bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated atmospheric CO2 suppresses silicon accumulation and exacerbates endophyte reductions in plant phosphorus
Authors: Johnson Scott N. , Barton Craig V. M. , Biru Fikadu N. , Islam Tarikul , Mace Wade J. , Rowe Rhiannon C. , Cibils–Stewart Ximena
Published: April 2023

Many temperate grasses are both hyper‐accumulators of silicon (Si) and hosts of Epichloë fungal endophytes, functional traits which may alleviate environmental stresses such as herbivore attack. Si accumulation and endophyte infection may operate synergistically, but this has not been tested in a field setting, nor in the context of changing environmental conditions. Predicted increases in atmospheric CO2 concentrations can affect both Si accumulation and endophyte function, but these have not been studied in combination.

We investigated how elevated atmospheric CO2 (eCO2), Si supplementation, endophyte‐presence and insect herbivory impacted plant growth, stoichiometry (C, N, P and Si), leaf gas exchange (rates of photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration rates) and endophyte production of anti‐herbivore defences (alkaloids) of an important pasture grass (tall fescue; Lolium arundinaceum) in the field.

eCO2 and Si supplementation increased shoot biomass (+52% and +31%, respectively), whereas herbivory reduced shoot biomass by at least 35% and induced Si accumulation by 24%. Shoot Si concentrations, in contrast, decreased by 17%–21% under eCO2. Si supplementation and herbivory reduced shoot C concentrations. eCO2 reduced shoot N concentrations which led to increased shoot C:N ratios. Overall, shoot P concentrations were 26% lower in endophytic plants compared to non‐endophytic plants, potentially due to decreased mass flow (i.e. observed reductions in stomatal conductance and transpiration). Alkaloid production was not discernibly affected by any experimental treatment. The negative impacts of endophytes on P uptake were particularly strong under eCO2.

We show that eCO2 and insect herbivory reduce and promote Si accumulation, respectively, incorporating some field conditions for the first time. This indicates that these drivers operate in a more realistic ecological context than previously demonstrated. Reduced uptake of P in endophytic plants may adversely affect plant productivity in the future, particularly if increased demand for P due to improved plant growth under eCO2 cannot be met.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
R&D subsidy and output subsidy in a duopoly: The role of technology spillover and R&D budget
Authors: Gao Xing , Wang Xifan , Zhong Weijun , Wang Ying
Published: April 2023

Technology spillover and research and development (R&D) budget are relevant on government subsidies that aim at improving social welfare through enhancing R&D incentives of firms. However, there has not been related literature considering these two factors. To fill this gap, this paper examines the effect of technology spillover and R&D budget on R&D competition of duopolistic firms and government subsidies by constructing a game‐theoretic model. We find that while each firm's profit sometimes increases with R&D budget for low coefficient of technology spillover, this profit may decrease with R&D budget for high coefficient of technology spillover due to the intensified R&D competition. We show that when both R&D budget and the coefficient of technology spillover remain high, R&D subsidy leads to higher social welfare than output subsidy and otherwise R&D subsidy results in lower social welfare.
Welfare brokers and European Union migrants' access to social protection
Authors: Voivozeanu Alexandra , Lafleur Jean‐Michel
Published: April 2023

In spite of the existence of an extensive national and supranational legal framework, European Union (EU) citizens who exercise their right to freedom of movement to work in another Member State face numerous hurdles in accessing social protection. While recent scholarship on street‐level bureaucracy and on migration and welfare has shed light on the role of discretion and stereotypes in access to rights, little is known about the processes through which such hurdles are overcome. In this article, we focus on a specific strategy which is the recourse to what we call “welfare brokers”. These actors offer assistance to EU migrants to overcome specific cross‐border administrative challenges in the area of social protection that derive from their use of the right to freedom of movement. Relying on qualitative data collected with brokers and Romanian migrants working in Germany, the article also demonstrates that welfare brokers attempt to transform the norms, bureaucratic practices and representations that condition access to these entitlements. The article concludes by underlining how the existence of a brokerage industry is a sign of existing inequalities in the exercise of freedom of movement within the EU.
Can latent fingerprint disclose the sex of the donor? A preliminary test study using GC–MS analysis of latent fingerprints
Authors: Primeau Charlotte , Dzetkuličová Veronika , Shepherd Tom
Published: April 2023

