bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dividend policy and corporate life cycle: a study of Indian companies
Authors: Singh Ravinder , Gupta C.P. , Chaudhary Pankaj 
Published: May 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between dividend policy and the life cycle of firms in India. In addition, this study intends to examine the variation in dividend behaviour over the life cycle of a firm. The study anticipates that a firm's dividend behaviour varies over its life cycle.Design/methodology/approachTo scrutinize the validity of the proposition, the authors classify 1968 non-financial industrial firms listed at Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) into growth, mature and stagnant firms over the period 2000–20. Additionally, to check the robustness of the results, they use an array of techniques such as analysis of variance, pooled ordinary least squares, fixed effects models and random effects models.FindingsThe empirical findings suggest that dividend behaviour varies over a firm's life cycle. Specifically, stagnant firms are paying significantly higher dividends than growth firms. Mature firms are paying significantly higher dividends than growth firms. The results are consistent after controlling the effects of firm's size, profitability, leverage, operating risk, systematic risk and growth opportunities.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are useful for corporate decision makers in establishing an appropriate dividend policy conditional on firms' life cycle stage and for shareholders in making investment decisions.Originality/valueThe relation between dividend policy and firm life cycle has not been examined before in the context of Indian stock market. Thus, this research bridges this gap in the literature.
Understanding gender discrimination and biasness in the workplace: voice from women segment
Authors: Chatterjee Ashmita , Shenoy Veena 
Published: May 2023

Purpose
This article focuses on research carried out on gender discrimination and biasness in the workplace in order to understand how gender discrimination can have far reaching consequences on the careers of working women. It looks at five aspects of this issue, namely workplace harassment, hiring, maternity leave, women in leadership roles, and the experience of marginalised women. Although a global issue, this article looks at gender discrimination from Indian Context.

Design/methodology/approach
This article is descriptive in nature, that studied the arguments of other researchers and elaborated understanding from those articles considering gender discrimination and gender bias at the workplace.

Findings
It was found that despite an intense and growing call for gender equality at the workplace, to provide its female workforce with adequate freedom to work and protection from conservative opinions and biases that keep women out of the workforce. Several women have taken over top positions in companies; regardless, a lot more work remains to be done. Bringing in legislative changes is of utmost importance, as it will ensure that women have legal routes to protect their rights. There also needs to be more research undertaken in the field of gender discrimination to understand how structural changes can be established in companies.

Originality/value
The current study is unique, every industry faces this challenge, which is considered one of the critical challenges. Practitioners, experts, strategists, also fall into the game of gender discrimination and biasness.
Various seasonal patterns and potential mechanisms of soil nitrogen transformation along an elevational gradient in the Hengduan Mountains
Authors: Chen Qiong , Long Chunyan , Chang Kaikui , Cheng Xiaoli 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Soil nitrogen (N) transformation, a key microbial process in global N cycling, is thought to alter soil N availability and subsequently regulate ecosystem functioning. In particular, the gross rates of N transformation can provide a deeper understanding of internal N dynamics and mechanisms, but questions of whether gross N transformation processes and their underlying drivers change with seasons and elevations remain large uncertain.

Based on field collection along an elevational gradient and laboratory incubation experiments, we investigated the seasonal processes of soil N mineralization and nitrification with 15N isotope dilution technique, and also explored the potential mechanisms involved in the Hengduan Mountains.

Unimodal soil gross/net mineralization rates were higher in the wet season (61.32 mg kg−1 day−1; 1.01 mg kg−1 day−1 respectively) than in the dry season (10.88 mg kg−1 day−1; 0.55 mg kg−1 day−1 respectively) (p < 0.001), with a peak at medium elevation. Soil gross/net nitrification rates were lower in the wet season (1.43 mg kg−1 day−1; −0.017 mg kg−1 day−1) than in the dry season (2.49 mg kg−1 day−1; 0.004 mg kg−1 day−1 respectively) (p < 0.001), which increased with increasing elevation. The results detected the dominant drivers of the gross transformation rates, specifically microbial attributes occupied crucial roles in controlling the gross mineralization/nitrification in the wet season, and soil physicochemical properties were dominant controllers on the gross mineralization/nitrification during the dry season.

This study revealed the divergent patterns and drivers of N transformation, suggesting that seasonal N cycling should no longer be overlooked if we are to predict N biogeochemical cycles in response to environmental change accurately.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Spatiotemporal trends in floral visitation and interaction networks reveal shifting niches for bats in a Neotropical savanna
Authors: Diniz Ugo Mendes , Aguiar Ludmilla Moura de Souza 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Flower‐vising bats are important components of tropical pollinator communities, yet little is known about the structure of their pollination networks and how resource availability through time (seasons) and space (habitat heterogeneity) affects the extent to which bats interact with plants within a community‐wide context. This information is key for the conservation of threatened nectarivore species, such as the Cerrado‐endemic Lonchophylla dekeyseri, for which data on its specialization on floral‐resources is scarce.

