bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RANK‐ORDER COMPETITION IN THE VOLUNTARY PROVISION OF IMPURE PUBLIC GOODS
Authors: Angelovski Andrej , Neugebauer Tibor , Servátka Maroš
Published: May 2019

Publicly provided goods often create differential payoffs due to timely or spatial distances of group members. We design and test a provision mechanism which utilizes rank competition to mitigate free‐riding in impure public goods. In our Rank‐Order Voluntary Contribution Mechanism (Rank‐Order‐VCM) group members compete via observable contributions for a larger share of the public good; high contributors receive preferential access (a larger share), while low contributors receive restricted access (a lower share). In a laboratory experiment, Rank‐Order‐VCM elicits median contributions equal to the full endowment throughout the finitely played games with constant groups. In the control treatment, with randomly assigned ranks, the contributions are significantly lower and decline over time. We thus provide evidence of rank competition, in situations where discriminatory access to public goods is possible, being efficiency enhancing. (JELC91, H41)
The interaction between bank solvency and funding costs: A crucial effect in stress tests
Authors: Schmitz Stefan W. , Sigmund Michael , Valderrama Laura
Published: May 2019

This paper presents new evidence on the empirical relationship between bank solvency and funding costs. Building on a newly constructed data set drawing on the supervisory data of 54 large banks from six advanced countries over 2004–2013, we use a simultaneous equation approach with panel data to estimate the contemporaneous interaction between solvency and funding costs. Our results and test statistics show that these two are (a) determined simultaneously and (b) more pronounced than suggested by the existing empirical literature. A 100‐bps increase in regulatory capital ratios is associated with a decrease of bank funding costs of about 113 bps. A 100‐bps increase in funding costs reduces regulatory capital buffers by 48 bps. Applying our estimation results to the 2014 EU‐wide stress test reveals that neglecting the solvency‐funding cost nexus leads to the systematical and significant underestimation of the impact of shocks on bank capital ratios.
The impact of foreign and domestic remittance types and senders on education outcomes
Authors: Stanley Denise , Fleming Nicolas
Published: May 2019

Migration and remittances are very important for Nepal, yet the country continues to be plagued by low financial development. Increases in human capital investments, such as enrollment of school‐aged children, are a possible gain from the country's labor movements, which can be leveraged further through an understanding of the microeconomic processes involved. This study examines how remittances from both household and nonhousehold members affect school enrollment rates for children in Nepalese families. We analyze the positive and negative impacts of migration and remittances separately and consider both the type and location of the remittance sender using the Nepal Living Standards Survey (NLSS‐III) of 9,335 school‐aged children. We find enrollment more associated with an exogenous process and use this to estimate marginal effects in which remittances significantly increase children's school enrollment by about 2% points in most cases. These results suggest policymakers should encourage domestic migration (which allows proximity between senders and recipients of remittances as well as less family disruption).
Preclinical dental training: Association between difficulty in performing restorative procedures and the adoption of ergonomic posture
Authors: Neves Tamíris da Costa , Viana Lauriane Nogueira , Wajngarten Danielle , Garcia Patrícia Petromilli Nordi Sasso
Published: May 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine any correlations between difficulty in performing restorative procedures and the adoption of ergonomic posture by dental students in a preclinical course.

Methods

The sample was composed of second‐year undergraduate students enrolled in the School of Dentistry of São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara (n = 56). The data were collected from weekly records in which students who had participated in training in a preclinical restorative dentistry laboratory registered the difficulty they experienced performing given proposed preclinical procedures and adopting ergonomic posture (positioning of students’ legs, thighs, spine, arms, and forearms, as well as the positioning of both the dental light and the dental mannequin's head, the distance between the operating field and the operator's eyes, and the location of the instruments used in the procedures). Answers were provided on a scale of zero to ten points (zero = no difficulty; 10 = maximum difficulty). A descriptive statistical analysis was performed. The correlation between the level of difficulty in performing the restorative procedures and in the adoption of ergonomic posture was estimated using the Pearson correlation coefficient (r), and its significance was tested using Student's t test. To evaluate the effect of time on students’ perceived difficulties in implementing ergonomic posture, the first 2 weeks of training was defined as the initial time, whilst the last 2 weeks was defined as final time (scores from these periods were averaged). After the normality assumptions were verified, Student's t test for paired samples was performed. The significance level adopted was <5%.