While fingerprints are a highly used means of identification, not every fingerprint left behind on a potential crime scene can be used for identification purposes. In some cases, the fingerprint may be smudged, partially preserved or overlapping with other prints hence distorting the ridge pattern and may therefore be not appropriate for identification. Further, fingermark residue yields a very low abundance of genetic material for DNA analysis. In such cases, the fingermark may be used to retrieve basic donor information such as sex. The focus of this paper was to assess the possibility of differentiating between the sexes of the donor of latent fingermarks. Analytical method was GC–MS analysis of the chemical compounds of latent fingermarks using 22 male and 22 female donors. Results showed 44 identified compounds. Two alcohols, octadecanol C18 and eicosanol C20, were found to show a difference that was statistically significant between male and female donors. There is also some evidence for the possibility of distinguishing sex of the fingermark donor based on the distribution of branched chain fatty acids, as free compounds or esterified in wax esters.
A data‐oriented strategy to support water resource managers and researchers
Authors: Lawford Richard , Unninayar Sushel , Huffman George J. , Grabs Wolfgang , Gutiérrez Angélica , Koike Toshio
Published: April 2023

Given the wide diversity of data services provided to national water management agencies, the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) in collaboration with the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) developed the approach described in the report, Implementing the GEOSS Water Strategy—From Observations to Decisions to develop more coherent and equitable data services for water management through the use of Earth observations. Among other water resource issues, it recognized the need to enhance data‐enriched water management services to support decision making related to drought monitoring, flood warning, tracking and improving sustainable development and monitoring and ameliorating the impacts of climate change. Needs associated with the Strategy's four themes: improved data acquisition for essential water variables, research and product development, interoperability and coordination, and capacity development and decision support, are reviewed. Responses to the recommendations have been undertaken by GEO, led by its Global Water Sustainability (GEOGloWS) initiative which includes NASA contributions, CEOS, and the Global Terrestrial Network for Hydrology (GTN‐H). Progress on the themes is reviewed and benefits of these developments for international and US water management are identified. The commentary concludes with a summary of what has been achieved, what remains to be done, and the priority focus areas for implementation in the final year of the Strategy.
Risk of new‐onset glaucoma in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A nationwide, population‐based cohort study
Authors: Bai Yi‐Chiao , Chen Yi‐Ling , Perng Wuu‐Tsun , Hung Yao‐Min , Wang Yu‐Hsun , Wei James Cheng‐Chung
Published: April 2023

To explore the relationship of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and subsequent glaucoma incidence. Patients with SLE were defined as those newly diagnosed by International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM) code 710.0 in at least 3 outpatient visits or 1 hospitalization during 2000–2012 by using the National Health Insurance Research Database. We selected a non‐SLE comparison cohort at a 1:1 ratio by propensity score matching on age, gender, index date, comorbidities and medications. We identified outcome as the incident glaucoma in patients with SLE. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to calculate the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) in 2 groups. Kaplan‐ Meier analysis was performed to estimate the cumulative incidence rate between both groups. There were 1743 patients who were included in the SLE group and non‐SLE group. The aHR of glaucoma was 1.56 (95% CI = 1.03–2.36) in the SLE group, compared to non‐SLE controls. Subgroup analysis showed that SLE patients present greater risk of glaucoma, especially in males (aHR = 3.76; 95% CI, 1.5–9.42), and the P for interaction between gender and risk of glaucoma was 0.026. This cohort study showed that patients with SLE have 1.56‐fold risk of glaucoma development. Gender acted as an effect modifier between SLE and the risk of new‐onset glaucoma.
Regulation of Hsa‐miR‐4639‐5p expression and its potential role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease
Authors: He Lu , Chen Yimeng , Lin Suzhen , Shen Ruinan , Pan Hong , Zhou Yifan , Wang Ying , Chen Shengdi , Ding Jianqing
Published: April 2023

