Global Scale Research Articles

A study of big bath practices in the Egyptian capital market: an emphasis on CEO turnover and origin

Purpose This study aims to investigate how major big bath accounting practices and CEO turnover in Egypt relate to one another, as well as the first to use the CEO’s origin as a moderating factor. Design/methodology/approach This study uses 10-year longitudinal data from 2012 to 2021 and 290 firm-year observations from Egypt’s listed nonfinancial firms that witnessed CEO turnover to identify the significant big bath accounting practices in Egyptian businesses after the Egyptian revolution and the COVID-19 pandemic. Using fixed and random effect models, the authors investigate the impact of CEO turnover on company earnings during the first year of a newly appointed CEO as an indicator of big bath practices after controlling CEO gender, experience, firm size, leverage, return on assets, return on equity and industry. The hypotheses were investigated using static panel data. Findings The results show the presence of big bath practices in the Egyptian market. Furthermore, big bath accounting practices are positively correlated with CEO turnover. Moreover, the results indicate that big bath accounting practices are only endured when external CEOs are employed, rather than internal ones. Research limitations/implications The sample size and availability of data are the main research limitations. In addition, this study only examined CEO turnover and CEO origin as moderators in big bath accounting. Thus, future research may consider other CEO characteristics and political factors associated with big bath practices. Practical implications The findings from this study offer valuable insights to investors and regulators for effective decision-making and governance practices within the Egyptian capital market, while also contributing to a more informed approach to emerging markets on a global scale. Originality/value The findings contribute to the big-bath and CEO turnover and origin literature by showing a lower ceiling for earnings manipulation and using Egypt as a case study due to its unique institutional environment.

Bromeliad-Dwelling Frogs Revealed by Citizen Scientists

Understanding species composition across temporal and spatial scales through participatory monitoring has contributed to the development of several studies focused on biodiversity in Neotropical ecosystems. Habitat loss and the illegal collection of bromeliads pose significant threats to bromeligenous frogs, which depend on the rainwater collected between bromeliad leaves for egg and tadpole development. In this study, we compiled a comprehensive dataset of bromeligenous frogs using data from “Projeto Bromélias” on the iNaturalist citizen science platform. Our dataset includes records of 85 species of bromeligenous frogs, representing 52% of the 164 known species that reproduce in bromeliads. These species belong to 33 genera and 10 families and are reported from 18 countries. Twenty-eight species are listed in threatened categories on a global scale. Our findings extended the known geographic distribution of four species. Notably, the green and black poison dart Frog, Dendrobates auratus, was recorded as a non-native species in Hawaii, USA. Regarding the temporal data, the number of bromeligenous records increased substantially after 2009. This study highlights the value of citizen science platforms as important tools for monitoring bromeliad inhabitants and contributing to management and conservation initiatives.

Introduction and Evaluation of Slovenian Space Activity, Policy, and Legislation Considering International Space Law

The examination of the development of space activities on a global scale, identifies several trends. One of them is the transition from dualism to multilateralism – from the Cold War, when only the two world superpowers of the time were active in space, to a situation where several countries are joining the now already large circle of spacefaring nations. Recently, Slovenia has followed the trend, and has in the last three years successfully launched three satellites, drawn out its space policy, and adopted its first space legislation. As it was one of the first countries in the region to do so, it can serve as a learning tool for other states wishing to embark on the same journey, enabling them to take a critical perspective and optimise their efforts. This study briefly presents Slovenian space activity, policy, and legislation. This study focuses on the legislative part, which presents and examines the compliance with international law. Based on this, certain improvements can be made and other states can decide how to draw their own national legislation governing space activities.

Monitoring the boundaries of terrestrial biomes on a global scale from data satellite observations

Monitoring the boundaries of terrestrial biomes on a global scale from data satellite observations

Changing epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of bacteria causing bacteremia in Taiwan: 2002-2020.

AMR surveillance not only enables the identification of regional variations but also supports the development of coordinated efforts to combat AMR on a global scale. The TSAR has been a biennial, government-endorsed, multicenter study focusing on pathogens isolated from inpatients and outpatients in Taiwan hospitals since 1998. Our report presents an 18-year comprehensive analysis on blood isolates in the 2002-2020 TSAR program. The study highlights an alarming increase in the proportion of E. faecium causing bacteremia accompanied by elevated vancomycin resistance. It is worth noting that this trend differs from the observations in the United States and China. Understanding the composition of bacteria causing bacteremia, along with their prevalence of antimicrobial resistance, holds significant importance in establishing healthcare and research priorities. Additionally, this knowledge serves as a critical factor in evaluating the effectiveness of preventive interventions.

