bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Preparing students for what lies ahead”
Authors: McCunney Dennis , Davis C. Ervin , White B. Alex , Howard John
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Dental school curricula increasingly emphasize training in leadership, public health, community engagement and collaboration. Leadership may be defined as a relational process for inspiring and influencing positive change. Leadership training focused on effectively building relationships and partnerships to improve community health is particularly important with the increased emphasis on dental primary care, holistic care, rural care and health disparities. Dentists and other health care providers are encouraged to engage with communities and community partners and organizations to improve healthcare and overall health. To better educate and train dental students to meet these challenges, new and innovative methods of didactic and experiential coursework are needed. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study describes the development, delivery and preliminary evaluation of a community-engaged leadership training program for dental students. The program incorporated student-developed public health project proposals and sessions with simulated community partners based on a simulated rural community with specific oral and general health needs.

Findings

Overall, students felt the training was realistic and valuable for developing leadership skills and preparing them for challenges that could not have been learned through didactic instruction alone. Students gained a better understanding of their own leadership styles, their strengths and weaknesses and their level of developed leadership competencies.

Originality/value

This program is an innovative way to develop leadership applied to public health and community needs and should have implications for ways of teaching leadership to improve oral health outcomes.
Statistical assessment of peer opinions in higher education rankings
Authors: Ghiasi Amir , Fountas Grigorios , Anastasopoulos Panagiotis , Mannering Fred
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Unlike many other quantitative characteristics used to determine higher education rankings, opinion-based peer assessment scores and the factors that may influence them are not well understood. Using peer scores of US colleges of engineering as reported annually in US News and World Report (USNews) rankings, the purpose of this paper is to provide some insights into peer assessments by statistically identifying factors that influence them.

Design/methodology/approach

With highly detailed data, a random parameters linear regression is estimated to statistically identify the factors determining a college of engineering’s average USNews peer assessment score.

Findings

The findings show that a wide variety of college- and university-specific attributes influence average peer impressions of a university’s college of engineering including the size of the faculty, the quality of admitted students and the quality of the faculty measured by their citation data and other factors.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates that average peer assessment scores can be readily and accurately predicted with observable data on the college of engineering and the university as a whole. In addition, the individual parameter estimates from the statistical modeling in this paper provide insights as to how specific college and university attributes can help guide policies to improve an individual college’s average peer assessment scores and its overall ranking.
How consumers respond to social norms: an evidence from pay-what-you-want (PWYW) pricing
Authors: Narwal Preeti , Nayak Jogendra Kumar
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate consumer behaviour in response to social norms under pay-what-you-want (PWYW) pricing. Specifically, it explores the critical role of social norms such as norm priming and consumer prior trust in the retailer on consumers’ perceived price fairness, trust, willingness to pay, purchase intentions and intentions to spread negative word of mouth about the retailer.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on dependent measures were collected through the scenario-based online experimental approach and assessed using MANOVA analysis.

Findings

Results confirm the significance of norms by indicating the critical role of norm belief on consumer responses. Also, increasing the salience of norms by priming them usually intensifies negative behaviour, and pre-existing trust in the retailer serves as an imperfect cushion against consumer negative reactions to norm violation, but this effect is observed to be decreasing with increase in prior trust.

Research limitations/implications

Further research should consider the contextual (time, place, media) influences and assumptions to increase the generalizability of the findings.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to explicitly examine the effects of social-norm compliance by sellers on consumer behaviour in the context of PWYW pricing.
Lifeworld in co-designing with informal carers
Authors: Andréasson Frida , Aidemark Jan , Magnusson Lennart , Strömberg Anna , Hanson Elizabeth Jane
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on carers’ experiences of being involved in the development of a web-based support programme for carers of people with heart failure (CPwHF), and discuss the challenges related to their involvement in the development process. The focus was on the different phases in the project as well as the methodological challenges and opportunities that occurred in the user group sessions conducted.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopt an explorative design studying a co-design process to develop an information and communication technology based support programme for and with CPwHF. Habermas’ concepts of lifeworld and system are used as a theoretical framework to analyse the co-design process employed in the study.

Findings

Reflecting on the co-design approach adopted, the findings highlight the methodological challenges that arise with carer involvement and the possible tensions that occur between researchers’ ambitions to include users in the design process, and the goal of developing a product or service, in the different phases of the design process.