Decreased DJ‐1 protein impairs antioxidative activity of neurons and plays an important role in the occurrence of Parkinson's disease (PD). We have previously identified hsa‐miR‐4639‐5p as the post‐transcriptional regulator of DJ‐1. Increased expression of hsa‐miR‐4639‐5p reduced DJ‐1 level and increased oxidative stress leading to neuronal death. Therefore, understanding the detailed mechanisms by which hsa‐miR‐4639‐5p expression is regulated will not only facilitate diagnosis but also inform the pathogenesis of PD. We examined hsa‐miR‐4639‐5 in either the plasma or exosomes derived from the central nervous system (CNS) neurons of PD patients and healthy controls. We showed that CNS‐derived exosomes gave rise to the increased plasma hsa‐miR‐4639‐5p in PD patients, pointing to hsa‐miR‐4639‐5p dysregulation in the brain of PD patients. Using a dual‐luciferase assay and a CRISPR‐Cas9 system, we identified a core promoter of hsa‐miR‐4639 (−560 to −275 upstream the transcriptional starting site) of the gene for myosin regulatory light chain interacting protein. A polymorphism in the core promoter (rs760632 G>A) could enhance hsa‐miR‐4639‐5p expression and increase PD risk. Furthermore, using MethylTarget™ assay, ChIP‐qPCR, and specific inhibitors, we demonstrated that hsa‐miR4639‐5p expression was regulated by HDAC11‐mediated histone acetylation but not DNA methylation/demethylation. Taken together, our study provides evidence that hsa‐miR‐4639‐5p is a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for PD. Interventions targeting hsa‐miR‐4639‐5p might represent a novel therapy to promote healthy aging.
Pre‐hospital freeze‐dried plasma for critical bleeding after trauma: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mitra Biswadev , Meadley Ben , Bernard Stephen , Maegele Marc , Gruen Russell L. , Bradley Olivia , Wood Erica M. , McQuilten Zoe K. , Fitzgerald Mark , St. Clair Toby , Webb Andrew , Anderson David , Reade Michael C.
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Transfusion of a high ratio of plasma to packed red blood cells (PRBCs), to treat or prevent acute traumatic coagulopathy, has been associated with survival after major trauma. However, the effect of prehospital plasma on patient outcomes has been inconsistent. The aim of this pilot trial was to assess the feasibility of transfusing freeze‐dried plasma with red blood cells (RBCs) using a randomized controlled design in an Australian aeromedical prehospital setting.

Methods

Patients attended by helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) paramedics with suspected critical bleeding after trauma managed with prehospital RBCs were randomized to receive 2 units of freeze‐dried plasma (Lyoplas N‐w) or standard care (no plasma). The primary outcome was the proportion of eligible patients enrolled and provided the intervention. Secondary outcomes included preliminary data on effectiveness, including mortality censored at 24 h and at hospital discharge, and adverse events.

Results

During the study period of June 1 to October 31, 2022, there were 25 eligible patients, of whom 20 (80%) were enrolled in the trial and 19 (76%) received the allocated intervention. Median time from randomization to hospital arrival was 92.5 min (IQR 68–101.5 min). Mortality may have been lower in the freeze‐dried plasma group at 24 h (RR 0.24, 95% CI 0.03–1.73) and at hospital discharge (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.24–2.27). No serious adverse events related to the trial interventions were reported.

Conclusions

This first reported experience of freeze‐dried plasma use in Australia suggests prehospital administration is feasible. Given longer prehospital times typically associated with HEMS attendance, there is potential clinical benefit from this intervention and rationale for a definitive trial.
The effects of age on the severity of problem drinking: Mediating effects of positive alcohol expectancy and neural correlates
Authors: Chaudhary Shefali , Chen Yu , Zhornitsky Simon , Le Thang M. , Zhang Sheng , Chao Herta H. , Dominguez Jacqueline C. , Li Chiang‐Shan R.
Published: April 2023

Aging is associated with reduction in the severity of alcohol misuse. However, the psychological and neural mechanisms underlying the age‐related changes remain unclear. Here, we tested the hypothesis that age‐related diminution of positive alcohol expectancy (AE) mediated the effects of age on problem drinking and investigated the neural correlates of the mediating effects. Ninety‐six drinkers 21–85 years of age, including social drinkers and those with mild/moderate alcohol use disorder (AUD), were assessed for global positive (GP) AE and problem drinking, each with the Alcohol Expectancy Questionnaire and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and with brain imaging during alcohol cue exposure. We processed imaging data with published routines; identified the correlates shared between whole‐brain regression against age, GP and AUDIT scores; and performed mediation and path analyses to explore the interrelationships between the clinical and neural variables. The results showed that age was negatively correlated with both GP and AUDIT scores, with GP score completely mediating the correlation between age and AUDIT score. Lower age and higher GP correlated with shared cue responses in bilateral parahippocampal gyrus and left middle occipital cortex (PHG/OC). Further, higher GP and AUDIT scores were associated with shared cue responses in bilateral rostral anterior cingulate cortex and caudate head (ACC/caudate). Path analyses demonstrated models with significant statistical fit and PHG/OC and ACC/caudate each interrelating age to GP and GP to AUDIT scores. These findings confirmed change in positive AE as a psychological mechanism mitigating alcohol misuse as individuals age and highlighted the neural processes of cue‐reactivity interrelating age and alcohol use severity.
Comparative evaluation of fracture resistance among conventional versus herbal irrigants in root canal treated teeth: In vitro study
Authors: Sinha Dakshita Joy , Rani Priyanka , Vats Swapnil , Bedi Kunal , Sharma Nidhi , Manjiri Honap Nagesh
Published: April 2023

