bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The real effects of primary and secondary equity markets on firm performance
Authors: Andriansyah Andriansyah 
Published: June 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the real effects of primary and secondary equity markets on the post-issue operating performance of initial public offering (IPO) firms.Design/methodology/approachThe author utilizes the intended use of proceeds as a proxy variable for the primary market and the investment-to-price sensitivity and the informativeness of stock prices as alternative proxy variables for the secondary market. The compositional data, and non-parametric quantile regressions which are more robust to outliers than standard least square regressions, are employed for Indonesian equity market over the period of 1999-2013.FindingsWhile confirming that firm operating performance can be explained by the firm’s motivation to go public, the author also shows that the operating performance is positively affected by investment-to-price sensitivity and negatively affected by stock price informativeness. The stock prices affect investment decisions by the way that the more liquid a stock is, the more informative its price is, and the more relevant stock prices are in investment decisions. These findings still hold after controlling for ownership structure.Originality/valueDeparting from the existing literature, the author investigates the role of primary and secondary equity markets for firm performance in an integrated framework because both markets interact closely in reality. The author shows that public listed firms can benefit both from the capital-raising function of the primary market and from the informational role of the stock prices of the secondary market. A measure of stock price informativeness, 1−R2, however, must be understood in the context of thin trading in the sense that the level of liquidity affects the level of stock price informativeness.
Political connections, ownership structure and quality of governance
Authors: Dicko Saidatou 
Published: June 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to ask the following question: is there a link between being politically connected, the quality of governance and the company’s ownership structure?

Design/methodology/approach
The author then examined Canadian companies from the S&P/TSX index for the year 2015.

Findings
Political connectedness is significantly associated with lower quality of governance in relation to shareholders’ rights; ownership concentration is associated with lower quality of governance in relation to the overall governance, board of directors, shareholders’ rights and compensation structure indices; ownership structure does not mediate the relationship between political connections and quality of governance; and number of political connections through the executive is associated with less risky governance practices in relation to compensation structure; in other words, when members of the executive are politically connected, the firm adopts better compensation practices.

Research limitations/implications
The time limitation is the main weakness of this study and probably the cause of observed mitigated results.

Practical implications
The author hope that the results will inform regulators on the need not only to further regulate the business-politics relationship, but also to consider the specific traits of concentrated ownership companies and the most critical aspects of corporate governance in politically connected firms, such as shareholders’ rights, particularly those of minority shareholders. For example, an intriguing case to investigate in the Canadian context would be Pierre Karl Péladeau’s foray into Quebec politics and the controversy ignited by his political bid in light of his position as majority shareholder (75 percent) in communications giant Quebecor Inc.

Social implications
In fact, the results shown that concentrated ownership firms have lower governance quality than non-concentrated ones. Furthermore, in a concentrated ownership context, the minority shareholders’ rights could be threatened. In this sense, the results also shown that shareholders’ rights seem to be the most critical governance issue for the politically connected Canadian firms. These results are therefore the indication that Canadian financial market regulators must take action about politically connected and concentrated ownership firms in order to further protect minority shareholders’ rights.

Originality/value
This study makes a double theoretical contribution by enriching the literature on corporate governance and by providing one of the first investigations into the direct and comprehensive relationships between political connections, governance and ownership structure.
Different ways of dealing with tensions
Authors: Mazzei Micaela 
Published: June 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a nuanced understanding of the diverse practices social enterprises engage in to fulfil their commitments of delivering social/environmental goods and/or services while earning income to sustain their activities.

Design/methodology/approach
This research paper is based on an empirical investigation which used an ethnographic approach to study the social economy in two distinct city regions in the north of England.

Findings
Against a common-sense view of social enterprises being able to balance (with ease) social and economic goals, this paper suggests, based on empirical insights, that such a harmonious rendition tends to neglect the messiness at the heart of such organisations. Heeding ongoing reflections, explanations and negotiations as key ingredients in keeping social enterprises “balanced”, this paper argues that negotiating tensions is a constantly dynamic process.

Originality/value
Using an ethnographic approach, this paper offers insights into the complexities and tensions social enterprises constantly deal with and it shows these tensions must be constantly renegotiated.
Thermal physiology: A new dimension of the pace‐of‐life syndrome
Authors: Goulet Celine T. , Thompson Mike B. , Michelangeli Marcus , Wong Bob B. M. , Chapple David G. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Current syndrome research focuses primarily on behaviour with few incorporating components of physiology. One such syndrome is the pace‐of‐life syndrome (POLS) which describes covariation between behaviour, metabolism, immunity, hormonal response, and life‐history traits. Despite the strong effect temperature has on behaviour, thermal physiology has yet to be considered within this syndrome framework.