Originality/value

Findings highlight that there is a tension between the system and lifeworld in the co-design process which are not totally compatible. The paper highlights that there is a need to develop flexible and reflexive human-centred design methodologies, able to meet carers’ needs and ideas, and at the same time balance this with proposed research outcomes.
Performance of family-owned firms: the impact of gender at the management level
Authors: Fėlix Elisabete Gomes Santana , David Daniela Sofia Taniça
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of gender (F/M), at the management level, on the family company’s performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Company size, age, region and business sector were used as control variables in order to confirm the adjustment of the model to the theory. GMM dynamic panel models were used in order to control for: endogeneity; time-invariant characteristics; possible collinearity between independent variables; effects from possible omission of independent variables; elimination of non-observable individual effects; and the correct estimation of the relationship between the dependent variable in the previous and current periods. The study used data from 199 Portuguese family companies, from 2006 to 2014.

Findings

The results confirm the hypothesis from corporate governance literature, which argues that board diversity is potentially positively related to firm performance, showing that the presence of a female element in family firms’ direction has positive impacts on their performance, compared to those with only male elements. Also, the results show that region and sector of activity are factors influencing family firm performance. Finally, the study confirms that company size and age are variables helping to explain these companies’ life-cycle.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature on family firms regarding the effect of gender on family firm performance. The use of dynamic panel data models will make a strong contribution to this, as the problem of endogeneity is dealt with correctly here through using these models, and the possible collinearity between independent variables and correct estimation of the relationship between the dependent variable in previous and current periods.
The diplomatic spouse
Authors: Gudmundsdottir Svala , Gudlaugsson Thorhallur Orn , Adalsteinsson Gylfi Dalmann
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between adjustment, social support and satisfaction with life for expatriate spouses. The sample consists of European diplomatic spouses, residing all over the world.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a quantitative study. The sample consists of European diplomatic spouses, residing all over the world. The sample consists of 268 participants: 231 females and 44 males.

Findings

The findings of this study reveal that there was a significant relationship between adjustment and emotional and instrumental support as well as satisfaction with life. Furthermore, a multiple regression was performed to predict the level of satisfaction with life. Both adjustment and emotional support were statistically significant and they explained nearly 50 percent of the variability in participant’s satisfaction with life.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the paper include, for example, method bias, language and geographic location.

Practical implications

Foreign Ministries within the European Union (EU) will be in a better position to improve their expatriate programs and policies. Furthermore, this study indicated that the well-being of diplomatic spouses can be enhanced by considering how social support is provided, the level of adjustment and satisfaction with life.

Social implications

This study highlights the importance for diplomatic spouses to belonging to various groups, and group membership serves as a means to gain access to social networks. Therefore, being part of support groups of other expatriate spouses can aid cross-cultural adjustment.

Originality/value

Little is known about diplomatic spouses. This paper will be an important first step in examining the relationship between adjustment, social support and satisfaction with life for the spouses of diplomats working for the Foreign Ministries within the EU and European Economic Area.
Effectiveness of increase health volunteer ability program in basic care for the dependent elderly in the communities, Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand
Authors: Karuhadej Premwadee , Popijan Monrudee , Danpradit Prapaiwan
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study and compare knowledge and skills in basic care for the dependent elderly of health volunteers before and after the increase in ability program participation.

Design/methodology/approach

Quasi experimental research includes one group pretest-posttest design. The research was conducted from January to March 2018. The samples were 30 health volunteers in Nakorn Pathom Province selected by purposive sampling. They were all female, aged 20–50 years, with minimal education level of early secondary school and were current or former health volunteers. The increase ability program consisted of lecture and skill practice by demonstration and individual replay demonstration. The program duration was 30 h with 19 h of skill practice and 2 days of site visit to the dependent elderly’ homes. The tool for collecting data was a questionnaire for the evaluation of knowledge and skills in basic care for the dependent elderly. The data were analyzed by means, standard deviation and paired t-test.

Findings

After the increase in ability program participation, the health volunteers had very good level of knowledge in basic care for the dependent elderly with statistical significance (p<0.01) and had most correct skills in basic care for the dependent elderly with a score of 9 from 11 items.

Originality/value

Knowledge and skills in basic care for the dependent elderly of the health volunteers increased to a very good level after program participation. Thailand should provide periodic and continuous training program to increase health volunteers’ knowledge and skills in basic elderly care to provide care for the elderly with most benefits.
The enforcement of the global sulfur cap in maritime transport
Authors: Topali Dimitra , Psaraftis Harilaos N.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The International Maritime Organization has decided that as of 1.1.2020, SOx content in a ship’s emissions should be no more than 0.5 per cent. The purpose of this paper is to address the various challenges expected to arise from the enforcement of the global cap sulfur regulation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors outline various enforcement options and present a model that calculates the profits from noncompliance in the high seas, so as to help determine the level of fines that could be imposed in case of violation.

