bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combining practice and theory to assess strategic thinking
Authors: Goldman Ellen F. , Schlumpf Karen S. , Scott Andrea Richards 
Published: October 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the process used to develop and test the Individual Behavioral Assessment Tool for Strategic Thinking.Design/methodology/approachThe instrument was developed using literature that identifies practices in use in organizations to assess strategic thinking competency and recommendations of scholars and practitioners to define strategic thinking and suggest how it could be assessed. Processes defined in the literature to develop competency measurements, both generally and for leadership and strategic management concepts specifically, were applied. A Delphi panel of experts reviewed the initial draft of the instrument which, with their refinements, was administered to participants in an executive leadership program.FindingsCronbach’sαand principal component analysis indicated that the instrument is internally consistent and unidimensional. Rasch analysis suggested a possible reduction in items that maintains good overall instrument performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe study provides methodology for developing a measurement tool that fuses practice and theory. Further applications of the instrument across organizational levels and in single sectors would enhance its generalizability.Practical implicationsThe instrument provides a consistent tool for use by practitioners to identify gaps in their own or another’s strategic thinking behaviors, specify a job-specific competency model, and direct professional development.Originality/valueThe instrument fills a gap in the theoretical literature by extending the descriptions of strategic thinking to include a comprehensive set of required individual behaviors. As such, it is the first theoretically based instrument to detail the specific competencies required to think strategically.
Board political experience and firm internationalization strategy
Authors: Yarbrough Jr Earl , Abebe Michael , Dadanlar Hazel 
Published: October 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the link between board of director composition and firm performance. Specifically, the paper argues that board political experience influences the firm’s internationalization strategy as directors with significant political experience provide guidance, resources, and network access that enhance the firm’s international presence. The authors also posit that board political connections would be more helpful for firms operating in high-regulation industries.Design/methodology/approachThe authors tested the predictions using data from 156 large US firms. Data on directors’ background were gathered from SEC proxy filings, while data pertaining to internationalization were obtained from Compustat and Mergent Online databases. Hierarchical moderated regression analysis was employed to empirically test the hypothesized relationships.FindingsThe findings provide strong support for the positive relationship between board political experience and the degree of firm internationalization. Contrary to the authors’ predictions, the level of industry regulation does not seem to significantly affect this relationship.Research limitations/implicationsFirms aggressively pursuing international strategy could benefit from having directors on their board with robust political experience. One of the limitations of the study is that the types of international activities for firms is not specified in the study as it might be in the form of joint-venture capacity, strategic alliances or for firms that might be born-global.Originality/valueThis study makes original contribution to the on-going research on board political activity and firm performance through internationalization strategy. The findings suggest that having directors’ with political experience is an important asset in influencing firm’s corporate strategy.
Proximity to urban centers in mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Bick Patty , Crook Matthew D. , Lynch Andrew A. , Walkup Brian 
Published: October 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact firm proximity to financial centers has on announcement returns and time to deal completion for mergers and acquisitions.

Design/methodology/approach
Using a data set of merger and acquisition activity from 1986 to 2014, target and acquiring firms are classified as rural or urban based on their geographic proximity to major financial centers. The impact of this proximity on short-term acquisition announcement returns and on the amount of time required to complete the transaction are tested.

Findings
Markets react more favorably to the acquisition of firms headquartered in a rural area, likely due to increased information advantage on the part of the acquiring firm. Furthermore, the acquisition of a rural firm requires greater time to completion.

Practical implications
Acquiring firms may be able to use information asymmetry to their advantage when acquiring firms located in a more rural setting with higher levels of information asymmetry. However, this requires the acquiring firm to generate an informational advantage and will also require a greater time commitment on average to complete the deal.

Originality/value
While prior literature has demonstrated that the distance between target and acquirer can affect acquisition returns and time to deal completion, this study adds to the literature by demonstrating that the geographic location of the target firm relative to major financial hubs can have a unique effect on mergers and acquisitions as well.
Corporate leverage: structural equations framework in an emerging economy
Authors: Ullah Saad , Siddiqui Ahmed Faisal , Tashfeen Rubeena 
Published: October 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the financing behavior of firms in Pakistan. Previous studies have investigated corporate leverage determinants within any particular industry, such as manufacturing industry, textiles industry, etc., with varying results. This is one of the few studies that examine the determinants of leveraging attitude of firms across industrial sectors for textiles, large industries, and small industries. Thus, the study provides an insight into the general debt financing behavior in Pakistan and allows a basis for comparison of the leveraging decisions across industries.

Design/methodology/approach
The study employs the structural equations methodology which captures the endogenous relationship between profitability and leverage. Thereby, eliminating bias and providing more accurate results.