We proposed the POLS to be extended to include a new dimension, the cold–hot axis. Under this premise, it is predicted that thermal physiology and behaviour would covary, whereby individual positioning along the thermal continuum would coincide with that of the behavioural continuum.

This hypothesis was tested by measuring thermal traits of delicate skinks (Lampropholis delicata) and linking it to their behaviour. Principal components analysis and structural equation modelling were used to determine if traits were structured within the POLS and to characterize the direction of their interactions.

Model results supported the inclusion of the cold–hot axis into the POLS and indicated that thermal physiology was the driver of this relationship, in that thermal traits either constrained or promoted activity, exploration, boldness and social behaviour.

This study highlights the need to integrate thermal physiology within a syndrome framework.
Below‐ground connections underlying above‐ground food production: a framework for optimising ecological connections in the rhizosphere
Authors: de Vries Franciska T. , Wallenstein Matthew D. 
Published: June 2017

Summary

Healthy soils that contain an active microbiome and food web are critical to sustainably produce food for a growing global human population. Many studies have focussed on the role of microbial species diversity and the presence of key functional groups as important controls on the many functions that a sustainable food system relies on.

Here, we synthesise recent ecological empirical evidence and theory to propose that the interactions between organisms in the soil food web are the critical determinant of soil function.

We propose the Rhizosphere Interactions for Sustainable Agriculture Model, in which crop roots recruit small, modular, highly connected soil rhizosphere networks from large, static, relatively unconnected and diverse bulk soil networks. We argue that conventional agricultural management disrupts the connections between rhizosphere and bulk soil networks.

Synthesis. We identify future research directions for optimising ecological connections between roots and rhizosphere microbial and faunal networks, and between rhizosphere networks and bulk soil networks in agricultural production systems. Knowledge on these connections can be applied in agricultural systems to sustainability produce food for a growing global population.
Are mycorrhizal fungi our sustainable saviours? Considerations for achieving food security
Authors: Thirkell Thomas J. , Charters Michael D. , Elliott Ashleigh J. , Sait Steven M. , Field Katie J. 
Published: June 2017

Summary

The 20th century saw dramatic increases in agricultural productivity, largely through the development and application of pesticides, fertilisers rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, and advances in plant breeding and genetic technologies. In the last 15 years, however, many key crop yields have plateaued. Climate change, an ever‐increasing human population, depletion of global rock‐phosphorus and growing energy prices make current fertiliser production unsustainable and represent sizeable challenges to global food security.

Many important crops form symbioses with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), and this has motivated the development of novel approaches in crop breeding and agricultural practices to support and promote AMF in agroecosystems.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal symbiosis can be high beneficial in crops and wider agroecosystems in many ways, including improved soil structure and resistance to pests. However, AMF colonisation does not necessarily translate directly into enhanced plant performance or crop yield, while land management practices that would encourage mycorrhiza–crop associations, such as low‐till or minimal chemical input often incur yield‐reducing trade‐offs.

Synthesis. We draw on ecological knowledge of AMF to inform their role in agroecosystems, providing a balanced look at mycorrhiza–crop symbioses in terms of plant ecophysiology and the wider role of AMF in agroecosystems and ask the question: are AMF our sustainable saviours?
Resilience and food security: rethinking an ecological concept
Authors: Bullock James M. , Dhanjal‐Adams Kiran L. , Milne Alice , Oliver Tom H. , Todman Lindsay C. , Whitmore Andrew P. , Pywell Richard F. 
Published: June 2017

Summary

Focusing on food production, in this paper we define resilience in the food security context as maintaining production of sufficient and nutritious food in the face of chronic and acute environmental perturbations. In agri‐food systems, resilience is manifest over multiple spatial scales: field, farm, regional and global. Metrics comprise production and nutritional diversity as well as socio‐economic stability of food supply.

Approaches to enhancing resilience show a progression from more ecologically based methods at small scales to more socially based interventions at larger scales. At the field scale, approaches include the use of mixtures of crop varieties, livestock breeds and forage species, polycultures and boosting ecosystem functions. Stress‐tolerant crops, or with greater plasticity, provide technological solutions.