Findings

The main finding is that a harmonized system of fines, which are more than potential savings from cheating, would be a strong deterrent for compliance.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, no paper in the maritime literature on sulfur regulations has focused on enforcement as of yet.
Building sustainable circular agriculture in China: economic viability and entrepreneurship
Authors: Zhu Qin , Jia Renan , Lin Xiaohua
Published: April 2019

Purpose

In the context of China, the purpose of this paper is to empirically answer three related questions: Could circular agriculture (CA) attain economic, ecological and social benefits simultaneously? What is key to a successful CA business in emerging economies? And who plays the vital role in building and sustaining a circular business?

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a field study and looks at a farm in China. It uses a triangulation methodology to collect information. Besides longitudinal filed work at the farm, the researchers have also interviewed multiple stakeholders and conducted field research at the local markets.

Findings

With concrete performance data, the study proves that a circular approach can help achieve ecological, economic and social goals together. It shows that economic viability is essential to succeeding in circular operation, sufficient production pathways are required to make such operation sustainable, and entrepreneurship is key to build and grow a circular business.

Research limitations/implications

The findings point to the crucial role of entrepreneurship in promoting the circular model in emerging economies. These findings, however, may not be readily generalizable, given the limitations of the case study approach.

Practical implications

The study highlights a few areas in which government assistance can make a difference, including financial incentives, information provision, technical support and most importantly the creation of a positive environment for entrepreneurial development.

Originality/value

While prior research emphasizes the role of government in promoting circular economy in developing and emerging markets, the study proves that entrepreneurship is key to turning government initiatives into economically viable and sustainable circular operation.
The growth of knowledge through the resource-based view
Authors: Nagano Hiroko
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The resource-based view (RBV) has not previously been conceptualized as a theoretical framework encompassing metaphysical and empirical perspectives. The purpose of this paper is to logically analyze the evolutionary process of the RBV, triggered by “rigidity.” It attempts to clarify the significance and limitations of the RBV.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on Popper’s methodological model of the growth of knowledge, the study analyzed and evaluated the evolution of the RBV.

Findings

The RBV has evolved in three phases. The sub-problems have changed through empirical testing on the basis of one metaphysical problem and one metaphysical theory. Thus, the evolution may indicate progress within one framework. However, during phase 3, the ambiguity of concept may inhibit the growth of knowledge. For further progress, it is necessary to overcome the vulnerability of the RBV’s metaphysical statements.

Research limitations/implications

This paper shows the possibility of the growth of knowledge within the RBV framework and for a new framework to emerge due to its limitations. It should contribute both theoretically and practically to the field of strategic management.

Originality/value

Popper’s model was used to examine a previously neglected topic, namely, the growth of knowledge in the evolution of the RBV. Moreover, considering “rigidity” as corresponding to a process of error elimination is a novel approach, clearly revealing the dynamism of the RBV’s evolution.
Sources of value creation and destruction in horizontal mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Ibrahimi Mohammed , Meghouar Hicham
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determiners to create and destroy value in horizontal mergers and acquisitions (M&A) using accounting indicators supposed to influence the new entity’s value.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 90 French listed companies and stepwise regression method, the authors test eight accounting indicators supposed to influence the new entity’s value.

Findings

To create value after a horizontal M&A, it is necessary to concentrate on turnover and the restructuring of charges without neglecting the control of debt capacity. To avoid destroying value after a horizontal M&A, it is necessary to concentrate on the control of debt capacity and restructuring of charges in order to reduce financial charges and financial risk. Horizontal M&A also create value through the reduction of investment costs and through tax optimization.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is different from other contributions in that the majority of existing literature concerning the sources of value creation in M&A has been based on abnormal returns or microeconomic data. This paper analyzes accounting data that are likely to be influenced over the long term by corporate decision making. These kinds of decisions influence the firm’s value as well as the long-term gains that industrial investors may hope to obtain.

Originality/value

This study makes a significant contribution to the existing literature insofar as it seeks to divide the sources of value creation into three categories: sales synergy, cost synergies and hybrid synergies. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is also the first study to provide explanations from companies’ accounting data, which can lead managers to a greater vision of post-merger strategy management, reinforcing the mechanism for value creation.
M&A deal-making: Disney, Marvel and the value of “hidden assets”
Authors: Calandro Jr. Joseph
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This paper discusses the concept of hidden assets in the context of Disney’s 2009 acquisition of the Marvel Entertainment Group (Marvel), and its value realization activities post-acquisition.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a hidden assets-based value realization analysis of the 2009 acquisition of Marvel by Disney. It draws on a previously published case study of that acquisition as well as further research conducted by the author.

