bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Currency change and capital structure decisions: evidence from the birth of the Euro area
Authors: Botta Marco 
Published: June 2023

PurposeThe paper investigates if the process that led to the birth of the Euro Area had a significant impact in homogenizing the capital structure decisions of European firms since the first introduction of the common currency.Design/methodology/approachA large sample of firms was constructed, and a Tobit-censored regression model was utilized to investigate the determinants of firms' observed capital structures. The Black–Scholes–Merton model was used to infer market values of assets, as well as the volatility of those values, from the observed market values of equity and the corresponding volatility. The existing differences in national tax rules were considered for estimating firm-specific marginal tax rates.FindingsIt was found that, despite the currency union and the institutional harmonization process, certain factors still play a different role. In particular, the impact of profitability is consistent with the pecking order view in some countries, and with the trade-off theory in others. Assets risk, measured as the annualized volatility of the market enterprise value, is the best predictor of observed leverage ratios. The sector of activity is significant in determining leverage decisions even when assets' risk is taken into account. Despite the monetary union and the increased financial and institutional integration in the Euro Area, the country of origin still plays a significant role in capital structure decisions, suggesting that other country-level factors may affect firms' financing behaviour.Practical implicationsThe paper indicates that, despite the long harmonization process of institutions, regulations and public budget required to join the Euro, firms' financing decisions are still affected by country-specific factors once the common currency is introduced. Therefore, new entrant countries in the Euro area should not expect their companies to immediately conform with those located in other countries within the common currency area.Originality/valueThis article investigated the impact of the currency change from national currencies to the Euro on the determinants of capital structure choices. It was shown that, despite the long harmonization process that led to the birth of the Euro Area, national factors still affect firms' financing decisions. This provides guidance for policymakers in countries that are planning to join the Euro about the impact this will have on firms' financing decisions in the entrant country.
Making the invisible, visible: older lesbian, gay and bisexual victim-survivors’ “lived experiences” of domestic abuse
Authors: Wydall Sarah , Zerk Rebecca , Freeman Elize 
Published: June 2023

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the use of coproduction to create a film “Do You See Me?”, to amplify the voices of a “hard to reach” group: older lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB) victim-survivors of domestic abuse (DA).

Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative methods were used as part of the co-production, which included two practitioner focus groups and 14 narrative interviews with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning persons or the community (LGBTQ+) victim-survivors.

Findings
Despite differences in gender, sexualities, roles and “lived experiences” across stakeholders, there was a shared aim to ensure victim-survivors had a sense of ownership in this endeavour. Consequently, a positive reciprocity existed that helped to foster effective communication, allow for capacity building and subsequent knowledge exchange. The collaboration produced a nuanced meta-narrative making visible the “lived experiences” of LGB victim-survivors’ perceptions of perpetrator behaviours.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is original in two ways, firstly, providing insights into the “lived experiences” of an invisible group; older LGBTQ+ victim-survivors, and secondly, in involving them in the co-production of a film. The paper aims to reveal how interdependencies that developed between stakeholders helped to disrupt understandings, develop new ways of knowing and build levels of trust. Group interactions helped to dismantle hierarchies, so those with experiential knowledge: the survivors, had greater control throughout the research process. The paper is significant in providing a critical reflection on the ethical, methodological and resource challenges involved in co-production. It also makes recommendations for researchers and funders about the value of using co-production as a method to engage with hard-to-reach groups.
Independent directors’ attributes and related party transactions in Malaysia: evidence from an individual perspective
Authors: Abd Majid Nurshahirah , Rahmat Mohd Mohid , Ahmed Kamran 
Published: June 2023

Purpose
This study aims to examine the ability of independent directors to discipline related-party transactions (RPTs) among listed companies in Malaysia. Firms typically appoint independent directors individually, not as a group. However, board members are commonly viewed collectively as a group, and evidence of the abilities of individual directors is scarce.

Design/methodology/approach
The attributes of individual independent directors include accounting literacy, length of service, audit committee membership and active participation in board and audit committee meetings. The unit of analysis is the individual independent director. The final sample consists of 1,552 observations in 2017, and RPTs are categorized as either efficient or conflicting.

Findings
The study finds that the tenure of individual independent directors and active participation in board meetings affect the firm’s engagement in RPTs. However, the financial literacy, audit committee membership and attendance of independent directors at audit committee meetings do not affect the firm’s engagement in RPTs, either efficient or conflicting. Overall, this result offers limited support for the upper-echelon theory concerning the attributes of individual independent directors and RPTs.

Research limitations/implications
This study uses cross-sectional observations for 2017, which predates the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, this study ignores the impact of restrictions in community mobility during the pandemic on the independent director’s ability to monitor the corporation. This circumstance may have implications for practice and merit further research.