At the farm scale, resilience may be conferred by diversifying crops and livestock and by farmers implementing adaptive approaches in response to perturbations. Biodiverse landscapes may enhance resilience, but the evidence is weak. At regional to global scales, resilient food systems will be achieved by coordination and implementation of resilience approaches among farms, advice to farmers and targeted research.

Synthesis. Threats to food production are predicted to increase under climate change and land degradation. Holistic responses are needed that integrate across spatial scales. Ecological knowledge is critical, but should be implemented alongside agronomic solutions and socio‐economic transformations.
Applying plant ecological knowledge to increase agricultural sustainability
Authors: Weiner Jacob 
Published: June 2017

Summary

Plant ecological knowledge accumulated over the past 150 years has enormous implications for agriculture, but most of these implications have not been appreciated by ecologists or agronomists. Here, I present several of the most salient examples.

Agriculturalists refer to ‘improvements’, but plant ecologists know that ‘trade‐offs’ represent a better conceptual framework for agricultural production. There is much evidence for trade‐offs between yield and resource use efficiency, and between individual fitness and population yield. I argue that there is also a ‘limiting trade‐off’ between short‐term yield and sustainability, and it is important to take this into consideration if we are serious about increasing sustainability.

At the local level, agricultural sustainability is about maintaining or improving soil fertility, but this is not a priority in most agricultural systems world‐wide. Increased biomass density (both living and dead) in the field is the key to increasing sustainability while maintaining high yields, and I present a vision of ‘High Biomass Cropping Systems’.

Classical and current research in plant community ecology tells us that rotation of crops with different nutritional needs, pests, diseases and weeds can make a major contribution to sustainability. The very limited crop rotations practised in most modern plant production systems are a clear indication that farming practices are usually based on short‐term economic and regulatory factors, without much if any consideration for sustainability.

Synthesis. The modern scientific method tells us how we should test hypotheses, but it says nothing about how hypotheses are generated. We need to address the agricultural research agenda if it is to serve the interests of farmers, consumers and society as a whole, rather than narrow but powerful economic interests.
Brief mindfulness meditation group training in aphasia: exploring attention, language and psychophysiological outcomes
Authors: Marshall Rebecca Shisler , Laures‐Gore Jacqueline , Love Kim 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundStroke is currently the leading cause of long‐term disability in adults in the United States. There is a need for accessible, low‐cost treatments of stroke‐related disabilities such as aphasia.AimsTo explore an intervention for aphasia utilizing mindfulness meditation (MM). This preliminary study examines the feasibility of teaching MM to individuals with aphasia. Since physiological measures have not been collected for those with aphasia, the study was also an exploration of the potential attention, language and physiological changes after MM in adults with aphasia during a brief, daily group training.Methods & ProceduresA 5‐day MM group training was provided to adults with aphasia (n = 5) with a waitlist control group (n = (3) who engaged in ‘mind wandering’. Participants were assigned to groups in a pseudo‐random manner. A double baseline (2 days apart) was administered prior to the training and/or control group beginning. Both the training and the control groups met in a group setting. Salivary cortisol, heart rate and heart rate variability were measured during each day for both groups. Measures of attention, auditory comprehension and fluency were collected immediately after the study period and 1 week post‐completion.Outcome & ResultsThis study reinforces findings from previous work indicating that adults with aphasia can learn MM. Although not statistically significant, the training group demonstrated improved fluency immediately after MM; however, changes were not maintained at follow‐up. Physiological measures showed little effect associated with MM training. No changes in attention were observed for either group.Conclusion & ImplicationsThis is an emerging area of interest due to the potential low cost of MM training. Furthermore, MM is easily taught to patients, suggesting the possibility for widespread use in clinical practice as a supplement to existing language‐focused interventions.
Will my child ever go to a university? The link between school segregation practices and Norwegian parents’ expectations for their physically disabled child
Authors: Finnvold Jon Erik 
Published: June 2017