Findings

The Disney-Marvel acquisition supports the view that hidden assets-based analysis can be a powerful M&A tool and an equally powerful value realization tool when managed strategically over time.

Practical implications

The Disney acquisition of Marvel is a dramatic example of how knowledge of hidden assets can be used to do a deal in a competitive marketplace and how the disciplined management of those assets over time can realize a “blue ocean” of value post-acquisition.

Originality/value

This is the first paper we are aware that evaluates the hidden assets of the Disney-Marvel acquisition. It follows another paper that evaluated the acquisition (Joseph Calandro, Jr., “Disney’s Marvel Acquisition: A Strategic Financial Analysis,” Strategy & Leadership, Vol. 38, No. 2 (2010), pp. 42-51), which followed a paper that evaluated Marvel’s 1996 bankruptcy filing (Joseph Calandro, Jr., “Distressed M&A and Corporate Strategy: Lessons from Marvel Entertainment Group’s Bankruptcy,” Strategy & Leadership, Vol. 37, No. 4 (2009), pp. 23-32).
Opportunity-based growth management: enabling a company-wide effort to proactively take advantage of new business prospects
Authors: Biloshapka Vladyslav , Osiyevskyy Oleksiy
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The growth imperative dominating in today’s market economy implies that shareholder value creation can happen only through constant, profitable growth of the business. The article offers a process for increasing the effectiveness of a firm’s strategy by improving the quality and number of growth opportunities it enables managers to take advantage of.

Design/methodology/approach

To address the problem of bridging the strategizing process with emerging opportunity landscapes, the current paper offers a practical approach for establishing opportunity-based growth management (OGM) system, comprising six basic components: Understanding, Scanning, Articulating, Testing, Choosing, and Organizing.

Findings

The presented approach allows the management to notice and exploit the emerging market opportunities before competitors, to leverage the full information available within the company (particularly among front-line employees), and to assess the current company’s business model and make the necessary adjustments.

Practical implications

A case study of the process in action is presented.

Originality/value

The proposed OGM framework enables higher-level linking of the “strategy-as-learning” with “strategy-as-planning” paradigms.
The Limits to Collaboration Across Four of the Most Innovative UK Industries
Authors: Audretsch David B. , Belitski Maksim
Published: April 2019

This study demonstrates the importance and limits to external knowledge collaboration across different geographical dimensions and the most innovative UK industries (knowledge‐intensive business services (KIBS), high‐tech manufacturing, information and communication technologies (ICT), creative industries). Traditionally, this issue has presented a challenge for the geography of innovation, external knowledge sourcing and open innovation literatures, in terms of first identifying the phenomenon and second measuring it. We propose and estimate a structural model that estimates the knowledge production function with innovation inputs and outputs at the firm level. Our sample includes 19,510 observations and 17,859 firms, mainly from the UK Innovation Survey and the Business Registry. We demonstrate that external collaboration may bestow a significant advantage for innovation developed by the firm and in collaboration with other businesses, but there are limits to collaboration. They are likely to be better offset by firms in knowledge‐intense sectors (KIS), while they remain consistent across collaboration with partners across four geographical regions. Our findings call for further research on innovation and revision of national and regional innovation policies.
Transnational Board Interlocks as a Source of Non‐experiential Knowledge for the Firm in Foreign Markets
Authors: González Carlos
Published: April 2019

Board interlocks between firms headquartered in different countries are increasing. We contribute to the understanding of this practice by investigating the transnational interlocks formed by the 100 largest British firms between 2011 and 2014. We explore the association between different attributes of a firm's internationalization process, namely performance, structural and attitudinal, and the extent of the firm's engagement in transnational interlocks. We posit that the value of transnational interlocks as a non‐experiential source of knowledge will vary according to which of these three attributes becomes more prominent as the firm internationalizes. We do not find a significant relationship between the performance and structural attributes of internationalization, as measured by the firm's percentage of foreign sales and assets, respectively, and increased engagement in transnational interlocks. We do, however, find an inverted U‐shaped relationship between the attitudinal attribute of internationalization, represented by the psychic dispersion of the firm's foreign operations, and the firm's number of transnational interlocks. This non‐linear relationship reveals both a natural boundary for the firm's capacity to engage in transnational interlocks and a reduced willingness to engage in such ties once a certain degree of attitudinal internationalization has been reached.
Change in geographic access to community health centers after Health Center Program expansion
Authors: Evans Leigh , Charns Martin P. , Cabral Howard J. , Fabian M. Patricia
Published: April 2019

Objective

To examine geographic access to community health centers (CHC accessibility) before and after Health Center Program expansion in three Southern states.

