment laws and supporting strategic organizational objectives.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the debate on ongoing concerns by providing a synthesis of relevant professional literature.
Nudging for good: how behavioural science improves financial health
Authors: Jackson Paul
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to provide HR leaders and key decision makers with guidance about how they can use behavioural science to improve financial health of their employees at scale.

Design/methodology/approach

Personal finance is an area that does not often get spoken about enough. Individuals of all pay grades need access to different levels of support and education and technology can provide that.

Findings

As everyone is different within an organisation, both in terms of situation and pay scale, their financial health will be unique. Therefore, the method of delivery needs to be personalised, if you are going to provide help via email or SMS, those need to be impactful and relevant.

Originality/value

This paper intends to provide a viewpoint on a subject that is not being spoken about in the same way as mental health but it is equally important.
Basaloid follicular hamartomas in pediatric Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome: A diagnostic challenge
Authors: Besagni Francesca , Dika Emi , Ricci Costantino , Misciali Cosimo , Veronesi Giulia , Corti Barbara , Gurioli Carlotta , Neri Iria
Published: May 2021

Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome (BCNS) is an autosomal dominant inherited disease caused by PTCH1 (9q22.3‐q31) germline mutations. Skin manifestations are mainly characterized by hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles, palmoplantar pits and a strong predisposition to develop multiple basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). Recently, it has been hypothesized that basaloid follicular hamartomas (BFH) could be included in BCNS skin features. We present three pediatric cases of GS with BCCs and BFHs. Clinical, dermoscopic and immunohistochemical tools are reported.
Soil resources mediate the strength of species but not trait convergence across grassland restorations
Authors: Catano Christopher P. , Bassett Tyler J. , Bauer Jonathan T. , Grman Emily , Groves Anna M. , Zirbel Chad R. , Brudvig Lars A.
Published: May 2021

Ecological restoration is notoriously unpredictable because similar actions can result in different outcomes. Outcomes can also differ for species and functional components of communities depending on how restoration actions and abiotic conditions alter community assembly trajectories. Quantifying variation in community trajectories across restorations for both species and traits is rare, but can help to resolve underlying assembly processes and refine strategies to maximize restoration success.

We quantified the importance of soil resources, seed mix richness, and prescribed fire for variation in plant species and functional trait trajectories over 6 years across 20 restored tallgrass prairies in the mid‐western United States. We predicted stronger convergence for traits than species, with species and trait compositions converging more across restorations on resource‐poor soils and with frequent fires due to stronger abiotic filtering. In contrast, we predicted species and trait compositions would converge more slowly or diverge across restorations with resource‐rich soils, with less frequent fires, and seeded with more species due to weaker filtering and more stochasticity.

Communities generally converged over time; however, the rate of convergence was determined by soil resources, not restoration actions. Restorations converged more across resource‐rich sites. In contrast to patterns of species convergence, variation in trait composition remained stable over time regardless of soil resources or restoration actions.

The unexpected pattern of species, but not trait, convergence during community assembly appears to result from increasing dominance of a native C4 bunchgrass, Andropogon gerardii that coincides with proportional declines of other C4 grasses that share similar traits.

Synthesis and applications. Restoration outcomes may be more predictable than typically considered. Trait compositions were stable and variation in species compositions decreased over time owing to site conditions, where resource‐rich soils produced more consistent outcomes. Our study shows monitoring multiple facets of biodiversity across restorations can reveal why outcomes vary and inform broad‐scale restoration planning.
Acoustic risk balancing by marine mammals: anthropogenic noise can influence the foraging decisions by seals
Authors: Hastie Gordon D. , Lepper Paul , McKnight J. Chris , Milne Ryan , Russell Debbie J. F. , Thompson David
Published: May 2021

Avoidance of anthropogenic sounds has been measured in many species. The results, which are typically based on observations in limited exposure contexts, are frequently used to inform policy and the regulation of industrial activities. However, the occurrence and magnitude of avoidance may be a consequence of complex risk‐balancing decisions made by animals. The importance of the factors in decision‐making, such as perceived risks associated with the sounds or prey quantity and quality during sound exposure, is unknown.

Here we address this knowledge gap by measuring the relative influence of perceived –risk of a sound (silence, pile driving, and a tidal turbine) and prey patch quality on decision‐making and foraging success in grey seals Halichoerus grypus.

Seals were given access to two underwater ‘prey patches’ in an experimental pool where fish were delivered at controlled rates to simulate a low‐density (LD) and a high‐density (HD) prey patch. Acoustic playbacks were made using an underwater speaker above one of the prey patches (randomised during the study), and three decision and foraging metrics (foraging duration, foraging effort allocation between the prey patches, and foraging success) were measured.