Practical implications
The findings provide information for board nominating committees, regulators and policymakers that the capability of individual independent directors to fulfill their responsibilities is limited. The firm’s nominating committee must be very selective in nominating and appointing independent directors with appropriate competencies. Investors should choose companies that have reappointed the same independent directors for an extended period, as they may benefit from the experience in protecting investors’ interests.

Originality/value
This paper contributes novel evidence to upper-echelon theory literature on the association between independent directors and RPT types from the perspective of individual independent directors.
Introduction: smart tourism: what developments and issues are important to the Baltic States?
Authors: Garanti Zanete , Zvaigzne Anda , Berjozkina Galina 
Published: June 2023

PurposeProvides an overview of the article collection in this theme issue that explores the concept of “smart tourism” and in particular, developments and issues that are important for the Baltic States.Design/methodology/approachThe article applies a thematic approach to exploring the factors affecting the development of smart tourism, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the Baltic region. Overall, the collection reviews the literature, provides an analysis of data and a survey of experts, including tourism service providers. This combines with the practical solutions given in the articles.FindingsThe findings and conclusions of this theme issue focus on the factors affecting the development of smart tourism and smart villages, digitalization and innovation opportunities in the Baltic regions, and it provides an insight on the current situation in the smart tourism industry, the possibilities for using digital technologies, and the practical applications.Originality/valueThis theme issue explores the factors influencing and challenges facing smart tourism in the Baltic region, given that all the stakeholders actively want more sustainable and balanced tourism, as well as opportunities to develop innovative, technologically advanced solutions to the development of smart tourism.
Response to Singh et al. 2023: It is premature for a unified hypothesis of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy: A great amount of research is still needed to understand the multisystem cascade
Authors: Faingold Carl L. , Feng Hua‐Jun 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn response to the comments by Singh and colleagues about our recent paper proposing a unified hypothesis of SUDEP, we definitely agree that more research is needed. This research should include studies in other models, including Dravet mice, emphasized by Singh et al. However, we strongly believe the hypothesis is timely, because it is based on the continuing progress on SUDEP‐related research on serotonin (5‐HT) and adenosine as well as neuroanatomical findings.We propose testing of 5‐HT enhancing drugs, neurotoxicity blocking drugs, such as N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) antagonists and periaqueductal gray (PAG) electrical stimulation for SUDEP prevention. There are FDA‐approved drugs that enhance the action of 5‐HT, including fluoxetine and fenfluramine, which is approved for Dravet syndrome. NMDA antagonists, including memantine and ketamine, are also approved for other disorders. PAG electrical stimulation, which is proposed to activate a suffocation alarm, is also approved to treat other conditions and is known to enhance respiration. Experiments using these methods are currently being carried out in animal studies. If these approaches are validated in SUDEP models, treatments could be evaluated relatively quickly in patients with epilepsy (PWE) who exhibit a biomarker for high SUDEP risk, such as peri‐ictal respiratory abnormalities. An example of such a study is the ongoing clinical trial of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor in PWE. Although, gene‐based therapies may ultimately become treatments of choice to prevent SUDEP, as Singh et al suggested, one or more of the approaches we proposed could become temporizing treatments before gene‐based therapies can be available. Establishing genetic treatments would require extensive time for each of the genetic abnormalities associated with SUDEP, and too many PWE are likely to die in the meantime.The temporizing treatments may help to reduce the incidence of SUDEP sooner, which is urgently needed.
Diabetes, prediabetes, and atrial fibrillation—A population‐based cohort study based on national and regional registers