Data Sources

Community health center data were from the Health Resources and Services Administration (1967‐2016). Population estimates and sociodemographic characteristics were from the American Community Survey (2006‐2015).

Study Design

We used the two‐step floating catchment area method to calculate CHC accessibility for census tracts in 2008 and 2016. We mapped census tract‐level variation and used spatial regression to assess to what extent indicators of potential CHC need were associated with change in accessibility from 2008 to 2016.

Principal Findings

Community health center accessibility increased by 192 percent overall, and the proportion of tracts with no accessibility decreased by 65 percent. Indicators of potential need were not associated with greater gains in CHC accessibility from 2008 to 2016, but census tracts with less accessibility at baseline saw larger accessibility increases.

Conclusions

Community health center accessibility substantially increased from 2008 to 2016, but increases did not differentially impact groups with greater potential need. This approach for measuring CHC accessibility offers significant improvement in granularity over traditional CHC accessibility measures.
Dietary intervention strategies for ethnic Chinese women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wan Ching S. , Nankervis Alison , Teede Helena , Aroni Rosalie
Published: April 2019

Aim

Ethnic Chinese women are one of the populations at high risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) internationally. This systematic review aimed to determine which dietary intervention strategies were found to be effective in improving glycaemic control and pregnancy outcomes among ethnic Chinese women with GDM.

Methods

The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42016043585). Eight English and four Chinese language databases were searched for randomised controlled trials and cohort studies of dietary intervention among ethnic Chinese women with GDM. Review Manager 5.3 and GRADE criteria were used in meta‐analysis and assessment of quality of evidence.

Results

Included studies comprised 3944 women in 29 eligible studies. Compared to standard treatment, low glycaemic index (GI) diets, low glycaemic load (GL) diets and fibre‐enriched diets were associated with a reduction in fasting plasma glucose, 2‐hour plasma glucose and HbA1c, and improved neonatal outcomes. Low GL diets were associated with reduced caesarean section risk.

Conclusions

In ethnic Chinese women with GDM, low GI diets, low GL diets and fibre‐enriched diets were associated with improved glycaemic control and pregnancy outcomes. Given the lack of direct comparison of these three diets, future direct comparison trials are necessary to determine optimal dietary intervention strategies.
metapop2: Re‐implementation of software for the analysis and management of subdivided populations using gene and allelic diversity
Authors: López‐Cortegano Eugenio , Pérez‐Figueroa Andrés , Caballero Armando
Published: April 2019

Management programmes often have to make decisions based on the analysis of the genetic properties and diversity of populations. Expected heterozygosity (or gene diversity) and population structure parameters are often used to make recommendations for conservation, such as avoidance of inbreeding or migration across subpopulations. Allelic diversity, however, can also provide complementary and useful information for conservation programmes, as it is highly sensitive to population bottlenecks, and is more related to long‐term selection response than heterozygosity. Here we present a completely revised and updated re‐implementation of the software metapop for the analysis of diversity in subdivided populations, as well as a tool for the management and dynamic estimation of optimal contributions in conservation programmes. This new update includes computation of allelic diversity for population analysis and management, as well as a simulation mode to forecast the consequences of taking different management strategies over time. Furthermore, the new implementation in C++ includes code optimization and improved memory usage, allowing for fast analysis of large data sets including single nucleotide polymorphism markers, as well as enhanced cross‐software and cross‐platform compatibility.
Vitamin D serum levels and the risk of digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis: A longitudinal study
Authors: Caimmi Cristian , Bertoldo Eugenia , Pozza Alice , Caramaschi Paola , Orsolini Giovanni , Gatti Davide , Rossini Maurizio , Viapiana Ombretta
Published: April 2019

Aim

Low levels of vitamin D (25OHD) have been found to associated with digital ulcers (DUs) in systemic sclerosis (SSc), although only cross‐sectional studies have been performed. We aimed to investigate if variations in vitamin D serum levels over time affect DU in SSc.

Methods

This is a retrospective study on 65 patients. 25OHD was measured in 2011 and 2016 and its variations correlated with DU.

Results

The mean age of our cohort was 58 (SD 12) years with a mean disease duration of 9.5 (5.3) years. Most of our patients had a limited SSc (69.2%). At baseline 50.8% and 41.5% after 5 years had 25OHD <30 ng/mL. Patients receiving supplementation (8750 IU/wk) at baseline numbered 39 (60.0%) and 45 (69.2%) at the end of follow up. Nevertheless, 31 (47.7%) had a decrease of 25OHD in 5 years. In univariate analysis, patients with incident DU had a decrease in 25OHD as compared to patients with no incident DU (−17.4 [37.0] vs 13.0 [89.5], P = 0.018). No differences in 25OHD variations were found for other disease characteristics. In multivariate analysis correcting for previous DU and modified Rodnan Skin Score at baseline, patients with a decrease in 25OHD had an increased risk of developing DU (odds ratio 16.6; 95% CI 1.7‐164.5, P = 0.017).