Findings
The findings suggest that the leveraging decisions differ across sectors and that each industry has its own distinctive debt requirements/characteristics. The authors conclude that a singular approach taken by investors and analysts would provide inaccurate assessment of firms’ debt financing policies and strategies.

Research limitations/implications
There is a limitation on data availability in emerging countries, and a larger sample would have provided more robust results. Therefore, the study has only taken three sector sub-divisions, and more industry categories would have provided in-depth insights into the industry-wise leveraging behavior.

Practical implications
This is the first study to suggest that the borrowing attitude of firms differ across industries and vary due to their specific needs. This has implications for government regulators, investors, and creditors in providing a more customized approach to analyzing and meeting the external financing needs of firms.

Originality/value
This study is the first to use simultaneous equations model to eliminate bias that is prevalent in similar studies in Pakistan. The SEM captures the endogenous relationship between profitability and leverage. The research provides important information about the underlying financing behavior across industries, which has largely been ignored.
Team-bonding and team-bridging social capital: conceptualization and implications
Authors: Han Jing 
Published: October 2017

PurposeThe paper aims to propose a conceptualization of two types of team social capital: team-bonding and team-bridging social capital. Throughout the conceptual effort, the paper provides suggestions for future research avenues that link team social capital, as a distinct team-level construct, with other team research topics.Design/methodology/approachThe conceptualization of team social capital is based on a review and synthesis of prior research about social networks. The propositions about the relationships of team social capital with other team process and effectiveness variables are developed within the classical input-mediator-output framework.FindingsThe conceptualizations of team-bonding and team-bridging social capital and the common measures for each are provided. Moreover, a series of testable propositions regarding the associations between team social capital and team process, the influence of team social capital on team effectiveness and the antecedents of team social capital are made.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalizability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further.Originality/valueThis paper elaborates the concept of team social capital and specifies its implications to various team phenomena. With this conceptual effort, this paper has advanced our knowledge about the nature and role of team social capital in team research.
Linking intraspecific trait variation to community abundance dynamics improves ecological predictability by revealing a growth–defence trade‐off
Authors: Griffiths Jason I. , Petchey Owen L. , Pennekamp Frank , Childs Dylan Z. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract

Intraspecific trait change, including altered behaviour or morphology, can drive temporal variation in interspecific interactions and population dynamics. In turn, variation in species’ interactions and densities can alter the strength and direction of trait change. The resulting feedback between species’ traits and abundance permits a wide range of community dynamics that would not be expected from ecological theories purely based on species abundances. Despite the theoretical importance of these interrelated processes, unambiguous experimental evidence of how intraspecific trait variation modifies species interactions and population dynamics and how this feeds back to influence trait variation is currently required.

We investigate the role of trait‐mediated demography in determining community dynamics and examine how ecological interactions influence trait change. We concurrently monitored the dynamics of community abundances and individual traits in an experimental microbial predator–prey–resource system. Using this data, we parameterised a trait‐dependent community model to identify key ecologically relevant traits and to link trait dynamics with those of species abundances.

Our results provide clear evidence of a feedback between trait change, demographic rates and species dynamics. The inclusion of trait–abundance feedbacks into our population model improved the predictability of ecological dynamics from r2 of 34% to 57% and confirmed theoretical expectations of density‐dependent population growth and species interactions in the system.

Additionally, our model revealed that the feedbacks were underpinned by a trade‐off between population growth and anti‐predatory defence. High predator abundance was linked to a reduction in prey body size. This prey size decrease was associated with a reduction in its rate of consumption by predators and a decrease in its resource consumption.

Modelling trait–abundance feedbacks allowed us to pinpoint the underlying life history trade‐off which links trait and abundance dynamics. These results show that accounting for trait–abundance feedbacks has the potential to improve understanding and predictability of ecological dynamics.

A plain language summary
is available for this article.
A prioritised list of invasive alien species to assist the effective implementation of EU legislation
Authors: Carboneras Carles , Genovesi Piero , Vilà Montserrat , Blackburn Tim M. , Carrete Martina , Clavero Miguel , D'hondt Bram , Orueta Jorge F. , Gallardo Belinda , Geraldes Pedro , González‐Moreno Pablo , Gregory Richard D. , Nentwig Wolfgang , Paquet Jean‐Yves , Pyšek Petr , Rabitsch Wolfgang , Ramírez Iván , Scalera Riccardo , Tella José L. , Walton Paul , Wynde Robin 
Published: October 2017

Abstract

Effective prevention and control of invasive species generally relies on a comprehensive, coherent and representative list of species that enables resources to be used optimally. European Union (EU) Regulation 1143/2014 on invasive alien species (IAS) aims to control or eradicate priority species, and to manage pathways to prevent the introduction and establishment of new IAS; it applies to species considered of Union concern and subject to formal risk assessment. So far, 49 species have been listed but the criteria for selecting species for risk assessment have not been disclosed and were probably unsystematic.