Authors: Johansson Cecilia , Örtendahl Lina , Lind Marcus M. , Andersson Jonas , Johansson Lars , Brunström Mattias 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have shown an increased risk for atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter (AF) in people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. It is unclear whether this increase in AF risk is independent of other risk factors for AF.ObjectiveTo investigate the association between diabetes and different prediabetic states, as independent risk factors for the onset of AF.MethodsWe performed a population‐based cohort study in Northern Sweden, including data on fasting plasma glucose, oral glucose tolerance test, major cardiovascular risk factors, medical history, and lifestyle factors. Participants were divided into six groups depending on glycemic status and followed through national registers for AF diagnosis. Cox proportional hazard model was used to assess the association between glycemic status and AF, using normoglycemia as reference.ResultsThe cohort consisted of 88,889 participants who underwent a total of 139,661 health examinations. In the model adjusted for age and sex, there was a significant association between glycemic status and development of AF in all groups except the impaired glucose tolerance group, with the strongest association for the group with known diabetes (p‐value <0.001). In a model adjusted for sex, age, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, antihypertensive drugs, cholesterol, alcohol, smoking, education level, marital status, and physical activity, there was no significant association between glycemic status and AF.Conclusions/interpretationThe association between glycemic status and AF disappears upon adjustment for potential confounders. Diabetes and prediabetes do not appear to be independent risk factors for AF.
Between fearmongers and Samaritans: Does information provision affect attitudes towards the right of asylum in Germany?
Authors: Hayo Bernd , Neumeier Florian 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWe utilise data from a self‐designed survey that includes information experiments to elicit the German public's attitude towards the right of asylum. The survey was carried out in 2018. We randomly assign 2048 interviewees to different groups and ‘treat’ each group with different information about the asylum seekers that came to Germany in 2015 and 2016. Treatments involve information about (i) the total number of asylum seekers, (ii) the fiscal costs and (iii) potential long‐term benefits associated with accepting refugees, (iv) the share of Muslim asylum seekers and (v) the share of war refugees. Providing information about the fiscal costs associated with accepting refugees, and, to a lesser extent, about the share of Muslim refugees, significantly increases the likelihood of opposing the right of asylum. These effects are more pronounced for middle‐income earners, respondents with a low level of education and female respondents. Deviations of people's beliefs from the actual numbers can affect their attitudes: Respondents who underestimated the share of Muslim refugees are more likely to call for abolishing the right of asylum.
Calving date as a potential predictor for the probability of approval in the first breeding soundness evaluation of Nellore bulls
Authors: Diaz‐Miranda Edgar Andres , Penitente‐Filho Jurandy Mauro , Gomez‐Leon Victor Enrique , Lopez Camilo Jose Ramirez , Villadiego Faider Alberto Castaño , Okano Denise Silva , Neto Tamires Miranda , Guimarães Simone Facioni , Siqueira Jeanne Broch , Guimarães José Domingos 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBeef production systems primarily use natural service (NS) for breeding. However, a significant number of bulls used for NS are subfertile, limiting the profitability of the cow‐calf operations. Therefore, producers should select bulls based on breeding soundness evolutions (BSE) to ensure higher pregnancy rates. Several factors can affect the bull ability to pass a BSE. We hypothesize that calving date would be a factor that affects the bull probability of approval at the first BSE. For this purpose, a multivariate logistic regression in a dataset of 14,737 BSEs from young Nellore bulls was used. Correlations between calving date, biometrics, and semen traits were evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Our results demonstrated that the calving date affected the probability of approval at the first BSE (p < .05). Indeed, the variable that added more information to our model was the calving date, far more than the age group of the bulls according to Akaike's information criterion. Hence, bulls born on day 0 of the calving season have 1.26 more chances to be approved at the first BSE than bulls born 21 days later. This result highlights the importance of getting the dams of future bulls pregnant as soon as possible in the breeding season. In addition, the calving season should be no longer than 47 days to achieve 80% BSE approval in 20–22 months old Nellore bulls. The strongest correlation was with SC, which decreased as the calving date increased. Therefore, the calving date may be used as a predictor of the outcome of the first BSE in young bulls. In that way, the calving date can help seedstock producers to maximize efficiency in making crucial management decisions during the breeding and calving season including nutrition, reproductive, and culling.
Being Zen: Pelevin, Buddha, and the Void
Authors: Lee Daniel Taehun 
Published: June 2023