Foraging success was highest during silent controls and was similar regardless of speaker location (LD/HD). Under the tidal turbine and pile‐driving treatments, foraging success was similar to the controls when the speaker was located at the HD prey patch but was significantly reduced (~16%–28% lower) when the speaker was located at the LD prey patch. Foraging decisions by the seals were consistent with a risk/profit balancing approach. Avoidance rates depend on the quality of the prey patch as well as the perceived risk.

Policy implications. The results suggest that foraging context is important when interpreting avoidance behaviour and should be considered when predicting the effects of anthropogenic activities. For example, sound exposure in different prey patch qualities may result in markedly different avoidance behaviour, potentially leading to contrasting predictions of impact in Environmental Assessments. We recommend future studies explicitly consider foraging context, and other contextual factors such as behavioural state (e.g. foraging or travelling) and habitat quality.
Soil fauna modulates the effect of experimental drought on litter decomposition in forests invaded by an exotic pathogen
Authors: Homet Pablo , Gómez‐Aparicio Lorena , Matías Luis , Godoy Oscar
Published: May 2021

Litter decomposition is a fundamental process for nutrient cycling and C fluxes between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere. Multiple factors such as environmental conditions, litter quality and decomposer organisms are known to influence this ecological process in direct and indirect ways. However, it remains poorly understood to what extent this entangled bank of complex interactions can be disrupted by several global change drivers such as climate change and invasive species.

Here we reported main findings from a litter decomposition experiment conducted in a natural mixed forest invaded byPhytophthora cinnamomi,an exotic oomycete well known for causing tree disease and forest decline. In two Mediterranean forest types (namely woodland and closed forest), we first built a rainfall exclusion infrastructure to reduce natural precipitation by 30%. Then, we followed the spatial variation in C and N leaf litter dynamics as well as the abundance of the exotic oomyceteP.cinnamomifor 18 months under both control and rainfall exclusion conditions using a litter bag methodology with different mesh sizes to further evaluate the indirect role of mesofauna abundance and diversity in litter C and N temporal dynamics.

Significant reductions in soil moisture produced by the experimental rainfall exclusion increased C litter loss with time directly, and indirectly via increases in overall mesofauna abundance and changes in the ratio between predators and decomposers. N litter dynamics were in contrast modulated mainly by initial litter quality. Surprisingly,P. cinnamomiabundance did not correlate with variation in initial litter quality as previously suggested, but we found that the exotic oomycete was negatively correlated with both decomposer and predator abundances. These results suggest it might participate indirectly in litter decomposition dynamics through the biotic soil component.

Synthesis. Contrary to expected, our results show that a moderate but realistic rainfall reduction can accelerate the litter decomposition process. It also points out to litter fauna as a key component modulating the indirect impacts of global change drivers on litter decomposition.
Bank loans and firm environmental information disclosure: Evidence from China's heavy polluters
Authors: Wu Long , Xu Lei
Published: May 2021

We examine the impact of environmental information disclosure (EID) on heavy polluters' access to bank loans. Through a proprietary dataset of listed heavy polluters in China between 2011 and 2018, we find that the quality of EID positively contributes to their access to bank loans. Furthermore, banks rely more on EID in lending practice to heavy polluters in less‐developed regions, with poor internal control, or with state ownership. Our findings support the effectiveness of EID in China's loan market and may have policy implications for the green management of heavy polluters in emerging markets.
On the joint volatility dynamics in international dairy commodity markets*
Authors: Rezitis Anthony N. , Kastner Gregor
Published: May 2021

The present study investigates the price (co)volatility of four dairy commodities—skim milk powder, whole milk powder, butter, and cheddar cheese—in three major dairy markets. It uses a multivariate factor stochastic volatility model for estimating the time‐varying covariance and correlation matrices by imposing a low‐dimensional latent dynamic factor structure. The empirical results support four factors representing the European Union and Oceania dairy sectors as well as the milk powder markets. Factor volatilities and marginal posterior volatilities of each dairy commodity increase after the 2006/07 global (food) crisis, which also coincides with the free trade agreements enacted from 2007 onward and EU and US liberalization policy changes. The model‐implied correlation matrices show increasing dependence during the second half of 2006, throughout the first half of 2007, as well as during 2008 and 2014, which can be attributed to various regional agricultural dairy policies. Furthermore, in‐sample value at risk measures (VaRs and CoVaRs) are provided for each dairy commodity under consideration.
The Ambiguous Ideology of Levelling Up
Authors: Newman Jack
Published: May 2021