Conclusions

A decrease in 25OHD is associated with the risk of developing DUs. In addition, vitamin D supplementation with the doses currently recommended may be insufficient in SSc. Further studies in wider cohorts are needed to confirm these results.
When is upstream collusion profitable?
Authors: Gu Dingwei , Yao Zhiyong , Zhou Wen , Bai Rangrang
Published: April 2019

Motivated by the recent antitrust cases in which Japanese auto parts suppliers colluded to raise supply prices against their long‐term collaborators, the Japanese carmakers, we study the conditions under which an upstream collusion is profitable even after compensating downstream direct purchasers. Oligopoly competition in successive industries is shown to give rise to a vertical externality and a horizontal externality. If a collusive price of intermediate goods better balances the two externalities, the collusion will raise the joint profit of all firms in the two industries and is therefore profitable for the upstream after compensation of downstream firms.
Dynamic financial contracting with persistent private information
Authors: Fu Shiming , Krishna R. Vijay
Published: April 2019

We study a dynamic agency model where the agent privately observes the firm's cash flows that are subject to persistent shocks. We characterize the policy dynamics and implement the optimal contract by financial securities. Because bad performance distorts investors' beliefs downward, the agent has less incentive to misrepresent information. The agent's compensation is less than what he can divert and is convex in performance. As private information becomes more persistent, (i) the agent is compensated more by stock options; (ii) firm credit limits vary more with history, dropping after bad performance; (iii) the firm is financially constrained for longer time.
Optimal cut‐off for hourly lactate reduction in ICU‐treated patients with septic shock
Authors: Promsin Panuwat , Grip Jonathan , Norberg Åke , Wernerman Jan , Rooyackers Olav
Published: April 2019

Background

A decrease in lactate concentration over time during septic shock is associated with favourable outcomes. However, if this applies to hourly intervals during the initial time period in the ICU is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is an early hourly reduction rate of lactate that is related to clinical outcome in septic shock patients treated in the ICU.

Methods

A cohort of adult septic shock patients admitted to the ICU with an initial lactate level >2 mmol/L and receiving vasopressor was retrospectively analysed. Mean hourly reduction rate of lactate (ΔLact/h) was calculated individually from all lactate concentrations measured from inclusion until normalization of lactate (≤1.5 mmol/L) within 24 hours. The mortality at 30 days following ICU admission was evaluated.

Results

Among 1405 ICU admissions during 2 years, 104 patients were eligible. Mortality rate at 30 days was 34%. The optimal cut‐off values of baseline lactate and ΔLact/h for 30‐day mortality were 4 mmol/L and 2.5%/h. When stratifying the patients by these cut‐points, those with baseline lactate > 4 mmol/L and ΔLact/h < 2.5%/h had lowest probability of survival (27%). Multivariable logistic regression showed that ΔLact/h <2.5%/h, baseline lactate >4 mmol/L and high Simplified Acute Physiology Score III were independent risk factors of 30‐day mortality.

Conclusions

In this retrospective pilot cohort, a mean reduction rate of lactate <2.5%/h within the first 24 hours of ICU stay was associated with an increased risk of 30‐day mortality in septic shock patients.
Different pharmaceutical preparations of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol differentially affect its behavioral effects in rats
Authors: Rohleder Cathrin , Pahlisch Franziska , Graf Rudolf , Endepols Heike , Leweke F. Markus
Published: April 2019

Based on the contribution of the endocannabinoid system to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, the primary pro‐psychotic ingredient of Cannabis sativa, Δ‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ‐9‐THC), is used in preclinical as well as clinical research to mimic schizophrenia‐like symptoms. While it is common to administer lipid‐based formulations of Δ‐9‐THC in human studies orally, intraperitoneal injections of water‐based solutions are used in animal models. Because of the poor water solubility of Δ‐9‐THC, solubilizers such as ethanol and/or emulsifiers are needed for these preparations. In order to test whether a lipid‐based solvent would be superior over a water‐based vehicle in rats, we compared the effects on locomotor activity and prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle reaction, as well as pharmacokinetic data obtained from rats' serum and brain tissue samples. Up to 50 mg/kg Δ‐9‐THC in the lipid‐based formulation was not able to induce any behavioral alterations, while already 5 mg/kg of the water‐based Δ‐9‐THC preparation significantly reduced locomotor activity. This also induced a small but significant PPI reduction, which was prepulse intensity dependent. Interestingly, the reflexive motor response to the startle stimulus was not affected by the water‐based Δ‐9‐THC solution. Analysis of serum and brain Δ‐9‐THC levels by high‐performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry revealed that although the final concentration reached in the brain was comparable for both pharmaceutical preparations, the water‐based formulation achieved a faster kinetic. We, therefore, conclude that the slope of the Δ‐9‐THC concentration‐time curve and the resulting cannabinoid receptor type 1 activation per time unit are responsible for the induction of behavioral alterations.
Factors predicting recurrence of gestational diabetes in a high‐risk multi‐ethnic population
Authors: Wong Vincent W. , Chong Shanley , Chenn Roxanne , Jalaludin Bin
Published: April 2019

