bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Institutional blockholders and the variability of firm performance
Authors: Huang Peng , Lu Yue 
Published: December 2020

PurposeWe examine the effect of institutional blockholders on the variability of firm performance.Design/methodology/approachWe use OLS regression models to estimate the effect of institutional blockholders on within-firm, over-time variability of firm performance.FindingsWe find that firms with more institutional blockholders experience less variable firm performance. In particular, more institutional blockholders are associated with less variability of annual stock returns, ROA and the market-to-book ratio. We further explore several underlying mechanisms through with institutional blockholders reduce firm performance variability. We find that more institutional blockholders are associated with less variable capital expenditures and R&D investments, and less frequent acquisition activities.Research limitations/implicationsA limitation of this paper is that our sample period only covers 1996–2006. Future studies can extend our research to a more recent period (e.g. 2009–2019) to test whether our findings remain valid in other periods.Practical implicationsWe document a significant relation between institutional blockholders and firm performance variability in this paper. However, we do not make any judgment as to whether firms should increase their institutional blockholders as it is unclear whether the caused reduction in risk-taking is socially efficient. We argue that the value implication of institutional blockholders depends on the existing blockholder structure and the different levels of risk appetite between the CEO and shareholders. Thus, the decision on the increase or decrease of institutional blockholders should be carefully made based on a firm’s specific characteristics.Originality/valueThis paper is a first study which examines the impact of the presence of institutional blockholders on the variability of firm performance, while most prior studies focus on the stock ownership of institutional blockholders and examine its impact on the level of firm performance.
Enriching TPACK in mathematics education: using digital interactive notebooks in synchronous online learning environments
Authors: Galanti Terrie McLaughlin , Baker Courtney Katharine , Morrow-Leong Kimberly , Kraft Tammy 
Published: December 2020

Purpose
In spring 2020, educators throughout the world abruptly shifted to emergency remote teaching in response to an emerging pandemic. The instructors of a graduate-level synchronous online geometry and measurement course for practicing school teachers redesigned their summative assessments. Their goals were to reduce outside-of-class work and to model the integration of content, pedagogy and technology. This paper aims to describe the development of a digital interactive notebook (dINB) assignment using online presentation software, dynamic geometry tools and mathematical learning trajectories. Broader implications for dINBs as assessments in effective distance learning are presented.

Design/methodology/approach
The qualitative analysis in this study consists of a sequence of first-cycle coding of mid-semester surveys and second-cycle thematic categorizations of mid-semester surveys and end-of-course reflections. Descriptive categorization counts along with select quotations from open-ended participant responses provided a window on evolving participant experiences with the dINB across the course.

Findings
Modifications to the dINB design based on teacher mid-semester feedback created a flexible assessment tool aligned with the technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) framework. The teachers also constructed their own visions for adapting the dINB for student-centered instructional technology integration in their own virtual classrooms.

Originality/value
The development of the dINB enriched the TPACK understandings of the instructors in this study. It also positioned teachers to facilitate innovative synchronous and blended learning in their own school communities. Further analysis of dINB artifacts in future studies will test the hypothesis that practicing teachers’ experiences as learners increased their TPACK knowledge.
Evaluation of certified B Corps in the apparel, footwear and accessory industry
Authors: Li Jitong , Leonas Karen K. 
Published: December 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the sustainability performances of apparel, footwear and accessory (AFA) B Corps, providing companies, especially micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, with reasonable suggestions on how to incorporate the concept of sustainability efficiently.

Design/methodology/approach
This study focused on 117 AFA B Corps. B Corps’ overall sustainability performances consist of their performances in the five areas of governance, workers, community, environment and customers. First, the 117 B Corps’ performances in these areas were compared. Second, multiple regression models were built to predict the B Corps’ sustainability performances based on their inherent characteristics (headquarter location, age, size and industry sector). Third, according to the B Corps’ performances in the five areas, the B Corps were clustered using the hieratical clustering method.