Results

A correlation was found between the difficulty students experienced performing the preclinical procedures and their difficulties implementing ergonomic posture; the correlation was significant, though the correlation ranged from slight to moderate (P < 0.001; r = 0.38‐0.63). In addition, the data also showed that the students’ perceptions of how difficult it was to implement these posture items decreased significantly over time (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The correlation between perceived difficulty in performing the preclinical restorative dentistry procedures and the application of ergonomic posture was slight to moderate, and the students’ perceived difficulties in maintaining ergonomic posture decreased over the course of the school year.
Investigating interactions between sugarcane straw and organic fertilizers recycled together in a soil using modelling of C and N mineralization
Authors: Kyulavski Vladislav , Recous Sylvie , Thuries Laurent , Paillat Jean‐Marie , Garnier Patricia
Published: May 2019

The input of organic fertilizers into soils is an interesting option as a substitution for mineral fertilization, but how their interaction with crop residues affects the fate of added carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in the soil is still poorly known. Therefore, we analysed the effect of adding together organic fertilizer and straw on subsequent C and N mineralization. We incubated sugarcane straw (S), pig slurry (PS) and solid sewage sludge (DS) separately and in mixtures (PS‐S and DS‐S) at 28°C during 182 days. To discuss interactions, we used a simple additivity model based on measurements and a mechanistic model for C and N transformations in soil (CANTIS). Both models overestimated the C mineralization and did not correctly predict N mineralization of the two mixtures. The differences between observed and expected values calculated with the models were negative for C mineralization, indicating an antagonistic interaction in mixtures. The limitations for C decomposition might be the result of many factors, such as negative priming effect or limitation in N accessibility, which are not considered by CANTIS. We assumed that the priming effect induced by the mineralization of a mixture was not significantly different from the priming effect induced by the mineralization of the organic matters incubated alone. The use of a contact factor in CANTIS allowed the predicted C and N kinetics for the mixtures to be correctly fitted to measured data. It reflects the effect of fine‐scale C and N distribution heterogeneities on the intensity of microbial decomposition. A better integration of the interactions between different N and C sources should be addressed to develop modelling as an accurate tool for agroecosystem management.

Highlights

Experimental data and modelling allowed assessment of effects of mixtures on C and N mineralization.

Mineralization of the organic material mixture was not the sum of the mineralization of each material.

A contact factor reflecting the N‐rich substrate accessibility was needed to predict C and N data.

Pig slurry and sewage sludge mixed with straw showed antagonistic effects on mineralization.
A histological and ultrastructural study of equine peripheral caries
Authors: Borkent D. , Smith S. , Dixon P. M.
Published: May 2019

Background

Peripheral caries (PC) has recently been shown to affect over half of UK and Australian horses.

Objectives

To examine affected cheek teeth histologically and ultrastructurally, to assess the possible route(s) of carious infection into the dental tissues and to further describe the pathological changes in affected teeth.

Study design

Descriptive pathological study.

Methods

Four control and 16 cheek teeth with different grades of PC were examined grossly, histologically and by electron microscopy.

Results

Cariogenic bacteria from plaque entered peripheral cementum perpendicular to the sides of teeth alongside Sharpey's fibres or vascular channels or more horizontally alongside exposed intrinsic fibres and cemental growth lines. Subsequent intra‐cemental bacterial spread created different patterns of caries including vertical and horizontal flake‐like patterns; deep, large flask‐shaped or smaller superficial ellipsoid‐shaped lytic lesions. Cemental caries progressed to affect enamel, dentine and even pulp. Gross examination underestimated the degree of caries observed on histological evaluation.

Main limitations

No dental histories were available; all teeth were examined on a single occasion.

Conclusion

Equine PC causes different patterns of cemental lesions that appear dependent on the route of cariogenic bacterial invasion. Progression of caries can lead to pulpitis and tooth loss. Gross examination can underestimate the true extent of caries.
Lower Sexual Satisfaction and Function Mediate the Association of Assault Military Sexual Trauma and Relationship Satisfaction in Partnered Female Service Members/Veterans
Authors: Blais Rebecca K.
Published: May 2019

Little is known about the association of military sexual trauma (MST) and relationship satisfaction among partnered female service members/veterans (SM/Vs). Extant civilian literature shows a strong association between sexual trauma and poorer relationship outcomes, and theory suggests that sexual function and satisfaction may mediate this association. Given that as many as 40% of female SM/Vs report MST and roughly half of female veterans are partnered and in their peak sexual years, it is critical to understand the association of MST, relationship satisfaction, sexual function, and sexual satisfaction in this population. Female SM/Vs (N = 817) completed a demographic inventory, self‐report measures of MST, relationship satisfaction, sexual function, and sexual satisfaction. One hundred fifty‐one (18.48%) participants did not experience MST. Three hundred eighty‐eight (47.49%) reported that they experienced harassment‐only MST, and 278 (34.03%) reported assault MST. At the bivariate level, lower relationship satisfaction was associated with lower sexual function and satisfaction with large effect sizes. Assault MST was associated with lower relationship satisfaction and sexual function and satisfaction with small‐to‐medium effect sizes. No differences in relationship satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, and function between those with harassment‐only and no MST were observed. Mediation analyses demonstrated that lower sexual function and satisfaction mediated the association of assault MST and relationship satisfaction. Couples’ therapy offered to SM/Vs with MST should screen for type of MST, sexual function, and satisfaction. Addressing the sequelae of MST and increasing sexual function and satisfaction in these partnerships may be critical treatment targets.
A successful antibiotic treatment by a new administration route: a case report of a subcutaneous administration of ceftazidime and tobramycin
Authors: Duron Dorothée , Chanoine Sébastien , Peron Maud , Lepelley Marion , Allenet Benoît , Epaulard Olivier , Camara Boubou , Bedouch Pierrick
Published: May 2019