The Conservative Party's ‘levelling up agenda’ has been deployed both as a tool for public communication and as a broad motif for the government's policy programme, gaining a great deal of traction as a political message. Levelling up is a vision of a post‐Brexit Britain in which there will be greater state investment, educational opportunity, regional equality, and regional independence. However, this vision invokes a wide range of disparate political ideologies without addressing the underlying tensions between them. It speaks to social democrats about tackling deprivation; it speaks to social liberals about equality of opportunity; it speaks to economic liberals about supporting the free market; and it speaks to conservatives about reuniting the nation. If levelling up develops from a political slogan into a fully‐fledged policy programme, it will become increasingly difficult for the government to manage the ideological tensions inherent in the levelling‐up agenda.
Class and social policy in the knowledge economy
Authors: HÄUSERMANN SILJA , PINGGERA MICHAEL , ARES MACARENA , ENGGIST MATTHIAS
Published: May 2021

Recent studies of welfare state attitudes in the knowledge economy find very high generalized support for generous welfare state policies, both among the working and the middle classes. Has class become irrelevant as a predictor of social policy preferences? Or do we simply mis‐conceptualise today's class conflict over social policy? To what extent has it changed from a divide over the level of social policy generosity to a divide over the kind of social policy and – more specifically – over the relative importance that should be given to different social policies? Answering these questions is not only relevant to understand welfare politics in the twenty‐first century, but electoral politics as well: only when we understand what working‐ and middle‐class voters care about, can we evaluate the role distributive policies play in electoral processes. We use original survey data from eight West European countries to show that middle‐ and working‐class respondents indeed differ in the relative importance they attribute to social investment and social consumption policies. Middle‐class respondents consistently attribute higher absolute and relative importance to social investment. We also show that this emphasis on investive policies relates to the middle class expecting better future economic and social opportunities than the working class. This divide in anticipated opportunities underlies a new kind of working‐ versus middle‐class divide, which contributes to transforming the class divide from a conflict over the level of social policy to a conflict over the priorities of social policy.
Judgment and decision making research on CSR reporting in the COVID‐19 pandemic environment
Authors: Humphreys Kerry A. , Trotman Ken T.
Published: May 2021

Judgment and decision making (JDM) research in accounting focuses on the judgments and decisions of preparers, users and auditors/assurance providers of financial and non‐financial information, including sustainability information. However, the environment in which these judgments are made and how groups interact has changed substantially during the COVID‐19 pandemic, and likely post‐pandemic. We focus on the impact of these changes for corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting, including managers’ decisions on the preparation and use of CSR information, demand for CSR assurance, and the effect of CSR reports and assurance on investors’ judgments. We then outline implications for the research questions addressed and experimental designs used.
Use of hypnotic drugs among children, adolescents, and young adults in Scandinavia
Authors: Wesselhoeft Rikke , Rasmussen Lotte , Jensen Peter Bjødstrup , Jennum Poul Jørgen , Skurtveit Svetlana , Hartz Ingeborg , Reutfors Johan , Damkier Per , Bliddal Mette , Pottegård Anton
Published: May 2021

Background

Hypnotic use in children and adolescents is controversial.

Objective

To describe the use of hypnotic drugs (melatonin, z‐drugs, and sedating antihistamines) among 5‐ to 24‐year‐old Scandinavians during 2012 to 2018.

Methods

Aggregate‐level data were obtained from public data sources in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. We calculated annual prevalence (users/1000 inhabitants) stratified by age group, sex, and country. Quantity of use (Defined Daily Dose (DDD)/user/day) was estimated for Norway and Denmark.

Results

Melatonin was the most commonly used hypnotic, and its use increased markedly from 2012 to 2018, particularly among females and 15‐ to 24‐year‐old individuals. Sweden had the highest increase in use (6.5 to 25/1000) compared with Norway (10–20/1000) and Denmark (5.7–12/1000).

The annual prevalence of sedating antihistamine use was also highest in Sweden, reaching 13/1000 in 2018 in comparison to 7.5/1000 in Norway and 2.5/1000 in Denmark. Z‐drug use decreased in all countries toward 2018, dropping to 3.5/1000 in Sweden, 4.4/1000 in Norway, and 1.7/1000 in Denmark.

The quantity of hypnotic use in Norway and Denmark was 0.8–1.0 DDD/user/day for melatonin in 2018, as compared to 0.1–0.3 for z‐drugs and antihistamines.