Findings
This study found that the B Corps’ performances in different areas were significantly different and their performances in the area of the community were better than in the other four areas. The B Corps’ characteristics were correlated to their sustainability performances. For example, company size was positively related to the B Corps’ performances in the area of workers. Additionally, Clusters 1, 2 and 3 were identified and characterized by their competitive performances in the areas of governance, workers and community, respectively.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the knowledge of AFA B Corps’ sustainability performances, identifying the weakness and strongness of the sustainable practices accepted by existing AFA B Corps and lending insights regarding how to predict and improve sustainability performances.
The role of brain size on mammalian population densities
Authors: González‐Suárez Manuela , Gonzalez‐Voyer Alejandro , von Hardenberg Achaz , Santini Luca 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

The local abundance or population density of different organisms often varies widely. Understanding what determines this variation is an important, but not yet fully resolved question in ecology. Differences in population density are partly driven by variation in body size and diet among organisms. Here we propose that the size of an organism’ brain could be an additional, overlooked, driver of mammalian population densities.

We explore two possible contrasting mechanisms by which brain size, measured by its mass, could affect population density. First, because of the energetic demands of larger brains and their influence on life history, we predict mammals with larger relative brain masses would occur at lower population densities. Alternatively, larger brains are generally associated with a greater ability to exploit new resources, which would provide a competitive advantage leading to higher population densities among large‐brained mammals.

We tested these predictions using phylogenetic path analysis, modelling hypothesized direct and indirect relationships between diet, body mass, brain mass and population density for 656 non‐volant terrestrial mammalian species. We analysed all data together and separately for marsupials and the four taxonomic orders with most species in the dataset (Carnivora, Cetartiodactyla, Primates, Rodentia).

For all species combined, a single model was supported showing lower population density associated with larger brains, larger bodies and more specialized diets. The negative effect of brain mass was also supported for separate analyses in Primates and Carnivora. In other groups (Rodentia, Cetartiodactyla and marsupials) the relationship was less clear: supported models included a direct link from brain mass to population density but 95% confidence intervals of the path coefficients overlapped zero.

Results support our hypothesis that brain mass can explain variation in species’ average population density, with large‐brained species having greater area requirements, although the relationship may vary across taxonomic groups. Future research is needed to clarify whether the role of brain mass on population density varies as a function of environmental (e.g. environmental stability) and biotic conditions (e.g. level of competition).
A Probabilistic, Parcel‐Level Inundation Prediction Tool for Medium‐Range Flood Forecasting in Large Lake Systems
Authors: Semmendinger Kyla , Foley Jillian , Steinschneider Scott 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis study contributes a bathtub‐style inundation prediction model with abstractions of coastal processes (i.e., storm surge and wave runup) for flood forecasting at medium‐range (weekly to monthly) timescales along the coastline of large lakes. Uncertainty from multiple data sources are propagated through the model to establish probabilistic bounds of inundation, providing a conservative measure of risk. The model is developed in a case study of the New York Lake Ontario shoreline, which has experienced two record‐setting floods over the course of three years (2017–2019). Predictions are developed at a parcel‐level and are validated using inundation accounts from an online survey and flyover imagery taken during the recent flood events. Model predictions are compared against a baseline, deterministic model that accounts for the same processes but does not propagate forward data uncertainties. Results suggest that a probabilistic approach helps capture observed instances of inundation that would otherwise be missed by a deterministic inundation model. However, downward biases are still present in probabilistic predictions, especially for parcels impacted by wave runup. The goal of the tool is to provide community planners and property owners with a conservative, parcel‐level assessment of flood risk to help inform short‐term emergency response and better prepare for future flood events.
Evaluating the ventilatory effect of transnasal humidified rapid insufflation ventilatory exchange in apnoeic small children with two different oxygen flow rates: a randomised controlled trial*
Authors: Riva T. , Préel N. , Theiler L. , Greif R. , Bütikofer L. , Ulmer F. , Seiler S. , Nabecker S. 
Published: December 2020