When intramuscular or intravenous administrations of parenteral drugs are not possible, the use of other routes (e.g., subcutaneous route) should be considered. We report a patient with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, who was hospitalized for acute pneumonia due to antibiotic‐resistant strains of bacteria. Our patient was successfully recovered with antimicrobial therapy by subcutaneous administration of ceftazidime and tobramycin, for which no safety and efficacy data are available in humans. To the best of our knowledge, this case is the first supporting the subcutaneous administration safety and potential efficacy of both ceftazidime and tobramycin in humans.
Evidence for a novel mechanism of influenza A virus host adaptation modulated by PB2‐627
Authors: Liu Xiaokun , Yang Cha , Sun Xiaomei , Lin Xian , Zhao Lianzhong , Chen Huanchun , Jin Meilin
Published: May 2019

Influenza virus cross‐species transmission is restricted by the host, but viruses overcome this restriction by accumulating mutations which allow them to adapt to a new host. Among the many factors which facilitate virus host adaptation, polymerase basic protein 2 (PB2) 627 plays an important role, although the underlying molecular mechanism has not been fully understood. In a previous study, we found that histone H1.2 (encoded by HIST1H1C) regulates human or avian influenza virus replication in different ways, indicating that it might be involved in virus host adaptation. Herein, we found that HIST1H1C expression, phosphorylation and methylation levels are decreased when infected with H1N1 influenza virus and increased when infected with H5N1 influenza virus. Overexpressing the eight gene segments of the influenza virus, we found that only PB2 significantly affects HIST1H1C expression and modifications. Since the 627 site is different between the H5N1 and H1N1 influenza viruses we constructed PB2‐627E (avian variant) and PB2‐627K (human variant) mutant viruses, and observed that the effects of the wild‐type and the mutant viruses on HIST1H1C expression and modifications are the opposite of one another. Further analysis showed that influenza virus PB2‐627 regulates HIST1H1C expression via Sp1, and specifically that PB2‐627K down‐regulates Sp1 and HIST1H1C while PB2‐627E up‐regulates Sp1 and HIST1H1C. In addition, HIST1H1C can feedback regulate DNA‐dependent protein kinase and euchromatic histone‐lysine N‐methyltransferase 1/2, leading to altered HIST1H1C phosphorylation and methylation levels, and affecting influenza virus replication accordingly. In summary, this study illustrates the mechanism of PB2‐627E/K‐mediated regulation of influenza virus host adaptation.
A global risk assessment of primates under climate and land use/cover scenarios
Authors: Carvalho Joana S. , Graham Bruce , Rebelo Hugo , Bocksberger Gaëlle , Meyer Christoph F. J. , Wich Serge , Kühl Hjalmar S.
Published: May 2019

Primates are facing an impending extinction crisis, driven by extensive habitat loss, land use change and hunting. Climate change is an additional threat, which alone or in combination with other drivers, may severely impact those taxa unable to track suitable environmental conditions. Here, we investigate the extent of climate and land use/cover (LUC) change‐related risks for primates. We employed an analytical approach to objectively select a subset of climate scenarios, for which we then calculated changes in climatic and LUC conditions for 2050 across primate ranges (N = 426 species) under a best‐case scenario and a worst‐case scenario. Generalized linear models were used to examine whether these changes varied according to region, conservation status, range extent and dominant habitat. Finally, we reclassified primate ranges based on different magnitudes of maximum temperature change, and quantified the proportion of ranges overall and of primate hotspots in particular that are likely to be exposed to extreme temperature increases. We found that, under the worst‐case scenario, 74% of Neotropical forest‐dwelling primates are likely to be exposed to maximum temperature increases up to 7°C. In contrast, 38% of Malagasy savanna primates will experience less pronounced warming of up to 3.5°C. About one quarter of Asian and African primates will face up to 50% crop expansion within their range. Primary land (undisturbed habitat) is expected to disappear across species' ranges, whereas secondary land (disturbed habitat) will increase by up to 98%. With 86% of primate ranges likely to be exposed to maximum temperature increases >3°C, primate hotspots in the Neotropics are expected to be particularly vulnerable. Our study highlights the fundamental exposure risk of a large percentage of primate ranges to predicted climate and LUC changes. Importantly, our findings underscore the urgency with which climate change mitigation measures need to be implemented to avert primate extinctions on an unprecedented scale.
ENSO and NAO affect long‐term leaf litter dynamics and stoichiometry of Scots pine and European beech mixedwoods
Authors: González de Andrés Ester , Blanco Juan A. , Imbert J. Bosco , Guan Biing T. , Lo Yueh‐Hsin , Castillo Federico J.
Published: May 2019