Conclusion

The use of melatonin and sedating antihistamines increased among young Scandinavians during 2012–2018, and the increase was twice as high in Sweden compared with Norway and Denmark. In addition, Sweden had the highest use of sedating antihistamines. The Scandinavian variation of hypnotic use could reflect differences in frequency of sleep problems between populations or variation of healthcare access or clinical practice between countries.
Incorporating data‐based estimates of temporal variation into projections for newly monitored populations
Authors: Parlato E. H. , Ewen J. G. , McCready M. , Gordon F. , Parker K. A. , Armstrong D. P.
Published: May 2021

The importance of accounting for temporal variation in vital rates when modelling population dynamics is well recognized. However, long‐term (usually >5 years) datasets are needed to estimate this variation. Consequently, models for newly monitored populations typically assume no temporal variation or use default values provided in software programmes, both of which can give misleading inferences about population dynamics. The goal of this study is to improve estimation of dynamics in the initial years of conservation programmes by incorporating data‐based estimates of temporal variation from other populations with longer‐term data available. We show how data‐derived priors can be generated using estimates of temporal variation in vital rates from other populations, providing information about expected variation until sufficient population‐specific data are available. We specifically evaluated whether data‐derived priors improved our ability to estimate temporal variation for a reintroduced population monitored for 3 years postrelease. We first predicted population growth and probability of extinction assuming no temporal variation in vital rates, then compared projections to those obtained when temporal variation was estimated with uniform priors or with the data‐derived priors. Both types of priors were constrained to plausible ranges, and we also assessed sensitivity of model outputs to widening those ranges. Median projected population size was similar under all three models, but extinction probability was higher with inclusion of temporal variability, reiterating the importance of incorporating this source of uncertainty. Projections with temporal variation were similar irrespective of whether data‐derived priors or uniform priors were used. However, the data‐derived priors generated more precise estimates of annual variation that were less sensitive to relaxation of prior constraints. The approach we present can facilitate management decisions at the outset of conservation programmes when risk assessments that account for all relevant uncertainties can be crucial for determining optimal management strategies.
Effects of pregnancy on chronic urticaria: Results of the PREG‐CU UCARE study
Authors: Kocatürk Emek , Al‐Ahmad Mona , Krause Karoline , Gimenez‐Arnau Ana M. , Thomsen Simon Francis , Conlon Niall , Marsland Alexander , Savk Ekin , Criado Roberta F. , Danilycheva Inna , Fomina Daria , Godse Kiran , Khoshkhui Maryam , Gelincik Aslı , Degirmentepe Ece Nur , Demir Semra , Ensina Luis Felipe , Kasperska‐Zajac Alicja , Rudenko Michael , Valle Solange , Medina Iris , Bauer Andrea , Zhao Zuotao , Staubach Petra , Bouillet Laurence , Küçük Özlem Su , Ateş Can , Maurer Marcus
Published: May 2021

Background

Chronic urticaria (CU) predominantly affects women, and sex hormones can modulate disease activity in female CU patients. As of now, the impact of pregnancy on CU is largely unknown.

Aim

To analyze the course and features of CU during and after pregnancy.

Patients and methods

PREG‐CU is an international, multicenter study of the Urticaria Centers of Reference and Excellence (UCARE) network. Data were collected via a 47‐item questionnaire completed by CU patients, who became pregnant within the last 3 years.

Results

A total of 288 pregnancies of 288 CU patients from 13 countries were analyzed (mean age at pregnancy: 32.1 ± 6.1 years, duration of CU: 84.9 ± 74.5 months; CSU 66.9%, CSU + CIndU 20.3%, CIndU 12.8%).During pregnancy, 51.1% of patients rated their CU as improved, 28.9% as worse, and 20.0% as unchanged.CU exacerbations most commonly occurred exclusively during the third trimester (in 34 of 124 patients; 27.6%) or the first (28 of 124; 22.8%). The risk factors for worsening of CU during pregnancy were having mild disease and no angioedema before pregnancy, not taking treatment before pregnancy, CIndU, CU worsening during a previous pregnancy, treatment during pregnancy, and stress as a driver of exacerbations. After giving birth, urticaria disease activity remained unchanged in 43.8% of CU patients, whereas 37.4% and 18.1% experienced worsening and improvement, respectively.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate the complex impact of pregnancy on the course of CU and help to better counsel patients who want to become pregnant and to manage CU during pregnancy.
Adherence to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist in articles published in EAACI Journals: A bibliographic study
Authors: Wiehn Elena , Ricci Cristian , Alvarez‐Perea Alberto , Perkin Michael R. , Jones Christina J. , Akdis Cezmi , Bousquet Jean , Eigenmann Philippe , Grattan Clive , Apfelbacher Christian J. , Genuneit Jon ,   for the Task Force ‘Adherence to reporting guidelines in articles published in EAACI Journals: a systematic review’ of the EAACI Working Group on Epidemiology
Published: May 2021