To evaluate the efficacy of conventional irrigants and herbal extracts materials which helps to resist fracture of endodontically treated teeth. 75 maxillary human permanent incisor teeth instrumented using ProTaper rotary files till apical size(F4). Instrumented samples divided into 5 groups with n = 15 based on various irrigants used. Group I: normal saline, Group II: 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), Group III: 2% chlorohexidine, Group IV: 10% Azadirachta indica (neem extract) and Group V: 10% Ocimum sanctum (tulsi extract).After that, root canals were proceeded to be filled by using single gutta‐percha cone and Sealapex sealer. Specimens were then prepared and loaded until root fracture occurred. Maximum mean flexural strength of dentin (fracture resistance) was obtained from group treated with 2% chlorohexidine and 10% neem extract. Least fracture resistance was observed with 5% NaOCl. Herbal irrigants can be used as an alternative to NaOCl as they exhibit high fracture resistance.
Activity and predation of the threatened pancake tortoise, Malacochersus tornieri
Authors: Mwaya Reginald T. , Tuma Michael W. , Eustace Abraham
Published: April 2023

We observed out‐of‐crevice behaviours on seven pancake tortoises (Malacochersus tornieri Siebenrock, 1903) at six sites in the Tarangire–Manyara Ecosystem. Most out‐of‐crevice activities were observed during the wet season and late morning, which included basking, walking, foraging and suspected courtship fighting. Predation was evidenced on six live tortoises and two carcasses, with suspects being mesocarnivores, birds and lizards. Future studies should understand the effects of seasonal resource availability on behaviours and life history aspects, as well as predators and predation rates experienced by pancake tortoises.
Prophylactic low‐dose paracetamol for ductal closure and neurodevelopmental outcome in very preterm infants
Authors: Höck Michaela , Sappler Maria , Hammerl Marlene , Griesmaier Elke , Ndayisaba Jean‐Pierre , Schreiner Christina , Pupp‐Peglow Ulrike , Kiechl‐Kohlendorfer Ursula , Neubauer Vera
Published: April 2023

Aim

To investigate the direct effect of prophylactic low‐dose paracetamol administration for ductal closure on neurodevelopmental outcome in very preterm infants who did not receive ibuprofen or surgical ligation for treatment of a patent ductus arteriosus.

Methods

Infants < 32 gestational weeks born 10/2014–12/2018 received prophylactic paracetamol (paracetamol group, n = 216); infants born 02/2011–09/2014 did not receive prophylactic paracetamol (control group, n = 129). Psychomotor (PDI) and mental (MDI) outcome were assessed using Bayley Scales of Infant Development at 12 and 24 months corrected age.

Results

Our analyses showed significant differences in PDI and MDI at age 12 months (B = 7.8 (95% CI 3.90–11.63), p < 0.001 and B = 4.2 (95% CI 0.81–7.63), p = 0.016). At age 12 months, the rate of psychomotor delay was lower in the paracetamol group (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.28–3.94, p = 0.004). There was no significant difference between the rates of mental delay at any time‐point. All group differences remained significant after adjustment for potential confounders (PDI 12 months B = 7.8 (95% CI 3.77–11.34), p < 0.001, MDI 12 months B = 4.3 (95% CI 0.79–7.45), p = 0.013, PDI < 85 12 months OR 2.65 (95% CI 1.44–4.87), p = 0.002).