SummaryTransnasal humidified rapid insufflation ventilatory exchange prolongs safe apnoeic oxygenation time in children. In adults, transnasal humidified rapid insufflation ventilatory exchange is reported to have a ventilatory effect with PaCO2 levels increasing less rapidly than without it. This ventilatory effect has yet to be reproduced in children. In this non‐inferiority study, we tested the hypothesis that children weighing 10–15 kg exhibit no difference in carbon dioxide clearance when comparing two different high‐flow nasal therapy flow rates during a 10‐min apnoea period. Following standardised induction of anaesthesia including neuromuscular blockade, patients were randomly allocated to high‐flow nasal therapy of 100% oxygen at 2 or 4 l.kg−1.min−1. Airway patency was ensured by continuous jaw thrust. The study intervention was terminated for safety reasons when SpO2 values dropped < 95%, or transcutaneous carbon dioxide levels rose > 9.3 kPa, or near‐infrared spectroscopy values dropped > 20% from their baseline values, or after an apnoeic period of 10 min. Fifteen patients were included in each group. In the 2 l.kg−1.min−1 group, mean (SD) transcutaneous carbon dioxide increase was 0.46 (0.11) kPa.min−1, while in the 4 l.kg−1.min−1 group it was 0.46 (0.12) kPa.min−1. The upper limit of a one‐sided 95%CI for the difference between groups was 0.07 kPa.min−1, lower than the predefined non‐inferiority margin of 0.147 kPa.min−1 (p = 0.001). The lower flow rate of 2 l.kg−1.min−1 was non‐inferior to 4 l.kg−1.min−1 relative to the transcutaneous carbon dioxide increase. In conclusion, an additional ventilatory effect of either 2 or 4 l.kg−1.min−1 high‐flow nasal therapy in apnoeic children weighing 10–15 kg appears to be absent.
Outcome after surgery for pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect, a long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: Wiezell Erik , F. Gudnason Janus , Synnergren Mats , Sunnegårdh Jan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimTo study the long‐term outcome after surgery for pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect (PA‐VSD), and to determine association between the contribution of major aorto‐pulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) to the pulmonary blood flow, comorbidity and cause of death.MethodsPatients who had undergone surgery for PA‐VSD from January 1st 1994 to December 31st 2017 were studied retrospectively. Survival was cross‐checked against the Swedish National Population Register.ResultsSeventy patients were identified, giving an incidence of 5.3 newborns per 100 000 live births. In 41 patients (59%) the pulmonary blood flow originated from a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), while 29 patients (41%) had contribution of the pulmonary blood flow from MAPCAs. Extracardiac disease was found in 34 patients (49%), 16 of whom had 22q11‐microdeletion syndrome (23%). Survival at follow‐up was similar in patients with and without MAPCAs (72.4% vs. 75.6%, n.s.), with a median follow‐up time of 14.3 years (3.2–41.8 years). No difference was found in mortality in patients with or without any syndrome or extracardiac disease.ConclusionLong‐term survival did not differ between those with and without MAPCAs and no difference in mortality was seen in patients with and without concomitant extracardiac disease or any kind of syndrome.
Sensitization to benzyl salicylate and other allergens in patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia
Authors: Pastor‐Nieto María A. , Gatica‐Ortega María E. , Sánchez‐Herreros Consuelo , Vergara‐Sánchez Aránzazu , Martínez‐Mariscal Jaime , De Eusebio‐Murillo Esther 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundContact sensitization is frequent among patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) (52%–76%).ObjectiveTo evaluate the frequency of sensitization/photosensitization in an FFA population.MethodsA population of FFA patients were patch tested (Spanish Contact Dermatitis Research Group [GEIDAC] baseline; cosmetic and fragrance series), and photopatch tested (sunscreen series).ResultsThirty‐six patients (mean age: 64.6 years; 35/36: women) were studied. A history of dermatitis was recorded in 69.4% (frequently involving the face). Overall, 80.5% patients showed positive patch‐test reactions. The most frequently positive allergens were nickel sulfate (25%), benzyl salicylate (22%), gallates (16.6%), propolis (16.6%), and limonene hydroperoxides (13.8%). Benzyl salicylate was likely relevant to the dermatitis (labeled on personal care products and most patients reporting clinical improvement with allergen avoidance). Patch tests with sunscreens showed positive reactions to 11 materials (five patients). Photopatch tests were positive in one case.ConclusionWe speculate a possible relationship between sensitization to benzyl salicylate and FFA. Hypothetically, the most likely explanation is that sensitization to benzyl salicylate involving FFA patients is a consequence of increased exposure to it. It is unclear whether allergen avoidance may impact the prognosis of alopecia. However, it seems to significantly improve the patients´ quality of life by lessening dermatitis and pruritus.
Lichenoid dermatoses with pseudomelanocytic nests vs inflamed melanoma in situ: A comparative study
Authors: Panse Gauri , McNiff Jennifer M. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimsPseudomelanocytic nests or “pseudonests” arising in lichenoid dermatoses can be a diagnostic pitfall for melanoma in situ (MIS), especially on sun‐damaged skin. We sought to evaluate histopathological features that may be helpful in distinguishing this benign process from inflamed MIS.MethodsTen biopsy specimens containing pseudomelanocytic nests within lichenoid dermatoses and twenty cases of inflamed MIS were retrospectively reviewed. Cases with pseudomelanocytic nests represented either a rash (n = 6) or a discrete non‐melanocytic lesion, such as lichenoid keratosis (n = 4).ResultsAll cases with pseudomelanocytic nests showed nests of microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor‐positive cells at the dermoepidermal junction (DEJ) with interface changes and lichenoid inflammation. Pagetoid scatter, confluence of solitary melanocytes at the DEJ and significant cytologic atypia was not seen in any of these cases. In contrast, all cases of inflamed MIS demonstrated confluence of single melanocytes at the DEJ with cytologic atypia (P < 0.001) and 18/20 cases showed pagetoid scatter of melanocytes (P = 0.001).ConclusionsOur results show that, of the different histopathological features assessed, confluent growth and pagetoid scatter of atypical melanocytes were seen in most cases of inflamed MIS but were absent in all cases with pseudomelanocytic nests. Therefore, in addition to clinicopathological correlation, these features may be useful in differentiating pseudomelanocytic nests arising in lichenoid dermatoses from inflamed MIS.
Lactation as a programming window for metabolic syndrome
Authors: Picó Catalina , Reis Flávio , Egas Conceição , Mathias Paulo , Matafome Paulo 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe concept of developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) was initially supported by the low birth weight and higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease in adult life, caused by nutrition restriction during foetal development. However, other programming windows have been recognized in the last years, namely lactation, infancy, adolescence and even preconception. Although the concept has been developed in order to study the impact of foetal calorie restriction in adult life, it is now recognized that maternal overweight during programming windows is also harmful to the offspring. This article explores and summarizes the current knowledge about the impact of maternal obesity and obesogenic diets during lactation in the metabolic programming towards the development of metabolic syndrome in the adult life. The impact of maternal obesity and obesogenic diets in milk quality is discussed, including the alterations in specific micro and macronutrients, as well as the impact of such alterations in the development of metabolic syndrome‐associated features in the newborn, such as insulin resistance and adiposity. Moreover, the impact of milk quality and formula feeding in infants’ gut microbiota, immune system maturation and in the nutrient‐sensing mechanisms, namely those related to gut hormones and leptin, are also discussed under the current knowledge.
Analysis of Swiss needle cast disease onPseudotsuga menziesiivar.glaucawithin a Christmas tree plantation in Mexico
Authors: Salgado‐Feregrino Oscar Javier , Velázquez‐Mendoza Juan , Yáñez‐Morales María de Jesús , Jiménez‐Casas Marcos , Alanís‐Martínez Iobana , Valdez Carrasco Jorge 
Published: December 2020