The Clinical Characteristics and Manifestation of Anxious Depression Among Patients With Major Depressive Disorders-Results From a Taiwan Multicenter Study.

Anxious depression is a prevalent characteristic observed in Asian psychiatric patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). This study aims to investigate the prevalence and clinical presentation of anxious depression in Taiwanese individuals diagnosed with MDD. We recruited psychiatric outpatients aged over 18 who had been diagnosed with MDD through clinical interviews. This recruitment took place at five hospitals located in northern Taiwan. We gathered baseline clinical and demographic information from the participants. Anxious depression was identified using a threshold of an anxiety/somatization factor score ≥7 on the 21-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D). In our study of 399 patients (84.21% female), 64.16% met the criteria for anxious depression. They tended to be older, married, less educated, with more children, and an older age of onset. Anxious depression patients had higher HAM-D and Clinical Global Impression-Severity scale score, more panic disorder (without agoraphobia), and exhibited symptoms like agitation, irritability, concentration difficulties, psychological and somatic anxiety, somatic complaints, hypochondriasis, weight loss, and increased insight. Surprisingly, their suicide rates did not significantly differ from non-anxious depression patients. This highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing these unique characteristics. Our study findings unveiled that the prevalence of anxious depression among Taiwanese outpatients diagnosed with MDD was lower compared to inpatients but substantially higher than the reported rates in European countries and the United States. Furthermore, patients with anxious depression exhibited a greater occurrence of somatic symptoms.

Scaling populism: the discursive articulation of spaces by Vox on Twitter

ABSTRACT While the division between the people and the elite created by populism is typically understood within a national framework, the aim of this article is to analyse how the understanding of the people and the elite is constructed by the use of interwoven scales. By focusing on the scalar politics of the Spanish party Vox, the discursive articulation of space through scales are analysed. By means of a qualitative discourse analysis of six Twitter (now X) accounts of the most prominent leaders, we argue that the use of political spaces is strictly connected to the party’s broader political narrative. Concretely, the analysis of the spatial imaginaries evoked by Vox on Twitter shows the importance of different scales – local, regional, national and global – to organize its populist antagonism spatially. In so doing, this paper makes a contribution to the literature on ‘scalar politics’ of radical right parties, which has recently focused on different geographical constituencies. We argue that the national scale maintains its predominance in opposition to the global scale (dominated by the cosmopolitan elites), the regional one (where separatism represents a threat against Spain's unity), the local scale which is nationalized against migrants and people who do not feel as Spaniards.

Climate change and inequality.

This review explores how climate change is manifesting along existing lines of inequality and thus further exacerbating current health disparities with a particular focus on children and future generations. Climate change risk and vulnerability are not equally distributed, nor is the adaptive capacity to respond to its adverse effects, which include health consequences, economic impacts, and displacement. Existing lines of inequality are already magnifying the adverse effects of climate change. Today's children and future generations will experience a disproportionate number of adverse climate events than prior generations, especially children in lower-income populations, communities of color, and Indigenous communities. In order to mitigate the crisis of inequity accompanying the climate crisis, systemic action must be taken on a global scale - with a focus on protecting children and future generations, and in empowering youth-led environmental activism and engagement in climate policy. IMPACT STATEMENT: Our review offers a current summary of the ways in which inequality is manifesting with respect to climate change in children and future generations. Rather than use a systematic review, we opted to use a theoretical framework to guide our review. We divided the effects of climate change into three effect pathways: via disruptions in (i) climate and weather, (ii) ecosystems, and (iii) society. By dividing our review in this theoretical framework, we can better suggest targeted public health interventions at each effect level. Furthermore, we are able to successfully identify literature gaps and areas of future research.

Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Global Crop Yields and Farming Practices