Conclusion

We found no impairment of psychomotor and mental outcome at age 12 and 24 months in very preterm infants after prophylactic low‐dose paracetamol administration.
The fast and the victorious: Mobility, motorcyclists and political mobilisation in Uganda
Authors: Müller Carsten , Doevenspeck Martin
Published: April 2023

As in other African countries, activists in Uganda play an important role during political campaigns. Monetary handouts, called ‘transport refund’, often facilitate their participation. Although these handouts often cover more than just the costs of transportation, the label indicates that mobility is seen as an important financial item for campaign activists. Despite this, little has been published about the role that mobility plays in the processes of political mobilisation in Africa. This article therefore examines mobility as an important yet neglected aspect of political mobilisation by evaluating the role of motorcycle taxi riders during elections in Uganda. Usually referred to as Boda‐Bodas, they are essential short‐distance transport providers in the country. Beyond that, being Boda‐Boda has become a way of survival, a form of social organisation, and a promise that every youth can make a living if he dares to face the dangers of the country's accident‐prone roads. Politicians have since discovered the potential of these bold young men and recruit them en masse ahead of elections. Based on fieldwork conducted between 2018 and 2022, this paper examines the unique mobilities inherent in Boda‐Bodas. It finds that characteristic mobilities enable their movements as transport providers and argues that these mobilities also enhance political rallies. Boda‐Boda motorcycle riders have therefore become a crucial activist group during political campaigns in Uganda.
Rhabdomyolysis and statins: A pharmacovigilance comparative study between statins
Authors: Montastruc Jean‐Louis
Published: April 2023

Rhabdomyolysis is a serious adverse drug reaction of statins. There are few studies comparing the risk of rhabdomyolysis between the different statins. Using the WHO pharmacovigilance database, VigiBase®, we compared the risk of rhabdomyolysis reporting of seven statins (atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin and simvastatin, with cerivastatin excluded). All reports of rhabdomyolysis in VigiBase® in adults with statins until 31 December 2022 were included. Results are expressed as reporting odds ratio (ROR, 95% CI). Among 10 657 reports with rhabdomyolysis with statins, simvastatin was the highest risk statin in comparison with others: ROR = 2.20 (2.11–2.29). The risk was higher in men, older than 74 years and in cases of drug interactions.
Debunking nutrition myths: An experimental test of the ‘truth sandwich’ text format
Authors: König Laura M.
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Myths about diet and nutrition are widespread and may seriously impact health and well‐being. This study tests whether texts in a truth sandwich format, that is, texts presenting two blocks of factual, correcting information around a text block listing a myth and identifying it as false, are effective in reducing agreement with a range of nutrition myths.

Design

Prestudy: observational survey; main study: 4 Text × 6 statement mixed experimental design.

Methods

Out of 13 nutrition myths that were presented to 58 participants in a prestudy, the six most prevalent myths were selected for the main study. In the preregistered main study, 302 participants were randomly assigned to either reading one of three texts in the truth sandwich format addressing a nutrition myth or reading a text about healthy eating (control condition) before rating their agreement with a total of six nutrition myths.

Results

Participants agreed less with the specific myth targeted by the truth sandwich text, while controls were not differentiating between them.

Conclusions

Thus, truth sandwiches are effective in reducing agreement with myths and can be harnessed to promote evidence‐based dietary practices to promote health in the population.
Impact of specialized obesity management services on the reduction in the use of acute hospital services
Authors: Williams Kathryn , Maston Gabrielle , Schneuer Francisco J. , Nassar Natasha
Published: April 2023

Severe obesity affects 4% of Australians and is associated with increased use of healthcare services and higher healthcare costs. This study evaluates the effect of attending a public tertiary obesity service on acute hospital use. This record‐linkage study included people aged ≥16 years with severe obesity who attended the Nepean Blue Mountains Family Metabolic Health Service (FMHS), New South Wales, Australia between January 2017, and September 2021. Emergency department (ED) presentations and acute hospital admissions and respective costs in the 1‐year and 3‐years pre‐and‐post first FMHS attendance were compared, overall and for adequate attendance (≥5 visits). A total of 640 patients (74% female, 50% <45 years) attended the FMHS, totalling 15 303 occasions of service, average 24 per person. There was a 31.0% and 17.6% reduction in acute admissions and ED presentations, respectively, translating into 34.0% and 23.4% decrease in costs. Adequate engagement was associated with a 48% decreased risk of acute admission (odds ratio 0.52; 95% confidence interval 0.29–0.94). Over 3‐years, there was a 19.8% and 20.7% reduction in acute hospital admissions and ED presentations, respectively. Findings indicate that tertiary obesity services reduce acute hospital use. Improved access to specialized obesity management may offload hospitals and contribute to acute healthcare cost avoidance.
Agency and Structure in Militarized Conservation and Armed Mobilization: Evidence from Eastern DRC's Kahuzi‐Biega National Park
Authors: Simpson Fergus O'Leary , Pellegrini Lorenzo
Published: April 2023