Research data derived from observational studies are accumulating quickly in the field of allergy and immunology and a large amount of observational studies are published every year. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the adherence to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist by papers published in the three European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology journals, during the period 2009–2018. To this end, we conducted a bibliographic study of up to eight randomly selected papers per year per Journal. Our literature search resulted in 223 papers. Amongst those, 80, 80 and 63 records were from Paediatric Allergy and Immunology, Allergy and Clinical and Translational Allergy, respectively; the latter was published only from 2011 on. Prospective, case control and cross‐sectional designs were described in 88, 43 and 92 papers, respectively. Full reporting of all STROBE items was present in 47.4%, 45.6% and 41.2% for the cohort, cross‐sectional and case‐control studies, respectively. Generally, no time trend in adherence of reporting STROBE items was observed, apart from reporting funding, which increased from 60% in 2009/2010 to more than 90% in 2018. We identified a cluster of STROBE items with low proportions of full reporting constituted by the items on reporting study design in the title and methods, variables types along with their measurement/assessment, bias and confounding, study size, and grouping of variables. It appears that the STROBE checklist is a suitable tool in observational allergy epidemiology. However, adherence to the STROBE checklist appeared suboptimal.
The Gradual Gaze: Drawing as a Practice of Ethnographic Description
Authors: Kashanipour Jasamin
Published: May 2021

Nourished by my research's theoretical and ethnographic resources, this article explores the act of ethnographic drawing and its potential. I introduce a concept of gaze that I call “the gradual gaze.” I suggest that drawing, which can transform the gaze into the gradual gaze, is a creative and heuristic way of attentive thinking and a process involving both unlearning and learning. The mimetic quality of drawing strengthens the fieldworker’s eye and entails a search for connectedness with the environment and people. The fieldworker’s domain of experience offers insight for understanding the mimetic practice in drawing. However, this mimetic practice goes beyond duality, imitation, and representation. This article explores the triangular relationship between the fieldworker, the subject drawn, and the drawing.
Challenges in migrant women’s maternity care in a high‐income country: A population‐based cohort study of maternal and perinatal outcomes
Authors: Guðmundsdóttir Embla Ýr , Gottfreðsdóttir Helga , Hálfdánsdóttir Berglind , Nieuwenhuijze Marianne , Gissler Mika , Einarsdóttir Kristjana
Published: May 2021

Introduction

This study aims to explore maternal and perinatal outcomes of migrant women in Iceland.

Material and methods

This prospective population‐based cohort study included women who gave birth to a singleton in Iceland between 1997 and 2018, comprising a total of 92 403 births. Migrant women were defined as women with citizenship other than Icelandic, including refugees and asylum seekers, and categorized into three groups, based on their country of citizenship Human Development Index score. The effect of country of citizenship was estimated. The main outcome measures were onset of labor, augmentation, epidural, perineum support, episiotomy, mode of birth, obstetric anal sphincter injury, postpartum hemorrhage, preterm birth, a 5‐minute Apgar <7, neonatal intensive care unit admission and perinatal mortality. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for maternal and perinatal outcomes were calculated using logistic regression models.

Results

A total of 8158 migrant women gave birth during the study period: 4401 primiparous and 3757 multiparous. Overall, migrant women had higher adjusted ORs (aORs) for episiotomy (primiparas: aOR 1.43, 95% CI 1.26–1.61; multiparas: 1.39, 95% CI 1.21–1.60) and instrumental births (primiparas: 1.14, 95% CI 1.02–1.27, multiparas: 1.41, 95% CI 1.16–1.72) and lower aORs of induction of labor (primiparas: 0.88, 95% CI 0.79–0.98; multiparas: 0.74, 95% CI 0.66–0.83), compared with Icelandic women. Migrant women from countries with a high Human Development Index score (≥0.900) had similar or better outcomes compared with Icelandic women, whereas migrant women from countries with a lower Human Development Index score than that of Iceland (<0.900) had additionally increased odds of maternal and perinatal complications and interventions, such as emergency cesarean and postpartum hemorrhage.

Conclusions

Women’s citizenship and country of citizenship Human Development Index scores are significantly associated with a range of maternal and perinatal complications and interventions, such as episiotomy and instrumental birth. The results indicate the need for further exploration of whether Icelandic perinatal healthcare services meet the care needs of migrant women.