Climate change is recognized as one of the most pressing challenges of our time, with profound implications for global food security. This review article delves into the multifaceted impacts of climate change on crop yields and farming practices on a global scale. By synthesizing recent research findings, identifying key challenges and opportunities, and exploring adaptation strategies, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the complex interplay between climate change and agriculture. The effects of climate change on agriculture are diverse and far reaching. Alterations in weather patterns, including shifts in temperature, precipitation, and frequency of extreme events, pose significant challenges to agricultural productivity and food security. These changes disrupt traditional farming practices, exacerbate water stress, soil erosion, and crop loss, and threaten the livelihoods of millions of farmers worldwide. Additionally, changes in pest and disease dynamics have further compounded the challenges faced by agricultural systems under pressure from climate variability. These challenges, there are opportunities for innovation and adaptation in the agricultural systems. This review highlights the potential of climate-smart agricultural practices such as crop diversification, conservation agriculture, and precision farming to enhance resilience and mitigate the impacts of climate change on crop yields. investments in climate-resilient crop varieties, improved water management techniques, and sustainable land management practices offer pathways for building adaptive capacities and ensuring food security in a changing climate. addressing the complex challenges of climate change adaptation in agriculture requires concerted action at multiple levels. This review emphasizes the importance of coordinated efforts among policymakers, researchers, farmers, and other stakeholders in developing and implementing effective adaptation strategies. Such strategies should be context-specific, socially equitable, and environmentally sustainable, considering the diverse needs and priorities of different regions and communities. This review underscores the urgent need for coordinated action to build resilient and sustainable food systems in the face of a changing climate. By synthesizing the latest research findings, identifying key challenges and opportunities, and exploring adaptation strategies, this review aims to inform policymakers, researchers, and practitioners about the imperative of addressing climate change’s impacts on agriculture. Only through collaborative and transformative action can we ensure food security for the present and future generations in a rapidly changing world.

Improved classification of soil As contamination at continental scale: Resolving class imbalances using machine learning approach

The identification of arsenic (As)-contaminated areas is an important prerequisite for soil management and reclamation. Although previous studies have attempted to identify soil As contamination via machine learning (ML) methods combined with soil spectroscopy, they have ignored the rarity of As-contaminated soil samples, leading to an imbalanced learning problem. A novel ML framework was thus designed herein to solve the imbalance issue in identifying soil As contamination from soil visible and near-infrared spectra. Spectral preprocessing, imbalanced dataset resampling, and model comparisons were combined in the ML framework, and the optimal combination was selected based on the recall. In addition, Bayesian optimization was used to tune the model hyperparameters. The optimized model achieved recall, area under the curve, and balanced accuracy values of 0.83, 0.88, and 0.79, respectively, on the testing set. The recall was further improved to 0.87 with the threshold adjustment, indicating the model's excellent performance and generalization capability in classifying As-contaminated soil samples. The optimal model was applied to a global soil spectral dataset to predict areas at a high risk of soil As contamination on a global scale. The ML framework established in this study represents a milestone in the classification of soil As contamination and can serve as a valuable reference for contamination management in soil science.

The Relationship between Chocolate Consumption and the Severity of Acne Lesions-A Crossover Study.

The study involved 92 participants with acne who were divided into two groups, A (n = 51) and B (n = 41). In the first week, both groups had to follow an anti-inflammatory diet (AID), then for the next 4 weeks, group A continued on with the AID, and group B followed an AID with chocolate. After this time, group B started a 4-week AID without chocolate, and group A started a 4-week AID with chocolate. The severity of acne lesions was assessed using the Investigator's Static Global Assessment scale, where zero points indicated no lesions and five points indicated severe acne. As a result of the consumption of 50 g of chocolate, a statistically significant intensification of acne lesions was observed in both groups. After 4 weeks of following the chocolate diet, the severity of acne lesions increased from 2.5 ± 0.7 to 3.4 ± 0.8 points (p < 0.0001) in group A, and from 2.4 ± 0.7 to 3.5 ± 0.6 points (p < 0.0001) in group B. Overall, chocolate intake contributed to the exacerbation of acne lesions by one point in 65 participants, by two points in 13 participants and by three points in one participant. The obtained results suggest that daily consumption of 50 g of chocolate with 85% cocoa content, even with an anti-inflammatory diet, may intensify acne lesions in this study group. However, it remains unclear which chocolate components may lead to the exacerbation of acne.

Reduction in antimicrobial resistance in a watershed after closure of livestock farms

Natural environments play a crucial role in transmission of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Development of methods to manage antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in natural environments are usually limited to the laboratory or field scale, partially due to the complex dynamics of transmission between different environmental compartments. Here, we conducted a nine-year longitudinal profiling of ARGs at a watershed scale, and provide evidence that restrictions on livestock farms near water bodies significantly reduced riverine ARG abundance. Substantial reductions were revealed in the relative abundance of genes conferring resistance to aminoglycosides (42%), MLSB (36%), multidrug (55%), tetracyclines (53%), and other gene categories (59%). Additionally, improvements in water quality were observed, with distinct changes in concentrations of dissolved reactive phosphorus, ammonium, nitrite, pH, and dissolved oxygen. Antibiotic residues and other pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) maintain at a similarly low level. Microbial source tracking demonstrates a significant decrease in swine fecal indicators, while human fecal pollution remains unchanged. These results suggest that the reduction in ARGs was due to a substantial reduction in input of antibiotic resistant bacteria and genes from animal excreta. Our findings highlight the watershed as a living laboratory for understanding the dynamics of AMR, and for evaluating the efficacy of environmental regulations, with implications for reducing environmental risks associated with AMR on a global scale.