Background

Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study examined predictors for GDM recurrence at their next pregnancy in a multi‐ethnic population. Clinical outcomes of women with GDM at the index as well as the subsequent pregnancies were also compared.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective review of women with GDM (between 2008 and 2016) who had a subsequent pregnancy at a tertiary institution was conducted. The clinical characteristics of both pregnancies were documented.

Results

Among 3587 singleton pregnancies complicated by GDM, 501 fell pregnant again and 367 (73.1%) developed GDM in their subsequent pregnancies. Subsequent pregnancies had higher birthweight (3426 ± 563 vs 3290 ± 506 g, P < 0.001) but the rate of pre‐eclampsia was lower (1.0% vs 4.2%, P = 0.003). Univariate analysis showed that older age, prior history of GDM, pre‐pregnant body mass index (BMI), two‐hour glucose level on glucose tolerance test (GTT), insulin requirement at the index pregnancy, and inter‐pregnancy weight gain were associated with recurrent GDM. Using stepwise logistic regression analysis, pre‐pregnant BMI, glucose levels on GTT at index pregnancy and inter‐pregnancy weight gain were independent predictors for recurrent GDM. The odds ratios for recurrent GDM among those who gained more than 8 kg were 20.5 (5.0–84.5), compared with those who lost over 5 kg between the two pregnancies. GDM recurrence rate was independent of ethnic backgrounds.

Conclusion

Women with GDM have high risk of GDM recurrence at their next pregnancy. Inter‐pregnancy weight gain is a strong predictor of recurrent GDM, and strategies to help women lose weight post‐partum may be invaluable.
Creating Nature in the Yucatan Peninsula: Social Inequality and the Production of Eco‐Archaeological Parks
Authors: Kurnick Sarah
Published: April 2019

Over the last several decades, scholars have reexamined the importance of spatiality to human life and argued that space produces and is produced by social relationships. This article adopts such a relational understanding of space to examine the production of eco‐archaeological tourist attractions in the eastern Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and beyond. Specifically, this article considers the common practice of declaring areas encompassing archaeological sites as nature parks or wildernesses. Because so many sites are currently located in areas that have been deemed natural, scholars cannot fully understand the contemporary production of archaeological space without examining the historic production of nature and wilderness. Using the Xcaret Eco‐Archaeological Park and the Otoch Ma'ax Yetel Kooh, this article shows that although the creation of archaeological nature parks frequently harms indigenous peoples through processes of spatial colonization and spatial commodification, the production of such spaces can also enable and empower local, marginalized groups. [wilderness, political authority social inequality, community archaeology, the Maya]
Blue Seattle: Immanent ethics and contemporary urbanisation
Authors: Harris Keith
Published: April 2019

This paper asserts that critical investigations into the urbanisation process should consider the actually existing ethics of the process itself, without defaulting to transcendent normative principles. Grounded in an ontology of immanence, as presented in Deleuze and Guattari's (9) political philosophy, I argue that attention must be paid to the production and transformation of normativity. Using the redevelopment of the South Lake Union (SLU) neighbourhood of Seattle – (in)famously home to Amazon, but largely envisioned and developed by Paul Allen's investment and philanthropic organisation, Vulcan – as an analytical starting point, this paper sketches out a profile of the “blue” dimension of the genesis of Seattle's environmental ethic, from early efforts to reshape the region's hydrology and address water pollution in Lake Washington, through efforts by governmental bodies and Vulcan to protect water quality and salmon habitat, and on to a large‐scale infrastructure project – the Elliott Bay Seawall replacement – that includes features to enhance biodiversity and ecological functioning in the nearshore environment. In tracking these movements, I identify the emergence of an explicitly post‐anthropocentric ethic from what initially appears as an aesthetic concern, while also highlighting the ongoing complexification of an earlier engineering ethic that dates back to the earliest attempts by settlers to manage the natural environment.
Expanding the horizons: Uncontrolled donors after circulatory death for lung transplantation—First comparison with brain death donors
Authors: Valdivia Daniel , Gómez de Antonio David , Hoyos Lucas , Campo‐Cañaveral de la Cruz Jose Luis , Romero Alejandra , Varela de Ugarte Andrés
Published: April 2019