Ongoing debates in conservation studies stress the dire consequences of ‘fortress’ and ‘militarized’ conservation at violent frontiers. Presenting evidence from Kahuzi‐Biega National Park in war‐torn eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), this article shows how the park has become a focal point for armed insurgent groups in the region. Although fortress conservation has contributed to one major incident of violent resistance in recent years, it plays only a marginal role in defining the structures shaping the actions of armed groups. These structures — some of which are reproduced and (occasionally) reshaped by armed groups — include the legacies of poverty and insecurity, the geographical features of the park and the presence of illicit trading networks. This perspective emerges only when we zoom out from the park to place it within the context of the history and broader political economy of the DRC. On the one hand, these dynamics severely constrain the agency of conservation organizations, leaving militarized conservation as the only feasible form of enforcement. This approach at times generates violent outcomes for certain groups of people and produces a resource‐rich, isolated terrain which provides a staging ground for broader conflicts to play out. On the other hand, militarized conservation could provide basic law and order at the forest's edge. Ultimately, therefore, militarized conservation plays an ambivalent role vis‐à‐vis security and stability.
Integrated species distribution models fitted in INLA are sensitive to mesh parameterisation
Authors: Dambly Lea I. , Isaac Nick J. B. , Jones Kate E. , Boughey Katherine L. , O'Hara Robert B.
Published: April 2023

The ever‐growing popularity of citizen science, as well as recent technological and digital developments, have allowed the collection of data on species' distributions at an extraordinary rate. In order to take advantage of these data, information of varying quantity and quality needs to be integrated. Point process models have been proposed as an elegant way to achieve this for estimates of species distributions. These models can be fitted efficiently using Bayesian methods based on integrated nested Laplace approximations (INLA) with stochastic partial differential equations (SPDEs). This approach uses an efficient way to model spatial autocorrelation using a Gaussian random field and a triangular mesh over the spatial domain. The mesh is constructed by user‐defined variables, so effectively represents a free parameter in the model. However, there is a lack of understanding about how to set these mesh parameters, and their effect on model performance. Here, we assess how mesh parameters affect predictions and model fit to estimate the distribution of the serotine bat,Eptesicus serotinus, in Great Britain. A Bayesian INLA model was fitted using five meshes of varying densities to a dataset comprising both structured observations from a national monitoring programme and opportunistic records. We demonstrate that mesh density impacted spatial predictions with a general loss of accuracy with increasing mesh coarseness. However, we also show that the finest mesh was unable to overcome spatial biases in the data. In addition, the magnitude of the covariate effects differed markedly between meshes. This confirms that mesh parameterisation is an important and delicate process with implications for model inference. We discuss how species distribution modellers might adapt their use of INLA in the light of these findings.
Foreign direct investment and relative capacity: Theory and evidence
Authors: Mei Jen‐Chung
Published: April 2023

This paper builds a bilateral FDI‐output model to study intermediary roles played by the relative differences in human capital and technology in triggering the gross‐output‐enhancing effect of inward foreign direct investment (FDI). Our model develops several testable hypotheses to assess how these intermediary factors—the differences between leader and follower countries' capabilities—determine the technology transfer and shorten the gross output gap between the frontier and follower countries. In our empirical work, we employ country‐level panel data that contain 67 countries from 1977 to 2013 and find that the differences in human capital and technology, which take into account the gap in capacity between the leader and follower countries, are the determinants that trigger the gross‐output‐enhancing effect of FDI. Our results are robust to the non‐linear effects, cyclical fluctuations, endogeneity of FDI per se, and the variation of the host countries' institutions and inflation.
Associations between submerged macrophytes and fish communities at two spatial scales in 88 temperate shallow lakes
Authors: Quirino Bárbara Angélio , Søndergaard Martin , Lauridsen Torben Linding , Johansson Liselotte Sander , Fugi Rosemara , Thomaz Sidinei Magela , Lansac‐Tôha Fernando Miranda , Jeppesen Erik
Published: April 2023

Fish community structure is affected by a range of lake characteristics, including the cover of macrophytes that provide spawning habitats, nursery area, refuge against predators, and food.