Within a seasonal and heterogeneous savanna in the central Brazilian Cerrado, we performed a year‐round assessment of an inclusive assemblage of flower‐visiting bats (both nectarivores and other guilds that can also feed on nectar) within a savanna‐edge‐forest gradient, the phenological trends and spatial distribution of bat and their resource plants, and the resultant temporal and spatial interaction networks between bats and plants in order to associate network structure to resource availability.

Clear spatiotemporal trends emerged in the community. Nectarivores dominated the flower‐visiting niche outside forests and were prolific floral visitors, resulting in networks with lower specialization and modularity. These bats diverged into savanna foragers active during the wet season and the wet‐dry transition, and edge foragers active mostly during the dry season. The latter group encompassed L. dekeyseri, which visited mostly Bauhinia species. Frugivores took over as main floral visitors within forests, as well as during peak dry season, when fewer fruits were available, resulting in more specialized and modular networks.

Our work shows that the turnover of floral resources across seasons and vegetation types has a defining role in bat–plant interactions and relates to network structure, as bat trophic guilds interact with plants in distinct habitats and times of the year. Frugivores dominate the flower‐visiting niche in certain temporal and spatial subsets of the network, which calls for the inclusion of this guild in future studies. Moreover, the high visitation to Bauhinia species by L. dekeyseri during the dry season might reduce competition with other nectarivores and is relevant to the management of the species, although more data is needed on its resource consumption on a larger time frame and across its geographic range.
Spatial scale impacts microbial community composition and distribution within and across stream ecosystems in North and Central America
Authors: Bier Raven L. , Mosher Jennifer J. , Kaplan Louis A. , Kan Jinjun 
Published: May 2023