Litterfall dynamics (production, seasonality and nutrient composition) are key factors influencing nutrient cycling. Leaf litter characteristics are modified by species composition, site conditions and water availability. However, significant evidence on how large‐scale, global circulation patterns affect ecophysiological processes at tree and ecosystem level remains scarce due to the difficulty in separating the combined influence of different factors on local climate and tree phenology. To fill this gap, we studied links between leaf litter dynamics with climate and other forest processes, such as tree‐ring width (TRW) and intrinsic water‐use efficiency (iWUE) in two mixtures of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in the south‐western Pyrenees. Temporal series (18 years) of litterfall production and elemental chemical composition were decomposed following the ensemble empirical mode decomposition method and relationships with local climate, large‐scale climatic indices, TRW and Scots pine's iWUE were assessed. Temporal trends in N:P ratios indicated increasing P limitation of soil microbes, thus affecting nutrient availability, as the ecological succession from a pine‐dominated to a beech‐dominated forest took place. A significant influence of large‐scale patterns on tree‐level ecophysiology was explained through the impact of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on water availability. Positive NAO and negative ENSO were related to dry conditions and, consequently, to early needle shedding and increased N:P ratio of both species. Autumn storm activity appears to be related to premature leaf abscission of European beech. Significant cascading effects from large‐scale patterns on local weather influenced pine TRW and iWUE. These variables also responded to leaf stoichiometry fallen 3 years prior to tree‐ring formation. Our results provide evidence of the cascading effect that variability in global climate circulation patterns can have on ecophysiological processes and stand dynamics in mixed forests.
Assessing long‐term care risk in older individuals with possible cognitive decline: A large population‐based study using the Kihon Checklist
Authors: Kojima Shinsuke , Murotani Kenta , Zhou Bin , Kothari Kavita U , Fukushima Masanori , Nagai Yoji
Published: May 2019

Aim

The present population‐based study investigated the predictive ability of the Kihon Checklist (a self‐reported frailty questionnaire) and the cognitive domain therein for incident long‐term care need certification. This is the first large population‐based study to investigate an association between the Kihon Checklist and the outcome measure, long‐term care need certification.

Methods

The study population consisted of community‐dwelling citizens aged >65 years who responded to the Kihon Checklist in Kobe City. The Kihon Checklist is a simple 26‐item questionnaire to identify frail citizens, including three items (Q18‐20) on subjective cognitive function (the cognitive domain).

Results

A total of 182 099 citizens were included for statistical analysis. The overall incidence of long‐term care need certification was 1.6%, 3.5% and 5.4% at 1, 2 and 3 years. Associations were found between the Kihon Checklist questions and long‐term care need certification. Furthermore, each unfavorable answer on the cognitive domain was associated with the risk for long‐term care need (HR 1.493 for Q18, 1.285 for Q19, 1.321 for Q20, all P < 0.0001), independent of age, sex and other items on the Kihon Checklist. Also, after 3 years, as the number of unfavorable answers to the cognitive domain increased from 0 to 1, 2 and 3, the incidence of long‐term care need certification progressively increased from 3.5% to 6.4%, 12.6% and 29.6%.

Conclusions

The Kihon Checklist, especially the cognitive domain therein, appears to be predictive of long‐term care need in community‐dwelling citizens, suggesting the potential utility of the questionnaire for early detection of high‐risk individuals. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 598–603.
Low‐volume resistance training improves the functional capacity of older individuals with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Leal Leon CP , Abrahin Odilon , Rodrigues Rejane P , da Silva Maria CR , Araújo Ana PM , de Sousa Evitom C , Pimentel Clebson P , Cortinhas‐Alves Erik A
Published: May 2019

Aim

To evaluate the effects of low‐volume resistance training on the physical and functional capacity of older patients with Parkinson's disease.

Methods

A total of 54 patients (aged ≥60 years) were randomly divided into two groups: (i) a control group comprising 13 men and 14 women; and (ii) a resistance training group with 14 men and 13 women. The resistance training group, in addition to maintaining their pharmacological treatments, carried out 6 months of resistance training twice a week, whereas the control group maintained their pharmacological treatments. Handgrip strength, flexibility, aerobic endurance, gait speed and balance were assessed in both groups.

Results

After 6 months, patient functionality in the control group was reduced, whereas patients who carried out low training volumes showed significantly improved flexibility (Pre × Post: P = 0.008), aerobic resistance (Pre × Post: P = 0.006), gait speed (Pre × Post: P = 0.006) and balance (Pre × Post: P = 0.043). Significant improvement (P = 0.042) was also observed in right handgrip strength in the resistance training group.