How parents perceive their children's educational prospects can reveal a great deal about how their children will progress in the educational system. The paper examines the consequences of variations in inclusive education practices by investigating determinants of parents’ educational expectations for their child. All parents included in the study had children with physical disabilities in primary school (mainly cerebral palsy and spina bifida). The empirical material includes results from a survey (Net sample = 491), in combination with information merged from a range of official registers. The results showed that the more the child is segregated from ordinary classroom education, the lower parental expectations are for their children's educational attainments. Other factors also significantly influencing parents’ educational expectations include how parents’ view their child's school performance, as well as various measures of the severity of the child's physical disability. However, these secondary factors could not account for the empirically strong association between segregation practices and parental expectations. Parental expectations were also significantly related to parental income and education. The findings indicate that the expectations of parents with higher income and education are less affected by school segregation practices.
Review article: Paediatric status epilepticus in the pre‐hospital setting: An update
Authors: Furyk Jeremy , Watt Kerriane , Emeto Theophilus I , Dalziel Stuart , Bodnar Daniel , Riney Kate , Babl Franz E 
Published: June 2017

AbstractPaediatric status epilepticus (SE) is a medical emergency and a common critical condition confronting pre‐hospital providers. Management in the pre‐hospital environment is challenging but considered extremely important as a potentially modifiable factor on outcome. Recent data from multicentre clinical trials, quality observational studies and consensus documents have influenced management in this area, and is important to both pre‐hospital providers and emergency physicians. The objective of this review was to: (i) present an overview of the available evidence relevant to pre‐hospital care of paediatric SE; and (ii) assess the current pre‐hospital practice guidelines in Australia and New Zealand. The review outlines current definitions and guidelines of SE management, regional variability in pre‐hospital protocols within Australasia and aspects of pre‐hospital care that could potentially be improved. Contemporary data is required to determine current practice in our setting. It is important that paediatric neurologists, emergency physicians and pre‐hospital care providers are all engaged in future endeavours to improve clinical care and knowledge translation efforts for this patient group.
Food insecurity increases the odds of obesity among Iranian women: A population‐based study of northwestern Iran
Authors: Nikniaz Leila , Tabrizi Jafar S. , Sadeghi‐Bazargani Homayoun , Farahbakhsh Mostafa , Nikniaz Zeinab 
Published: June 2017

AimThe main objective of the present study was to evaluate the association between obesity and food security status. The sample comprised of Iranian adults with an age range of 15–64 years.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study (n = 1277), the short form of the Household Food Security Scale was used to determine food security status. Height, weight and waist and hip circumferences were measured, and body mass index, waist‐to‐hip ratio, waist‐to‐height ratio and conicity index (CI) were also calculated. One‐way analysis of variance and logistic regression were used for statistical analyses.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences in the mean anthropometric measurements of males and females with different food security status (P > 0.05). After adjusting for covariates, there was no statistically significant association between food security status and anthropometric measurements in men. However, the low food‐secure females were 72% more likely to be overweight in comparison with very low food‐secure women (P = 0.04). Moreover, food‐secure females were 32% less likely to have CI >1.25 compared with very low food‐secure females (P = 0.04).ConclusionsThe results showed that there is an association between food insecurity and overweight, which is consistent with the finding of prior researches. In addition, for the first time, we showed the significant association between low food security and CI.
Dietetics students’ construction of competence through assessment and placement experiences
Authors: Palermo Claire , Dart Janeane , Begley Andrea , Beck Eleanor J , Bacon Rachel , Tweedie Judith , Mitchell Lana , Maher Judith , Gallegos Danielle , Kennedy Meredith , Kellett Jane , Margerison Claire , Crawford Ruth , Stuart‐Smith Wendy 
Published: June 2017

AimCompetency standards are widely adopted as a framework to describe standards of performance required in the workplace. Little is known, however, about how students construct competence. This qualitative study aimed to explore how dietetics students ready to graduate construct the concept of competence and the role of assessment in developing professional competence.MethodsA qualitative description was used to gather data from a convenience sample of students ready to graduate from universities with accredited dietetics programs across Australia (10 out of 15 at the time of the study). A total of 11 focus groups were conducted to explore perspectives of competence and experiences of ‘competency‐based’ assessment. Data were audio‐recorded, transcribed and analysed using a thematic analysis approach.ResultsA total of 81 (n = 81) participants across 10 universities representing 22% of total students participated in the focus groups. Themes revealed that: (i) there is no shared understanding of competence; (ii) current work placement experiences may not reflect current standards or workforce needs; (iii) assessment approaches may not fully support the development of competence; and (iv) the competent performance of supervising dietitians/clinical educators in the workplace influences the construction of competence.ConclusionsThere is a need to work towards a shared understanding of dietetic entry‐level competence in the profession. ‘Work‐based’ learning experiences may need to be modified to ensure students meet current competency standards. Practitioners involved in student supervision need to acknowledge the influential role they have in the development of the future workforce.