AbstractNothophaeocryptopus gaeumanniicauses Swiss needle cast disease in Douglas‐fir forest trees and ornamental plantations. This study analysed disease and pathogen behaviour from summer 2011 to spring 2012. An untreated plot within aPseudotsuga menziesiivar.glaucaplantation in Valle de Bravo, Mexico was divided into 12 sub‐plots. At each sampling date, needles were collected from four trees per sub‐plot. The analysis included seven needle age cohorts from branches from two canopy sections, as well as fallen needles from five random trees inside the entire plot. Airborne ascospores were collected weekly in slide traps. Sequencing identified the pathogen from DNA extracted from 18 mycelial colonies (isolates) and ascospores DNA from four selective slide traps. Disease and pathogen characteristics were mostly similar to other reports, except for ascospores inside pseudothecia on the youngest age class of foliage. Defoliation affected lower canopies frequently, while in the middle canopy it ranged from 6% to 98% depending on the needle age. In fallen needles, mature pseudothecia contained ascospores and isolated colonies developed in an agar‐based medium. Ascospore fluctuation peaked in two periods, but the most relevant occurred from 11 February to 17 March 2012, coinciding with bud break. These results contribute further understanding of SNC disease useful in improving the health of Christmas trees and the less‐studiedP. menziesiivar.glauca.
BREXIT, democracy and the rule of law
Authors: O'Neill Aidan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis article employs the image of the antisyzygy, the yoking of opposites, as an analytical tool to understand the dynamic and unresolved tensions built into the very idea of the European Union. It describes the EU as a forming a supranational constitutional space which does not supersede nation states, but instead seeks to preserve their specific identities while promoting and protecting the fundamental values they are called upon to embody as liberal constitutional democracies. The article then critically examines constitutional developments in the UK subsequent to its decision to leave the European Union and suggests that, paradoxically, it may have been the European Union which held the post‐War post‐imperial United Kingdom together and, without it and outside it, we may anticipate the UK's imminent dissolution into its original constituent nations – Brexit leads inexorably to BreUK‐up.
Outcomes of ultrasound‐guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy for the treatment of large stones within non‐functioning atrophic kidneys
Authors: Su Boxing , Ji Chaoyue , Li Jianxing , Xiao Bo , Chen Song , Tang Yuzhe , Liu Yubao , Fu Meng , Bai Wenjie , Hu Weiguo 
Published: December 2020