Conclusions

The results of the present study showed that low‐volume resistance training improves the physical capacity of older people with Parkinson's disease. Therefore, we suggest that resistance training be a central component in exercise programs for patients with Parkinson's disease. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 635–640.
Working at the edge: Emotional labour in the spectre of violence
Authors: Ward Jenna , McMurray Robert , Sutcliffe Scott
Published: May 2019

Drawing on semi‐structured interviews with police officers, door(wo)men and prison officers we present intimate, emotional and sometimes harrowing accounts of both the physical and emotional pain routinely endured by those employed as agents of social control. This article positions labour undertaken in such contexts as ‘edgework'; exploring how the boundary, or ‘edge', between safety and danger is negotiated and managed ‘in the moment' through embodied performances of empathetic and antipathetic emotional labour and emotional neutrality. Placing the concepts of edgework and emotional labour in dialogue, we open up a space in which to explore gendered conceptualizations of emotional labour and offer a more feminist appreciation of edgework that moves us beyond narrow concerns with pleasure, to account for embodied experience and emotional performance. In so doing, this article offers a unique insight into the emotional labour repertoires of both men and women who work in the spectre of violence.
Collected Rain Water as Cost‐Efficient Source for Aquifer Tracer Testing
Authors: Tritschler Felix , Binder Martin , Händel Falk , Burghardt Diana , Dietrich Peter , Liedl Rudolf
Published: May 2019

Locally collected precipitation water can be actively used as a groundwater tracer solution based on four inherent tracer signals: electrical conductivity, stable isotopic signatures of deuterium [δ2H], oxygen‐18 [δ18O], and heat, which all may strongly differ from the corresponding background values in the tested groundwater. In hydrogeological practice, a tracer test is one of the most important methods for determining subsurface connections or field parameters, such as porosity, dispersivity, diffusion coefficient, groundwater flow velocity, or flow direction. A common problem is the choice of tracer and the corresponding permission by the appropriate authorities. This problem intensifies where tracer tests are conducted in vulnerable conservation or water protection areas (e.g., around drinking water wells). The use of (if required treated) precipitation as an elemental groundwater tracer is a practical solution for this problem, as it does not introduce foreign matters into the aquifer system, which may contribute positively to the permission delivery. Before tracer application, the natural variations of the participating end members' tracer signals have to be evaluated locally. To obtain a sufficient volume of tracer solution, precipitation can be collected as rain using a detached, large‐scale rain collector, which will be independent from possibly existing surfaces like roofs or drained areas. The collected precipitation is then stored prior to a tracer experiment.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of reaction‐hot‐pressed zirconium diboride based ceramics
Authors: Neuman Eric W. , Fahrenholtz William G. , Hilmas Gregory E.
Published: May 2019

ZrB2 ceramics were prepared by in‐situ reaction hot pressing of ZrH2 and B. Additions of carbon and excess boron were used to react with and remove the residual oxygen present in the starting powders. Additions of tungsten were utilized to make a ZrB2‐4 mol%W ceramic, while a change in the B/C ratio was used to produce a ZrB2‐10 vol% ZrC ceramic. All three compositions reached near full density. The baseline ZrB2 and ZrB2–ZrC composition contained a residual oxide phase and ZrC inclusions, while the W‐doped composition contained residual carbon and a phase that contained tungsten and boron. All three compositions exhibited similar values for flexure strength (~520 MPa), Vickers hardness (~15 GPa), and elastic modulus (~500 to 540 GPa). Fracture toughness was about 2.6 MPa m1/2 for the W‐doped ZrB2 compared to about 3.8 MPa m½ for the ZrB2 and ZrB2–ZrC ceramics. This decrease in fracture toughness was accompanied by an observed absence of crack deflection in the W‐doped ZrB2 compared with the other compositions. The study demonstrated that reaction‐hot‐pressing can be used to fabricate ZrB2 based ceramics containing solid solution additives or second phases with comparable mechanical properties.
Effect of TiO2addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of alumina‐based cores prepared by sol‐gel method
Authors: Shabani Shaghayegh , Naghizadeh Rahim , Golestanifard Farhad , Fallah Vostakola Mohsen , Ghasemi Ebrahim
Published: May 2019

Alumina‐based ceramic cores have widespread applications especially in the investment casting of turbine blades due to chemical inertness with most of the superalloys, capability of machining in the green state, and their mechanical stability at high temperatures. The present work studied the effects of TiO2addition to the alumina‐based cores. These cores were prepared via the sol‐gel method process by mixing alumina powders with NH4Cl and silica sol. The effects of adding different amounts of titania from 5 to 30 wt% and different sintering procedures on mechanical, physical, thermal, chemical, and microstructural features of the bodies were investigated. According to the results of rheology measurements of the slurries and flexural strength of the green bodies, the suitable amount of solid loading was 45 vol. %. The results showed that there is an optimum content for TiO2addition. The specimen contained 15 wt. % titania and sintered at 1400°C for 2 hours had the thermal expansion coefficient as low as 4.8 × 10−6/°C (25‐900°C), suitable mechanical properties as a result of tialite formation, and apparent porosity of 28 vol. %, respectively. The result of creep deformation test showed that this specimen had near zero deformation at 1650°C.
Is there an association between accounting firm ranks and audit quality? An examination of the top 100 accounting firms in China
Authors: Huang Ting‐Chiao , Lin Yi‐Hung , Hairston Stephanie
Published: May 2019