We assessed fish–macrophyte relationships at both lake and point scale using an extensive dataset from 88 Danish shallow lakes (maximum depth ≤4.5 m). At lake scale, we used mean values from fish and macrophyte community samples for all lakes, in total 88 samples. The point scale data were derived from multiple points in each lake (in total 595 samples) where both macrophytes and fish were sampled, allowing us to assess within‐lake variations.

We found generally negative relationships between macrophyte cover and fish abundance and biomass, which was strongest at point scale. Contrary to macrophytes, chlorophyll a showed positive relationships with fish abundance—except for perch and all fish <10 cm, which did not show significant relationships. The deeper and more eutrophic the lakes, the more the fish tended to occupy points covered by macrophytes. The abundances of species such as roach and bream were negatively related to macrophyte cover, but, for perch, this relationship was not significant.

Our results suggest that fish abundance and biomass were associated with a combination of factors that are often intercorrelated and difficult to isolate. The relationship between fish abundance and biomass and macrophyte cover may depend on, among other factors, fish species, fish size, and the characteristics of the individual lakes.
Leguminous plants significantly increase soil nitrogen cycling across global climates and ecosystem types
Authors: Gou Xiaomei , Reich Peter B. , Qiu Liping , Shao Mingan , Wei Gehong , Wang Jingjing , Wei Xiaorong
Published: April 2023

Leguminous plants are an important component of terrestrial ecosystems and significantly increase soil nitrogen (N) cycling and availability, which affects productivity in most ecosystems. Clarifying whether the effects of legumes on N cycling vary with contrasting ecosystem types and climatic regions is crucial for understanding and predicting ecosystem processes, but these effects are currently unknown. By conducting a global meta‐analysis, we revealed that legumes increased the soil net N mineralization rate (Rmin) by 67%, which was greater than the recently reported increase associated with N deposition (25%). This effect was similar for tropical (53%) and temperate regions (81%) but was significantly greater in grasslands (151%) and forests (74%) than in croplands (−3%) and was greater in in situ incubation (101%) or short‐term experiments (112%) than in laboratory incubation (55%) or long‐term experiments (37%). Legumes significantly influenced the dependence ofRminon N fertilization and experimental factors. TheRminwas significantly increased by N fertilization in the nonlegume soils, but not in the legume soils. In addition, the effects of mean annual temperature, soil nutrients and experimental duration onRminwere smaller in the legume soils than in the nonlegume soils. Collectively, our results highlighted the significant positive effects of legumes on soil N cycling, and indicated that the effects of legumes should be elucidated when addressing the response of soils to plants.
CH4 and N2O emissions from smallholder agricultural systems on tropical peatlands in Southeast Asia
Authors: Jovani‐Sancho Antonio Jonay , O'Reilly Patrick , Anshari Gusti , Chong Xin Yi , Crout Neil , Evans Christopher D. , Evers Stephanie , Gan Jing Ye , Gibbins Christopher N. , Gusmayanti Evi , Jamaludin Jamaludin , Jaya Adi , Page Susan , Yosep Yosep , Upton Caroline , Wilson Paul , Sjögersten Sofie
Published: April 2023

There are limited data for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from smallholder agricultural systems in tropical peatlands, with data for non‐CO2 emissions from human‐influenced tropical peatlands particularly scarce. The aim of this study was to quantify soil CH4 and N2O fluxes from smallholder agricultural systems on tropical peatlands in Southeast Asia and assess their environmental controls. The study was carried out in four regions in Malaysia and Indonesia. CH4 and N2O fluxes and environmental parameters were measured in cropland, oil palm plantation, tree plantation and forest. Annual CH4 emissions (in kg CH4 ha−1 year−1) were: 70.7 ± 29.5, 2.1 ± 1.2, 2.1 ± 0.6 and 6.2 ± 1.9 at the forest, tree plantation, oil palm and cropland land‐use classes, respectively. Annual N2O emissions (in kg N2O ha−1 year−1) were: 6.5 ± 2.8, 3.2 ± 1.2, 21.9 ± 11.4 and 33.6 ± 7.3 in the same order as above, respectively. Annual CH4 emissions were strongly determined by water table depth (WTD) and increased exponentially when annual WTD was above −25 cm. In contrast, annual N2O emissions were strongly correlated with mean total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) in soil water, following a sigmoidal relationship, up to an apparent threshold of 10 mg N L−1 beyond which TDN seemingly ceased to be limiting for N2O production. The new emissions data for CH4 and N2O presented here should help to develop more robust country level ‘emission factors’ for the quantification of national GHG inventory reporting. The impact of TDN on N2O emissions suggests that soil nutrient status strongly impacts emissions, and therefore, policies which reduce N‐fertilisation inputs might contribute to emissions mitigation from agricultural peat landscapes. However, the most important policy intervention for reducing emissions is one that reduces the conversion of peat swamp forest to agriculture on peatlands in the first place.
Accelerating the development of a sustainable bioenergy portfolio through stable isotopes
Authors: Blanc‐Betes Elena , Gomez‐Casanovas Nuria , Yang Wendy H. , Chandrasoma Janith , Clark Teresa J. , De Lucia Evan H. , Hyde Charles A. , Kent Angela D. , Pett‐Ridge Jennifer , Rabinowitz Joshua , Raglin Sierra S. , Schwender Jorg , Shen Yihui , Van Allen Rachel , von Haden Adam C.
Published: April 2023