Global distribution range of birds is negatively correlated with their level of diet specialization

AbstractAimUnderstanding the factors determining the size of a species distribution range is crucial to preventing the extinction of vulnerable species, particularly specialist species. Previous research has shown that climate and various traits of a species significantly affect its distribution range size. However, the impact of avian dietary specialization remains relatively unexplored and geographically restricted.LocationWorldwide.TaxonBirds.MethodsWe assessed the worldwide distribution range of 7416 bird species concerning the degree of diet specialization, including body mass size, daily activity and evolutionary distinctiveness (ED) as covariates. The phylogenetic generalized least squares (PGLS) model – including the avian phylogeny – was used to test the potential correlation between the distribution range size of bird species and the explored life history traits.ResultsWe found that, at a global scale, diet specialization negatively correlates with the distribution range size of bird species. Overall, diet specialist species displayed a distribution range of 60% smaller than generalist species.Main ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that an avian diet specialization is crucial in predicting its potential distribution range size. This information is essential for those species with narrow distribution ranges often threatened by global concerns.

THE EFFECT OF EXPORT PROMOTION PROGRAM TOWARDS SMALL-MEDIUM ENTERPRISES’ EXPORT PERFORMANCE: A GOVERNANCE PERSPECTIVE

This paper investigates the effectiveness of export promotion programs (i.e., information, experiential, and financial supports) towards small-medium enterprises (SMEs) export performance. The research framework is guided by the Research-Based View. A sample of 116 Malaysian small and medium size exporter firms was tested by using the model. The data were analyzed through a partial least square structural equation modelling approach. Study results show that all three supports in the export promotion program improve SMEs’ export performance with the mediating effect of network role. The findings show that the implication of the impact of export promotion programs on export performance is justified. Besides, it also validates the importance of networking in using support from government agencies. The findings can also help SMEs engage with foreign buyers or trade organizations to profit from trade fairs and trade exhibits, promoting promotion programs on a global scale. Last but not least, government agencies can also strengthen international trade relations and foreign diplomacy for exporters to boost their trade competitiveness.

Виртуальная реальность и культурное взаимодействие: виртуальные цифровые технологии в продвижении китайской культуры за рубежом

The article describes virtual digital personages as new means of communication and promoting Chinese culture in the global media environment. Virtual digital personages are a new communication tool. They perform various roles, functions, and tasks by connecting individuals with various scenarios and providing feedback on these scenarios. Their experience helps people complete new learning and socialization processes. The author used communicative properties of virtual digital personages to examine their communication tools in practice. The article introduces some cases when virtual personages represented Chinese culture in different scenarios. Virtual personages proved an effective representation and promotion tool that improves the image of Chinese culture abroad. They show that virtual digital technologies are important for cultural communication and possess great potential in promoting cultural values globally. Virtual digital personages play a key role in the digitalization of cultural communication, thus providing new options for the dissemination and preservation of China’s cultural heritage on a global scale.

Global cloud optical depth daily variability based on DSCOVR/ EPIC observations

When investigating the potential effects of cloud changes on climate, the interday and intraday variabilities should be distinguished. Historically, studies have focused on the long-term cloud changes, and the intraday cycles of cloud properties have been mostly ignored partly owing to the limited availability of global datasets to study higher frequency variabilities. In this regard, DSCOVR’s vantage point at the Lagrange L1 point overcomes the temporal limitations of polar orbiters as well as the limited spatial views of geostationary satellites, allowing characterization of the daytime variability of cloud properties using a single sensor. In previous analyses, we used DSCOVR’s EPIC instrument to characterize the diurnal cycles of cloud height and cloud fraction; here, we expand on previous studies to additionally investigate the variability of cloud optical thickness. We observe a recurring diurnal pattern of cloud optical thicknesses for different latitudinal zones that reaches a maximum around noon regardless of the underlying surface. Once we separate the clouds based on their optical thickness into optically thin (0–3), intermediate (3–10), and thick (10–25), we find that these cloud classes follow different optical thickness diurnal cycles on the global scale. We further explore these differences by combining the evolution of cloud fraction and optical thickness of each group to obtain the diurnal evolution of cloud-fraction-weighted optical depths.