Using 15,354 firm‐year observations from Chinese listed companies from 2003 to 2013, we examine the association between accounting firm ranks, disclosed by the Chinese Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CICPA), and audit quality. The results show that clients audited by higher ranked accounting firms report lower discretionary accruals and are more likely to receive modified audit opinions. Additionally, accounting firm ranks are found to better capture audit quality after recent modifications by the CICPA to include nonrevenue metrics. Finally, we find that clients are more likely to replace downgraded accounting firms and pay higher audit fees when switching to a higher ranked firm. Our results suggest that accounting firm ranks capture audit quality, have economic implications, and would serve as an audit quality indicator. This study should be useful to global accounting regulators, practitioners, and academics concerned with auditor quality in China and who seek to develop audit quality indicators.
Paradoxes and Dual Processes: A Review and Synthesis
Authors: Keller Josh , Sadler‐Smith Eugene
Published: May 2019

Paradox and dual‐process theories are used by management and organization researchers in studying a variety of phenomena across a wide range of management sub‐fields. Cognition is a focal point of both of these theories. However, despite their growing importance and shared areas of inquiry, these two theories have developed largely in isolation from each other. To address this lack of integration, the authors conducted a review and synthesis of relevant aspects of the paradox and dual‐process literatures. Focusing bidirectionally on how paradox theory informs dual‐process theory and how dual‐process theory informs paradox theory, they highlight the ‘nestedness’ of intuition and analysis in paradox (a paradox within paradoxical thinking). On the basis of the review and synthesis, they identify four themes (epistemological and ontological assumptions in the relationship between intuition and analysis; psychological and psychometric issues in the relationships between intuition and analysis; managers’ experiences of tensions between intuition and analysis; managers’ approaches to tensions between intuition and analysis) and introduce an integrative framework that assimilates these two perspectives and sets out an agenda for future research and implications for management.
On the Use of Paradox for Generating Theoretical Contributions in Management and Organization Research
Authors: De Keyser Bart , Guiette Alain , Vandenbempt Koen
Published: May 2019

Although research relating to paradox has burgeoned throughout the past decades, how paradox has been used in generating theoretical contributions remains largely tacit. Hinging on the systematic analysis of 476 publications, this literature review uncovers how scholars have leveraged paradox in demarcating theoretical contributions in the area of management and organization research. First, scholars can make use of paradox as a means to theorize, adding to the core conceptual conversation on paradox. Second, scholars can make use of paradox as a means to understand or advance insight on particular phenomena, drawing from paradox's conceptual knowledge to push forth discussions or debates in other strands of the management and organization field. Finally, scholars can make use of paradox as a way to verbalize something puzzling or surprising, supporting how readers are to appreciate or make sense of theoretical contributions advanced. Denoting approaches identified as highly complementary, this paper offers explicit handholds for academics to develop theoretical contributions through paradox, supporting the consolidation and further elevation of scholarly impact for the paradox community as such.
Discharge planning in mental healthcare settings: A review and concept analysis
Authors: Xiao Sarah , Tourangeau Ann , Widger Kimberley , Berta Whitney
Published: May 2019

To ensure a safe transition of mental health patients from hospital to community settings, greater attention is being given to discharge planning. However, assessing the quality of discharge planning has been challenging due to wide variations in its definition. To facilitate evaluation of discharge planning, its meaning in the mental health literature was systematically explored. This concept analysis is part of a larger study to develop an instrument to measure the quality of discharge planning processes in mental health care. Walker and Avant's (2011) concept analysis approach was adopted to provide a comprehensive definition of discharge planning. Electronic databases and grey literature were searched and analysed according to Grant and Booth's (2009) systematic search and review process. Literature published between 1900 and 2018 was reviewed. Forty‐nine articles meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. Discharge planning is a complex, multifaceted concept with six defining attributes: comprehensive needs assessment; collaborative, patient‐centered care; resource availability management; care and service coordination; discharge planner role; and a discharge plan. Discharge planning begins with the initial rapid assessment and symptom stabilization of a patient on admission, coincides with treatment planning, and is associated with hospital readmissions and continuity of care. The mental health literature was reviewed to analyse different interpretations of discharge planning. The conceptual definition provided can assist healthcare providers, organizational leaders, and policymakers to design and implement effective discharge planning policies and guidelines. Providing clarity regarding discharge planning also provides a critical foundation for developing an instrument.
Morphological and biochemical responses of Balanites aegyptiaca to drought stress and recovery are provenance‐dependent
Authors: Khamis Galal , Hamada AbdElgawad , Schaarschmidt Frank , Beemster Gerrit T. S. , Asard Han , Papenbrock Jutta
Published: May 2019