We developed a simple method to systematically rank IAS according to their maximum potential threat to biodiversity in the EU. We identified 1,323 species as potential candidates for listing, and evaluated them against their invasion stages and reported impacts, using information from databases and scientific literature.

900 species fitted the criteria for listing according to IAS Regulation. We prioritised 207 species for urgent risk assessment, 59 by 2018 and 148 by 2020, based on their potential to permanently damage native species or ecosystems; another 336 species were identified for a second phase (by 2025), to prevent or reverse their profound impacts on biodiversity; and a further 357 species for assessment by 2030.

Policy implications. We propose a systematic, proactive approach to selecting and prioritising IAS for risk assessment to assist European Union policy implementation. We assess an unprecedented number of species with potential to harm EU biodiversity using a simple methodology and recommend which species should be considered for risk assessment in a ranked order of priority along the timeline 2018–2030, based on their maximum reported impact and their invasion history in Europe.
Peripartum hysterectomy: an economic analysis of direct healthcare costs using routinely collected data
Authors: Achana FA , Fleming KM , Tata LJ , Sultan AA , Petrou S 
Published: October 2017

ObjectiveTo estimate resource use and costs associated with peripartum hysterectomy for the English National Health Service.Design/SettingAnalysis of linked Clinical Practice Research Datalink and Hospital Episodes Statistics (CPRD‐HES) data.PopulationWomen undergoing peripartum hysterectomy between 1997 and 2013 and matched controls.MethodsInverse probability weighted generalised estimating equations were used to model the non‐linear trend in healthcare service use and costs over time, accounting for missing data, adjusting for maternal age, body mass index, delivery year, smoking and socio‐economic indicators.Main outcome measuresPrimary care, hospital outpatient and inpatient attendances and costs (UK 2015 prices).ResultsThe study sample included 1362 women (192 cases and 1170 controls) who gave birth between 1997 and 2013; 1088 (153 cases and 935 controls) of these were deliveries between 2003 and 2013 when all categories of hospital resource use were available. Based on the 2003–2013 delivery cohort, peripartum hysterectomy was associated with a mean adjusted additional total cost of £5380 (95% CI £4436–6687) and a cost ratio of 1.76 (95% CI 1.61–1.98) over 5 years of follow up compared with controls. Inpatient costs, mostly incurred during the first year following surgery, accounted for 78% excluding or 92% including delivery‐related costs.ConclusionPeripartum hysterectomy is associated with increased healthcare costs driven largely by increased post‐surgery hospitalisation rates. To reduce healthcare costs and improve outcomes for women who undergo hysterectomy, interventions that reduce avoidable repeat hospitalisations following surgery such as providing active follow up, treatment and support in the community should be considered.Tweetable abstractA large amount of NHS data on peripartum hysterectomy suggests active community follow up could reduce costs, #HealthEconomics.
Sudden Death Secondary to an Undiagnosed B‐Cell Lymphoma of the Hypopharynx and Infiltration of the Inferior Constrictor Muscle
Authors: Lo Pinto Sara , Barranco Rosario , Cuccì Maria , Caputo Fiorella , Fossati Francesca , Orcioni Giulio Fraternali , Ventura Francesco 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe aim of this presentation was to share an uncommon form of sudden death, suffered by a 64‐year‐old woman, due to a mechanical obstruction of hypopharynx by an undiagnosed B‐cell lymphoma, infiltrating the inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle. A forensic approach by means of scene investigation, circumstantial data collection, autopsy, and histological and toxicological investigations led to conclude that the cause of death was asphyxia, correlated with B‐cell lymphoma of the hypopharynx. The autopsy examination highlighted the presence of a wall thickening, infiltrating, and projecting into the hypopharynx lumen. The histological analysis showed the essential finding of a B‐cell lymphoma of the hypopharynx, diffusely infiltrating the inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle. To conclude, this case demonstrates once more that in the absence of specific data, a thorough forensic investigation including autopsy, histological examination, and circumstantial data collection is mandatory to reach a correct cause of death.
Quantification of Morphine, Codeine, and Thebaine in Home‐Brewed Poppy Seed Tea by LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Powers Deborah , Erickson Stephen , Swortwood Madeleine J. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractRecently, medical examiners reported two cases of a 21‐year‐old male and 24‐year‐old male with high amounts of morphine in their blood at autopsy. It was suspected that the decedents ingested lethal amounts of morphine from home‐brewed poppy seed tea. No studies to date have investigated opium alkaloid content extracted from poppy seeds by home‐brewing methods. Various poppy seed products were purchased from online sources and extracted with four home‐brewing methods representative of recipes found on drug user forums. Morphine, codeine, and thebaine were quantified in the tea extracts by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry using a validated analytical method. Morphine, codeine, and thebaine concentrations from seeds were <1–2788 mg/kg, <1–247.6 mg/kg, and <1–124 mg/kg, respectively. Alkaloid yield varied between extractions, but regardless of extraction conditions, lethal amounts of morphine can be rinsed from poppy seed coats by home‐brewing methods.
Familial Vehicular Murder‐Suicide
Authors: Byard Roger W. , O'Donovan Siobhan , van den Huevel Corinna , Baldock Matthew 
Published: October 2017