Mental health of caregivers of children with medical complexity: group-based trajectory modelling

ObjectiveTo describe the mental health trajectories of caregivers of children with medical complexity (CMC) and explore child characteristics associated with below-average caregiver mental health.DesignA secondary analysis of prospectively collected data...

UAE Foreign Policy Identity: Authoritarianism, Cosmopolitism, Connectivity

The article explores the phenomenon of the foreign policy identity of the UAE, an oil-producing nation in the Persian Gulf that has managed to overcome the constraints of its smallness and assert its prestige on a global scale. The study aims to identify historic and cultural basis of the shaping of this identity, the monarchy’s perception of threats and challenges and its ways of dealing with them, the role of political leadership and how their personal views and ambitions shape the contours of the country’s self-positioning as well as the use of the foreign policy identity in implementing national interests. The author discovers that the core of UAE foreign policy identity was contoured by the founding fathers of the small monarchy and then later developed and adapted by the new generation of ambitious, charismatic, and visionary leaders. The key factor was the fusion of visions of rulers of the two emirates with most economic and political weight in the federation, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, that defined the regional and international status of the UAE as an influential and powerful actor. The paper concludes that the main components of UAE foreign policy identity are pragmatism, prioritization of socioeconomic development and prosperity, perfect combination of conservative governance and cosmopolitism, the principles of connectivity and integration in global financial and logistic networks and flows, as well as agility in the currently changing balance of power and skillful interpretation of international norms and discourses in promoting its own image and agenda.

Cassini spacecraft reveals global energy imbalance of saturn

The global energy budget is pivotal to understanding planetary evolution and climate behaviors. Assessing the energy budget of giant planets, particularly those with large seasonal cycles, however, remains a challenge without long-term observations. Evolution models of Saturn cannot explain its estimated Bond albedo and internal heat flux, mainly because previous estimates were based on limited observations. Here, we analyze the long-term observations recorded by the Cassini spacecraft and find notably higher Bond albedo (0.41 ± 0.02) and internal heat flux (2.84 ± 0.20 Wm−2) values than previous estimates. Furthermore, Saturn’s global energy budget is not in a steady state and exhibits significant dynamical imbalances. The global radiant energy deficit at the top of the atmosphere, indicative of the planetary cooling of Saturn, reveals remarkable seasonal fluctuations with a magnitude of 16.0 ± 4.2%. Further analysis of the energy budget of the upper atmosphere including the internal heat suggests seasonal energy imbalances at both global and hemispheric scales, contributing to the development of giant convective storms on Saturn. Similar seasonal variabilities of planetary cooling and energy imbalance exist in other giant planets within and beyond the Solar System, a prospect currently overlooked in existing evolutional and atmospheric models.

Simulation-Based Training Program for Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Placement: Randomized Comparative Study of in-Person Training With Synchronous Feedback Versus Distance Training With Asynchronous Feedback.

Simulation training that includes deliberate practice is effective for procedural skill training. Delivering feedback remotely and asynchronously has been examined for more cost-efficient training. This prospective randomized study aimed to compare 2 feedback techniques for simulation training: synchronous direct feedback versus asynchronous distance feedback (ASYNC). Forty anesthesia and internal medicine residents were recruited after study approval by the institutional ethics committee. Residents reviewed instructional material on an online platform and performed a pretraining assessment (PRE) for peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement. Each resident was then randomly assigned to 1 of 2 training types, practice with synchronous direct feedback (SYNC) or practice with ASYNC. Training consisted of four, 1-hour practice sessions; each was conducted once per week. Both groups underwent posttraining evaluation (POST). The PRE and POST assessments were videotaped and evaluated by 2 independent, blinded reviewers using a global rating scale. Thirty-five residents completed the training program and both evaluations. Both groups had significantly improved global rating scale scores after 4 sessions. The SYNC group improved from 28 to 45 points (P < 0.01); the ASYNC group improved from 26.5 to 46 points (P < 0.01). We found no significant between-group differences for the PRE (P = 0.42) or POST assessments (P = 0.13). This simulation-based training program significantly improved residents' peripherally inserted central venous catheter placement skills using either modality. With these results, we are unable to demonstrate the superiority of synchronous feedback over ASYNC. Asynchronous feedback training modality represents a new, innovative approach for health care procedural skills training.