Balanites aegyptiaca is a drought‐tolerant tree naturally distributed in Africa and has a high potential for biofuel production and livelihood. To understand the plant tolerance to drought stress, B. aegyptiaca plants collected from five provenances were subjected for 4 weeks to drought stress through different regimes of soil volumetric water content (VWC, i.e. 25% control, 15% as moderate and 5% as a severe drought stress) followed by 2‐week recovery. Morpho‐physiological responses as well as the changes in antioxidant defences under water stress and recovery were investigated. Drought stress significantly reduced plant biomass‐related parameters, stomatal conductance, quantum efficiency and increased leaf temperature. Each provenance showed specific patterns of stress response reactions that were detected in a cluster analysis. The large leaf area and a high level of lipid peroxidation in Cairo provenance increased its sensitivity to severe drought. For provenances El‐Kharga and Yemen, the highest tocopherol contents and the highest catalytic activities of ascorbate peroxidase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) were recorded. These traits contributed to the high drought tolerance of these two provenances in comparison with the other provenances. All plants recovered from stress and showed specifically increased activity of glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) as a repair mechanism. Results showed that the drought tolerance level in B. aegyptiaca is provenance‐dependent.
A randomized controlled trial of a guided self‐disclosure intervention to facilitate benefit finding in Chinese breast cancer patients: Study protocol
Authors: Zhang Mao‐Mao , Yang Ya‐Juan , Su Dan , Zhang Ting , Jiang Xiao‐Xiao , Li Hui‐Ping
Published: May 2019

Aim

To describe a protocol that examines the feasibility and effectiveness of a face‐to‐face guided self‐disclosure intervention for facilitating benefit finding and other related psychological outcomes for breast cancer patients.

Background

Benefit finding can promote a positive attitude among patients facing disease. However, limited studies have focused on improving benefit finding among breast cancer patients. Previous research has been based on group interventions, which may not suit all patients. Self‐disclosure was recognized as a strong predictor of benefit finding. This protocol is based on a brief face‐to‐face disclosure intervention to improve benefit finding for breast cancer patients.

Design

A non‐blinded randomized controlled trial.

Methods

A total of 154 patients with breast cancer who have undergone radical mastectomy will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group, which will participate in a six‐session face‐to‐face individual intervention, or the control group at a ratio of 1:1. Baseline assessments will take place after the breast cancer diagnosis, with follow‐up assessments at 3, 6 and 9 months after baseline. The primary outcome is benefit finding; other outcomes are self‐disclosure, cognitive reappraisal, social support, optimism and medical coping modes.

Discussion

This study is to design a protocol for guided self‐disclosure interventions to promote benefit finding in Chinese breast cancer patients. If this intervention is feasible and effective, it could be implemented in clinical practice.

Impact

This study will provide useful advice for health professionals to guide breast cancer patients in benefit finding during stressful events. If it is effective, it will be implemented broadly in clinical practice.
Differential reinforcement of high rates of behaviour to increase work productivity in adults with intellectual disability
Authors: McDuff Emeline , Lanovaz Marc J. , Morin Diane , Vona Mélissa , Kheloufi Yasmine , Giannakakos Antonia R.
Published: May 2019

Background

Due to deficits in adaptive and cognitive functioning, productivity may pose challenges for individuals with intellectual disability in the workplace.

Method

Using a changing‐criterion embedded in a multiple baseline across participants design, we examined the effects of differential reinforcement of high rates of behaviour (DRH) on the rate of data entry (i.e., productivity) in four adults with intellectual disability.

Results

Although the DRH procedure increased the rate of correct data entry in all four participants, none of the participants achieved the criterion that we set with novice undergraduate students.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that DRH is an effective intervention to increase rate of correct responding in individuals with intellectual disability, but that achieving the same productivity as workers without disability may not always be possible.
Identification of an epicardial slow conduction channel using ripple mapping in ablation of postinfarct ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Takamiya Tomomasa , Inaba Osamu , Nitta Junichi , Goya Masahiko
Published: May 2019

An 82‐year‐old man underwent redo catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) after anterior infarction. A ripple mapping conducting channel (RMCC) was identified within the anterior scar in the left ventricular epicardium during sinus rhythm. Along the RMCC, delayed potentials during sinus rhythm, a good pace map with a long stimulus to the QRS interval, and mid‐diastolic potentials during VT were recorded, and epicardial ablation at this site eliminated the VT. These findings suggested that the RMCC in the epicardial scar served as a critical isthmus of the postinfarct VT, and ablation targeting the RMCC was effective.
FAM83D promotes ovarian cancer progression and its potential application in diagnosis of invasive ovarian cancer
Authors: Zhang Qingyu , Yu Shan , Lok Samson Ian Sam , Wong Alice Sze Tsai , Jiao Yufei , Lee Leo Tsz On
Published: May 2019

Although invasive epithelial ovarian cancer (IOC) and low malignant potential ovarian tumour (LMP) are similar, they are associated with different outcomes and treatment strategies. The current accuracy in distinguishing these diseases is unsatisfactory, leading to delays or unnecessary treatments. We compared the molecular signature of IOC and LMP cases by analysing their transcriptomic data and re‐clustered them according to these data rather than the pathological dissection. We identified that FAM83D was highly expressed in IOC. To verify the role of FAM83D in the progression and metastasis, we used the isogenic ovarian cancer metastatic models, highly metastatic cells (HM) and non‐metastatic cells (NM). Overexpression of FAM83D significantly promoted cell proliferation, migration and spheroid formation. This was consistent with previous data showing that high FAM83D expression is associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. Moreover, similar to the HM cells, the FAM83D‐overexpressing NM cells demonstrated stronger phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and c‐Raf. This indicates that the action of FAM83D is mediated by the activation of the EGFR pathway. Taken together, this report suggested that FAM83D might be an excellent molecular marker to discriminate between IOC and LMP.
Model‐based demographic inference of introgression history in European whitefish species pairs'
Authors: Rougeux Clément , Gagnaire Pierre‐Alexandre , Bernatchez Louis
Published: May 2019