AbstractA mechanistic understanding of factors that structure spatiotemporal community composition is a major challenge in microbial ecology. Our study of microbial communities in the headwaters of three freshwater stream networks showed significant community changes at the small spatial scale of benthic habitats when compared to changes at mid‐ and large‐spatial scales associated with stream order and catchment. Catchment (which included temperate and tropical catchments) had the strongest influence on community composition followed by habitat type (epipsammon or epilithon) and stream orders. Alpha diversity of benthic microbiomes resulted from interactions between catchment, habitat, and canopy. Epilithon contained relatively more Cyanobacteria and algae while Acidobacteria and Actinobacteria proportions were higher in epipsammic habitats. Turnover from replacement created ~60%–95% of beta diversity differences among habitats, stream orders, and catchments. Turnover within a habitat type generally decreased downstream indicating longitudinal linkages in stream networks while between habitat turnover also shaped benthic microbial community assembly. Our study suggests that factors influencing microbial community composition shift in dominance across spatial scales, with habitat dominating locally and catchment dominating globally.
Small‐scale spatial beta diversity of bacteria in the mixed upper layer of a lake
Authors: Pernthaler Jakob , Krempaska Natalia , le Moigne Alizée 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBacterial community composition among individual, experimentally generated ‘lake snow’ particles may be highly variable. Since such aggregates are seasonally abundant in the mixed upper layer of lakes, we hypothesized that particle‐attached (PA) bacteria disproportionally contribute to the small‐scale spatial beta diversity of pelagic communities. Community composition was analysed in sets of small (10 mL) samples collected from a pre‐alpine lake in May, July and October 2018. Bacteria were classified as free‐living (FL) or PA depending on their presence in large, 5‐μm pre‐filtered reference samples. FL exhibited clear seasonal differences in community composition and assembly. They were spatially uniform in May and July, and only a few FL taxa exhibited significant spatial variability. Spatial heterogeneity of FL in October was caused by high alpha and beta diversity of rare taxa, many with a presumably ‘tychoplanktic’ (alternating attached and free‐living) lifestyle. The spatial beta diversity of PA was always high, and only about 10% of their seasonal richness was present in any single sample. Thus, most compositional variability of pelagic bacteria at spatial scales of cm to m either directly or indirectly originated from PA. On a functional level, this genotypic heterogeneity might affect the spatial distribution of rare metabolic traits.
Jung Among the Physicists: A Review Essay of Dual‐Aspect Monism and the Deep Structure of Meaning
Authors: Main Roderick 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis essay reviews the recent book by Harald Atmanspacher and Dean Rickles, Dual‐Aspect Monism and the Deep Structure of Meaning. The essay aims to contextualize and clarify the book’s core argument about the theoretical and empirical fruitfulness of decompositional dual‐aspect monism as an intervention into the mind‐body problem that ascribes a pivotal role to meaning. The variants of dual‐aspect monism discussed were developed primarily by physicists, but the essay also highlights the crucial contributions to the argument by the one non‐physicist involved, Carl Gustav Jung, as well as noting the significance of dual‐aspect monism and of the reviewed book for analytical psychology.
Stratigraphy of volcanic memory: Sociocultural dimensions of volcanic risk in the Southern Andes, Chile
Authors: Vergara‐Pinto Francisca , Marín Andrés 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis article focuses on communities that reoccupy territories affected by volcanic eruptions to extend understanding of people's social appropriation of environments exposed to natural hazards. We take as a case study three rural settlements affected by several eruptions from the Carran‐Los Venados and Puyehue‐Cordón Caulle volcanic systems (Southern Andes, Chile). Using an ethnographic observation scale, we engage with local actors' experiences during volcanic eruptions and quiescence. We identified three factors shaping people's decision to reoccupy volcanic territories: the reproduction of a peasant habitus, a stratigraphy of memories and the acceptability of volcanic risk. The results illustrate the construction of human–volcano interactions built over generations, framed in socio‐volcanic cycles faced from a habitus of precariousness. However, after recalling their past vulnerabilities, the community imagines overcoming the impacts of volcanism from a different habitus based on living as peasants in conditions of greater social equity. From this, we discuss how volcanic imaginaries interrogate the past, motivate a more accurate understanding of volcanic risk and support the projections of communities about their human–volcano coexistence despite exposure to hazards. Finally, we posit the concept of ethnovolcanology to understand the tension between place attachment and disaster risk as a persistent intersection of human and geological forces.
The reliability and validity of lung cancer and melanoma clinical quality survival measures
Authors: Pendl‐Robinson Emma , Calkins Keri L. , Simon Samuel E. , Barrett Kirsten , Poznyak Dmitriy 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo develop a risk adjustment approach and test reliability and validity for oncology survival measures.Data Sources and Study SettingWe used the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare data from 2010 to 2013, with mortality data through 2015.Study DesignWe developed 2‐year risk‐standardized survival rates (RSSR) for melanoma, non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Patients were attributed to group practices based on the plurality of visits. We identified the risk‐adjustment variables via bootstrap and calculated the RSSRs. Reliability was tested via three approaches: (1) signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) reliability, (2) split‐half, and (3) test–retest using bootstrap. We tested known group validity by stage at diagnosis using Cohen's d.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsWe selected all patients enrolled in Medicare and linked to SEER during the measurement period with an incident first primary diagnosis of stage I–IV melanoma, NSCLC, or SCLC. We excluded patients with missing data on month and/or stage of diagnosis.Principal FindingsResults are based on patients with melanoma (n = 4344); NSCLC (n = 16,080); and SCLC (n = 2807) diagnosed between 2012 and 2013. The median (interquartile range) for the RSSRs at the group practice‐level were 0.89 (0.83–0.87) for melanoma, 0.37 (0.30–0.43) for NSCLC, and 0.19 (0.11–0.25) for SCLC. C‐statistics for the models ranged from 0.725 to 0.825. The reliability varied by approach with median SNR 0.20, 0.25, and 0.13; median test–retest 0.59, 0.57, and 0.56; median split‐half reliability 0.21, 0.29, and 0.29 for melanoma, NSCLC, and SCLC, respectively. Cohen's d for stage I‐IIIa and IIIb+ was 1.27, 0.86, 0.60 for melanoma, NSCLC, and SCLC, respectively.ConclusionsOur results suggest that these cancer survival measures demonstrated adequate test–retest reliability and expected findings for the known‐group validity analysis. If data limitations and feasibility challenges can be addressed, implementation of these quality measures may provide a survival metric used for oncology quality improvement efforts.