ObjectivesTo evaluate outcomes in patients who underwent total ultrasound‐guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy for the management of large stones (>2 cm) within non‐functioning atrophic kidneys, and to identify risk factors associated with postoperative persistence of urinary tract infection symptoms in such patients.MethodsBetween December 2014 and May 2019, 56 patients with large stones within non‐functioning atrophic kidneys were treated at Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Beijing, China, with total ultrasound‐guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Factors including age, sex, previous medical history, stone burden, stone composition, stone‐free rate, complication rate and postoperative urinary tract infection symptoms were retrospectively evaluated. Uni‐ and multivariate analyses were carried out to identify risk factors that predict persistence of urinary tract infection symptoms after percutaneous nephrolithotomy in such patients.ResultsThe final stone‐free rate after auxiliary treatments was 87.5%. The overall complication rate was 17.9%. After a median follow‐up period of 12 months (range 6–40 months), three patients (5.4%) ultimately underwent nephrectomy. A total of 44 patients (78.6%) had no symptoms of urinary tract infection during follow up, whereas 63.6% of patients with diabetes continued to show persistent urinary tract infection symptoms at the latest follow up. Five patients (8.9%) showed improved total renal function, while most patients (83.9%) showed a stable estimated glomerular filtration rate. Diabetes was the only factor showing statistical significance in both univariate and multivariate analyses that predicted persistence of urinary tract infection symptoms after treatment with percutaneous nephrolithotomy.ConclusionsUltrasound‐guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a safe and feasible procedure that can be carried out in patients with large stones within non‐functioning atrophic kidneys. However, for such patients with diabetes, percutaneous nephrolithotomy is not recommended.