Uncontrolled donation after cardiac death is an appealing source of organs for lung transplantation. We compare early and long‐term outcomes of lung transplantation with these donors with a cohort of transplants from brain death donors at our institution. Retrospective analysis of all lung transplantations was performed from 2002 to 2012. We collected variables regarding recipients, donors, recover and transplant procedures, early and late complications, and survival. We included 292 lung transplants from brain death donors and 38 from uncontrolled donors after cardiac death. Both groups were comparable except for sex mismatch (male recipient‐female donor was more frequent in the brain death cohort, 17.8% vs 0%, P 0.002), total ischemic time (longer for donors after cardiac death, 657 minutes for the first lung and 822 minutes for the second vs 309 and 425 minutes, P < 0.001), and ex vivo evaluation (more frequent in cardiac death donors, 21.1% vs 1.4%, P < 0.001). Early and late outcomes were not different (ICU stay [9 vs 10.5 days], hospital stay [33.5 vs 35 days], primary graft dysfunction G3 [24 vs 34.2%], and chronic graft dysfunction HR 1.19 [0.61‐2.32]), but overall survival was significantly lower for patients transplanted from cardiac death donors [HR 1.67 (1.06‐2.64)]. Lung transplantation after uncontrolled cardiac death offers poorer results in terms of survival compared to brain death donation. Refinement of current strategies for graft preservation and evaluation is essential to improve outcomes with this source of grafts.
Formal‐sector employment and Africa's youth employment crisis: Irrelevance or policy priority?
Authors: Sumberg James , Flynn Justin , Mader Philip , Mwaura Grace , Oosterom Marjoke , Sam‐Kpakra Robert , Shittu Ayodele Ibrahim
Published: April 2019

Motivation

Youth employment has risen to the top of Africa's development agenda. But there is an often‐ignored tension between the current focus of policy and implementation on self‐employment and entrepreneurship, and the ability of employment in the informal economy to meet the commitment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to “decent work for all”. Formal‐sector employment is more likely to offer decent work, but a policy focus on it can be dismissed as unrealistic, if not elitist.

Purpose

This paper aims to review and synthesize evidence about formal‐sector employment in countries in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) and young people's engagement with it, for the purpose of bringing such employment more centrally into policy and interventions to address the continent's youth employment crisis.

Approach and methods

The article reviews evidence provided by selected labour‐market surveys and recent research studies from SSA on formal‐sector employment and informal employment within the formal sector.

Findings

Formal‐sector employment is concentrated in urban areas, as are the vast majority of young Africans who have completed secondary school, and it is more likely to provide decent work than other forms of employment. These facts make it a serious mistake to underestimate the role of employment in the formal sector in addressing Africa's youth employment challenge.

Policy implication

A long‐term commitment to (a) the creation of new employment opportunities within the formal sector and (b) improving the governance of labour markets should be central to the co‐ordinated response to Africa's youth employment crisis. Building on the existing base of educated young people and formal‐sector employment in urban areas is likely to be the most effective way of creating a “decent work economy”.
Facing the Civic Love Gap: James Baldwin's Civic Education for Interpersonal Solidarity
Authors: Fantuzzo John P.
Published: April 2019

In this essay John Fantuzzo critiques civic education's current focus on power and turns to James Baldwin's conception of love as offering an alternative approach. Fantuzzo's argument is that Baldwin's understanding of love can contribute to civic education by disclosing the significance of interpersonal solidarity between citizens, a significance that is obscured when power is of primary focus. He develops this argument by first examining the work of love in Baldwin's fiction and nonfiction. He then analyzes what he calls the familiar story in civic education, which is conceptually based in identity politics, progress, and power. Finding a sophisticated rehearsal of the familiar story in Meira Levinson's No Citizen Left Behind, Fantuzzo illuminates for readers how, despite the many strengths of her book, Levinson's focus on power obscures the need for interpersonal solidarity in civic education. He concludes by providing a close reading of Baldwin's “A Letter to My Nephew” in order to explain Baldwin's guiding principles for a civic education that prioritizes the work of love. Without ignoring social inequities or the need for civic empowerment, Fantuzzo shows that Baldwin contributes to civic education by prioritizing the work of love and instructing his nephew, and the reading public, to face the civic love gap.