AbstractVictor Pelevin, whose rise to popularity coincided with the fall of the Soviet Union, critiques the notion of national identity via the prism of Zen Buddhism. Pelevin embraces the religion’s idea of the volatile self and undertakes the project of spiritually empowering the Russians, by exposing the futility of constructing any national identity. With linguistic, cultural, and historical cross‐references between Japan and Russia, the author creates a dialogical hybridity that exemplifies the Zen Buddhist concept of non‐duality in which the self becomes inseparable from the other. This article analyzes four of Pelevin’s novels—Chapaev and Pustota, The Life of Insects, Secret Views of Mount Fuji, and iPhuck 10—and examines how the author incorporates the Zen Buddhist notion of emptiness to reinterpret Russian identity in a spiritually restorative way.
Top-Ranked Higher Education Institutions: An Investigation of the Sport Management Academic Discipline
Authors: Mayer Kurt C. , Morse Alan L. , Padhye Yash 
Published: June 2023

The current exploratory study determined the prevalence of the sport management academic degree being offered in top-ranked institutions as based on U.S. News & World Report rankings. A focus on the differences of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees being offered, or not offered, was placed on national universities and liberal arts colleges because of the prevalence of these institution types and their educational settings. Additionally, the study aimed to determine if relevant indicators predicted a sport management degree being offered at a top-ranked national university and liberal arts college. Results indicated significant differences, with sport management degrees being offered at a higher frequency in national universities than liberal arts colleges. However, the sport management degree was largely not offered by the majority of top-ranked institutions. Notably, ranking, enrollment, and public/private institutional status did not predict sport management degree offerings at a liberal arts college. However, a national university had an increased likelihood of offering a sport management degree as enrollment increased and ranking increased (i.e., moved closer to 150). Altogether, the project highlighted that while the sport management academic discipline has certainly grown since its inception, growth has not really occurred at top-ranked higher education institutions, especially liberal arts colleges.
Familial α-synucleinopathy spectrum features in patients with psychiatric REM sleep behaviour disorder
Authors: Wang Jing , Lam Siu Ping , Huang Bei , Liu Yaping , Zhang Jihui , Yu Mandy W M , Tsang Jessie C C , Zhou Li , Chau Steven W H , Chan Ngan Yin , Chan Joey W Y , Schenck Carlos H , Li Shirley X , Mok Vincent C T , Ma Karen Ka Yan , Chan Anne Yin Yan , Wing Yun Kwok 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundRapid eye movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) is one of the earliest and most specific prodromes of the α-synucleinopathies including Parkinson’s disease (PD). It remains uncertain whether RBD occurring in the context of psychiatric disorders (psy-RBD), although very common, is merely a benign epiphenomenon of antidepressant treatment, or whether it harbours an underlying α-synucleinopathy. We hypothesised that patients with psy-RBD demonstrate a familial predisposition to an α-synucleinopathy.MethodsIn this case–control-family study, a combination of family history and family study method was used to measure the α-synucleinopathy spectrum features, which included RBD, neurodegenerative prodromal markers and clinical diagnoses of neurodegenerative disorders. We compared the risk of α-synucleinopathy spectrum features in the first-degree relatives (FDRs) of patients with psy-RBD, psychiatric controls and healthy controls.ResultsThere was an increase of α-synucleinopathy spectrum features in the psy-RBD-FDRs, including possible and provisional RBD (adjusted HR (aHR)=2.02 and 6.05, respectively), definite RBD (adjusted OR=11.53) and REM-related phasic electromyographic activities, prodromal markers including depression (aHR=4.74) and probable subtle parkinsonism, risk of prodromal PD and clinical diagnosis of PD/dementia (aHR=5.50), as compared with healthy-control-FDRs. When compared with psychiatric-control-FDRs, psy-RBD-FDRs consistently presented with a higher risk for the diagnosis and electromyographic features of RBD, diagnosis of PD/dementia (aHR=3.91) and risk of prodromal PD. In contrast, psychiatric controls only presented with a familial aggregation of depression.ConclusionPatients with psy-RBD are familially predisposed to α-synucleinopathy. The occurrence of RBD with major depression may signify a subtype of major depressive disorders with underlying α-synucleinopathy neurodegeneration.Trial registration numberNCT03595475.
Entropy product function and central charges in NUT geometry
Authors: Pradhan Parthapratim 
Published: June 2023

We define an entropy product function (EPF) for Taub–Newman–Unti–Tamburino (TNUT) black hole (BH) following the prescription suggested by Wu et al. [Phys. Rev. D 100, 101501(R) (2019)]. The prescription argues that a generic four-dimensional TNUT space–time might be expressed in terms of three or four different types of thermodynamic hairs. They can be defined as the Komar mass ([Formula: see text]), the angular momentum ([Formula: see text]), the gravitomagnetic charge ([Formula: see text]), the dual (magnetic) mass [Formula: see text]. Taking this prescription and using the EPF, we derive the central charges of dual conformal field theory (CFT) via Cardy’s formula. Remarkably, we find that for TNUT BH there exists a relation between the central charges and EPF as [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is EPF and [Formula: see text] is one of the integer-valued charges i.e. the NUT charges ([Formula: see text]) or any new conserved charges ([Formula: see text]). We reverify these results by calculating the exact values of different thermodynamic parameters. We define the EPF [Formula: see text] from the first law of thermodynamics of both horizons. Moreover, we write the first laws of both the horizons for left-moving and right-moving sectors. Introducing the Bézout’s identity, we show that for TNUT BH one can generate more holographic descriptions described by a pair of integers [Formula: see text]. More holographic pictures have a great significance towards understanding the holographic nature of quantum gravity. Furthermore, using the EPF we derive the central charges for Reissner–Nordström–NUT (RNNUT) BH, Kerr–Taub–NUT (KNUT) BH and Kerr–Newman–NUT (KNNUT) BH. Finally we prove that they are equal in both sectors provided that the EPF is mass-independent (or universal).
The Limits of Confrontation: Nuclear Weapons, the 1958 Taiwan Strait Crisis, and China-U.S. Relations
Authors: Zhao Xuegong 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
During the 1958 Taiwan Strait crisis, the Eisenhower administration used nuclear weapons to deter Chinese shelling of the Quemoy islands. Zhao claims that the oblique nuclear threats had no effect on Beijing's decisions and operations and instead created problems for the Eisenhower administration by generating widespread opposition at home and abroad. Based on recently declassified U.S. and Chinese materials, this article examines U.S. and Chinese leaders’ perspectives on nuclear weapons during the crisis and other features of U.S.-China relations in the late 1950s.