Parallel phenotypic differentiation is generally attributed to parallel adaptive divergence as an evolutionary response to similar environmental contrasts. Such parallelism may actually originate from several evolutionary scenarios ranging from repeated parallel divergence caused by divergent selection to a unique divergence event followed by gene flow. Reconstructing the evolutionary history underlying parallel phenotypic differentiation is thus fundamental to understand the relative contribution of demography and selection on genomic divergence during speciation. In this study, we investigate the divergence history of replicate European whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus), limnetic and benthic species pairs from two lakes in Norway and two lakes in Switzerland. Demographic models accounting for semi‐permeability and linked selection were fitted to the unfolded joint allele frequency spectrum built from genome‐wide SNPs and compared to each other in each species pair. We found strong support for a model of asymmetrical post‐glacial secondary contact between glacial lineages in all four lakes. Moreover, our results suggest that heterogeneous genomic differentiation has been shaped by the joint action of linked selection accelerating lineage sorting during allopatry, and heterogeneous migration eroding divergence at different rates along the genome following secondary contact. Our analyses reveal how the interplay between demography, selection and historical contingency has influenced the levels of diversity observed in previous whitefish phylogeographic studies. This study thus provides new insights into the historical demographic and selective processes that shaped the divergence associated with ecological speciation in European whitefish.
Trade‐offs between life‐history traits in a coldwater fish in the Mediterranean Sea: the case of blue whiting Micromesistius poutassou
Authors: Serrat Alba , Lloret Josep , Frigola‐Tepe Xenia , Muñoz Marta
Published: May 2019

A combination of traditional and emerging methodologies was used to assess the trade‐offs between several life‐history traits (linked to reproduction and condition) and parasitism in a commercially‐exploited cold‐water species, blue whiting Micromesistius poutassou, in the Mediterranean Sea. The use of histological and gravimetric methods revealed conflicting evidence as to the fecundity type (indeterminate or determinate) of this species. Moreover, there seem to be condition‐mediated compensations between egg quality and egg quantity. The effects of parasitism on reproduction and condition are species‐specific and occur mainly at high intensities of infection; they include a lower batch fecundity (affecting reproductive potential), a higher hepatosomatic index and a higher spleen‐somatic index. Considering the fact that larger fish spawn more eggs and that the minimum landing size is lower than the size at maturity, these results may have implications for the future management of M. poutassou stocks in the Mediterranean Sea. Local environmental conditions may account for geographical differences regarding infection in M. poutassou. Altogether, the results support the idea that the complex trade‐offs between parasitism, reproduction and condition need to be considered in order to understand the status of cold‐water species such as M. poutassou.
Electrospray coating of minimally processed strawberries and evaluation of the shelf‐life quality properties
Authors: Cakmak Hulya , Kumcuoglu Seher , Tavman Sebnem
Published: May 2019

In this study, strawberries were coated with electrospraying and dipping method. Water‐in‐oil (w/o) emulsions were used as coating material, and quality parameters, namely water loss, pH, titratable acidity, color, firmness, total antioxidant activity and phenolic content, microbial load, sensory properties, and microstructure of strawberries were evaluated. Moisture loss of strawberries significantly reduced with coating compared to the control sample; however, the reduction in moisture was similar for dip‐coating and electrospraying methods. The brightness of strawberries decreased with storage, while redness, yellowness, and Chroma values were increased significantly (p < .05). The firmness of control and dip‐coated strawberries decreased significantly, but the firmness of electrospray‐coated samples was comparably higher than control and dip‐coated samples. Sensory properties were not affected from the coating formulation, and samples were found as acceptable at the end of storage. Homogeneous coating of the surface was provided with electrospray coating method. Moreover, the electrospray coating has a potential in edible coating applications for fresh fruits and help to extend their shelf life.

Practical Applications

Electrospray coating is a novel coating method of producing fine droplets down to submicron sizes from a conductive or semiconductive feeding solution. This method allows obtaining homogeneous surface coatings with small amount of coating material applications. Thus, excessive coating material consumption and drip loss from the coated target is prevented. Besides regarding electrical potential application during electrospraying, the sprayed material adheres well on the surface to be coated, even if the nonconductive or uneven surface structure is present. Hydrophobic coating material application such as oil‐in‐water based emulsions via electrospraying helps to reduce moisture transfer, and fresh‐cut or minimally processed fruit and vegetable quality is improved during storage. Therefore, w/o emulsion‐based coatings were applied with electrospraying method in order to evaluate coating efficiency by means of quality properties of minimally processed strawberries.