Comparing ambulatory commercial spending in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, 2016–2019
Authors: James Hannah O. , Koller Christopher , Nasuti Laura J. , Auerbach David I. , Wilson Ira B. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate trends and drivers of commercial ambulatory spending and price variation.Data Sources and Study SettingCommercial claims data from the Massachusetts and Rhode Island All‐Payer Claims Databases from 2016 to 2019.Study DesignObservational study of spending in major ambulatory care settings. We calculated per member per year spending, average price, and utilization rates to consider drivers of spending, and constructed site‐specific price indices to evaluate price variation.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsWe analyzed commercial claims data from All‐Payer Claims Databases in the two states.Principal FindingsAmbulatory spending levels in Massachusetts were 38.0% higher than those in Rhode Island in 2019. Overall utilization rates were similar, but Massachusetts had a 6.2 percentage point higher share of visits occurring in hospital outpatient departments (HOPD). Average prices were 31.5% higher in Massachusetts in 2016 and 36.4% higher in 2019. We observed extensive price variation in both states across both office and HOPD settings.ConclusionsStates seeking to address increases in health care spending, including those with cost growth benchmarks and rate review policies, should consider additional interventions that mitigate market failures in the establishment of commercial health care prices.
Evaluation of clinical features and laboratory findings in critical intensive care unit patients with severe coronavirus disease‐19 who underwent extracorporeal cytokine adsorption
Authors: Yavuz Tunzala , Orhan Semiha , Rollas Kazim , Toksoy Cansu Koseoglu , Kazan Elif Dizen , Bozkurt Erhan , Cosgun İbrahim Guven , Yavasoglu Filiz 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAimTo evaluate the inflammatory parameters and oxygenation in severe coronavirus disease‐19 patients who underwent extracorporeal cytokine adsorption (CA).MethodsPatients who underwent extracorporeal CA for cytokine storm were included in the study. The changes in oxygenation, laboratory parameters, and mortality rates were investigated.ResultsThirty‐six patients were included in the study. The hemoglobin, thrombocyte, and C‐reactive protein (CRP) decreased, and PaO2/FiO2 ratio increased (p < 0.001; p < 0.01; p < 0.001; p = 0.04, respectively). Twelve (33.3%) patients received a single session, 24 (66.6%) received 2 or more sessions. CRP and fibrinogen levels decreased, and PaO2/FIO2 ratio increased in the single session group (p = 0.04; p = 0.04; p = 0.01, respectively). In the multi‐session group, the hemoglobin, platelet, procalcitonin, and CRP levels decreased, and PaO2/FIO2 ratio increased (p < 0.01; p = 0.02; p = 0.02; p < 0.01; p = 0.01, respectively). Day 15, 30, and 90 mortality rates were 61.1%, 83.3%, and 88.9%.ConclusionCA with hemoperfusion reduced CRP and improved oxygenation; however, mortality rates were high.
Whole‐body oxidative stress reduction during testosterone therapy in aging men: A randomized placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Christensen Louise Lehmann , Poulsen Henrik Enghusen , Andersen Marianne Skovsager , Glintborg Dorte 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundTestosterone replacement therapy in aging men increases lean body mass and decreases whole‐body fat. The safety of testosterone replacement therapy concerning cardiovascular disease is unresolved and assessment of whole‐body oxidative stress may contribute to future decision making.ObjectivesTo determine whole‐body oxidative stress during testosterone replacement therapy and placebo in aging men and evaluate if a change in oxidative stress was mediated by changed body composition.Materials and methodsThis was a double‐blinded, randomized, placebo‐controlled study for 24 weeks in 38 men aged 60–78 years with bioavailable testosterone <7.3 nmol/L and waist circumference ≥94 cm who were randomized to testosterone replacement therapy (testosterone gel) (N = 20) or placebo (N = 18). At baseline and after 24 weeks, whole‐body oxidative stress was assessed by oxidized derivatives of nucleic acids, 8‐oxoguanosine and 8‐oxo‐2′‐deoxyguanosine in 24‐h urine samples by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Lean body mass and whole‐body fat were measured by dual X‐ray absorptiometry. Subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue were estimated by magnetic resonance imaging. Testosterone replacement therapy versus placebo was compared by Mann–Whitney tests on ∆‐values (24–0 weeks).ResultsBaseline age was 67 (64–72) years (median [interquartile range]), body mass index 29.8 (26.6–33.3) kg/m2, waist 107 (99–117) cm, and bioavailable testosterone 4.7 (3.7–5.9) nmol/L. During testosterone replacement therapy, 8‐oxoguanosine in 24‐h urine samples decreased from 21.6 (19.8; 27.7) nm to 15.0 (12.2; 18.8) nm (p = 0.038 vs. placebo), lean body mass increased (p < 0.01) and whole‐body fat (p = 0.02) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (p < 0.01) decreased. 8‐Oxoguanosine in 24‐h urine samples was inversely associated with Δ‐lean body mass (ρ = –0.38, p = 0.03), which remained significant after adjusting for Δ‐total testosterone. 8‐Oxo‐2′‐deoxyguanosine in 24‐h urine samples was unchanged (p = 0.06) during testosterone replacement therapy and Δ‐8‐oxo‐2′‐deoxyguanosine in 24‐h urine samples was associated with Δ‐whole‐body fat (kg) (ρ = 0.47, p < 0.01). Δ‐Values of oxidative stress biomarkers were not associated with Δ‐fasting insulin or Δ‐homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance.DiscussionOxidative stress decreased during testosterone replacement therapy compared to placebo, which could be mediated by changed body composition.ConclusionWhole‐body oxidative stress decreased during 24 weeks of testosterone replacement therapy in aging men.