AbstractA certain number of single‐vehicle crashes into stationary roadside objects such as trees are thought to be occult suicides. However, is it possible that some cases of multiple deaths within a family in similar crashes are due to unrecognized familial murder‐suicides? A 39‐year‐old woman and her 11‐year‐old daughter are reported who died of injuries following a vehicle impact with a tree. Unusual behavior of the mother leading up to the crash, and assessment at the scene, raised the possibility of this being a nonaccidental event. However, difficulties in retrospectively determining the intent of a driver in a vehicle crash, and the nonrecording of, or lack of separate coding for murder‐suicides on registers, make determination of the incidence of these types of events extremely difficult. It may be that this is a subcategory of murder‐suicide that is underdiagnosed and so is not being registered on central motor vehicle crash databases.
Phytochemical Compounds and Antioxidant Activity in Different Cultivars of Cranberry (Vaccinium Macrocarpon L)
Authors: Oszmiański Jan , Kolniak‐Ostek Joanna , Lachowicz Sabina , Gorzelany Józef , Matłok Natalia 
Published: October 2017

AbstractCranberries can be a component of a healthy diet, because they are a great source of health‐promoting compounds and nutrients. The aims of this study were to evaluated phytochemicals and antioxidant activity in 6 cultivars of cranberry fruit grown in Poland. The content of polyphenols, carotenoids, chlorophylls, and triterpenoids were determined with the use of UPLC‐PDA‐MS/MS, although antioxidant activity was examined with DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. The cvs. “Franklin,” “Howes,” and “Stevens” were characterized by the highest concentration of total polyphenols (4219, 3995, and 3584 mg/100 g dm), triterpenoids (3582, 3671, and 3451 mg/kg dm), carotenoids (9.75, 8.52, and 7.94 mg/kg dm), and antioxidant activity (ABTS: 226, 264, 246; FRAP: 102, 139, 124; DPPH: 235, 320, 284 μmolTE/g dm), making these 3 cultivars especially recommendable for consumption. Furthermore, a positive correlation between content of phytochemicals and antioxidant activity was found.Practical ApplicationThe manuscript “Phytochemical compounds and antioxidant activity in different cultivars of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon L)” represents cultivars commonly grown in Poland that maybe beneficial offer the food industry, to develop attractive foods with a high content of biologically active substances.
econullnetr: An r package using null models to analyse the structure of ecological networks and identify resource selection
Authors: Vaughan Ian P. , Gotelli Nicholas J. , Memmott Jane , Pearson Caitlin E. , Woodward Guy , Symondson William O. C. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract

Network analysis is increasingly widespread in ecology, with frequent questions asking which nodes (typically species) interact with one another and how strong are the interactions. Null models are a way of addressing these questions, helping to distinguish patterns driven by neutral mechanisms or sampling effects (e.g. relative abundance of different taxa, sampling completeness) from deterministic biological mechanisms (e.g. resource selection and avoidance), but few “off the shelf” tools are available.

We present econullnetr, an r package combining null modelling and plotting functions for networks, with data‐export tools to facilitate its use alongside existing network analysis packages. It models resource choices made by individual consumers, enabling it to capture individual‐level heterogeneity and generalising to a wider range of data types and scenarios than models applied directly to network matrices. The outputs can be analysed from the level of individual links to whole networks.

We describe the main functions and provide two short examples, along with the results of a benchmarking exercise to provide guidance about the statistical power and error rates. Our hope is that econullnetr provides a basis for more widespread use of null modelling to assist ecological network interpretation.
Asymmetric Correlation as an Explanation for the Effect of Asset Skewness on Equity Returns
Authors: Chung Y. Peter , Kim Thomas S. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAssets with asymmetric correlation tend to cause portfolios to have negative skewness. We develop measures of asymmetric correlation based on portfolio skewness. We find that asymmetric correlation is better measured with the skewness of smaller portfolios. The skewness of individual‐stock returns has the most significant and consistent explanatory power for stock returns, indicating that asymmetric correlation is generated at the asset level of individual firms.