Bioenergy could help limit global warming to 2°C above pre‐industrial levels while supplying almost a fourth of the world's renewable energy needs by 2050. However, the deployment of bioenergy raises concerns that adoption at meaningful scales may lead to unintended negative environmental consequences. Meanwhile, the full consolidation of a bioenergy industry is currently challenged by a sufficient, resilient, and resource‐efficient biomass supply and an effective conversion process. Here, we provide a comprehensive analysis of how stable isotope approaches have accelerated the development of a robust bioeconomy by advancing knowledge about environmental sustainability, feedstock development, and biological conversion. We show that advances in stable isotope research have generated crucial information to (1) gain mechanistic insight into the potential of bioenergy crops to mitigate climate change as well as their impact on water and nutrient cycling; (2) develop high‐yielding, resilient feedstocks that produce high‐value bioproducts in planta; and (3) engineer microbes to enhance feedstock conversion to bioenergy products. Further, we highlight knowledge gaps that could benefit from future research facilitated by stable isotope approaches. We conclude that advances in mechanistic knowledge and innovations within the field of stable isotopes in cross‐disciplinary research actions will greatly contribute to breaking down the barriers to establishing a robust bioeconomy.
Developing a typology of daily travelers based on transportation attitudes: Application of latent class analysis using a survey of millennials and older adults in Hamilton, Ontario
Authors: Jamal Shaila , Newbold K. Bruce , Scott Darren M.
Published: April 2023

Using survey data of millennials and older adults in Hamilton, Ontario, this exploratory study sought to identify daily travelers based on their attitudes and perceptions toward transportation modes using latent class analysis. Four daily traveler types are identified—“walk and transit‐oriented travelers,” “car‐oriented commuters,” “multimodal travelers,” and “car‐oriented travelers.” The study also examined the association of different sociodemographic characteristics and trip attributes with the four traveler types. Findings suggest that heterogeneity exists within travel‐related attitudes among different traveler types. Further, heterogeneous traveler types exist among individuals belonging to the same generation, with the same living arrangements and possession of a driver's license.
The COVID‐19 pandemic and caring masculinity: New prospects or a wasted opportunity?
Authors: Wojnicka Katarzyna , Kubisa Julia
Published: April 2023

The early data regarding gender implications of COVID‐19 suggest that men are more likely to die as an effect of infection while women are those who suffer the social consequences of pandemic as they dominate in care‐oriented professions and bear the consequences of increased caring needs at home. The latter includes caring for children, who, in many (European) countries have been subjected to homeschooling. However, the lockdown resulted in the fact that also men (usually white‐collar workers from middle class) changed their work organization and habits and have started working from home. Some studies suggest that this specific situation results in the increase of involvement of fathers into caring activities at home. Hence, the main goal of our paper is an attempt to answer the question if pandemic opened new opportunities for larger involvement of men in caring activities. The study will locate research outcomes in the context of gender regime in Poland in order to investigate if lockdown, online work and care responsibilities enabled to challenge or to reproduce existing gender relations, with a special focus on masculinities patterns. It will be done by analyzing data from Poland, namely, semi‐structured qualitative interviews collected in two waves – during spring lockdown 2020 and during late autumn and winter 2020/2021 with men and women working online at home and caring for underage children. By doing so, we expect to add more nuanced, crisis‐related theoretical understandings of caring masculinity concept.
Structuring healthcare advance directives: Evidence from Chinese end‐of‐life cancer patients' treatment preferences
Authors: Ye Zi‐Meng , Ma Ben , Maitland Elizabeth , Nicholas Stephen , Wang Jian , Leng An‐Li
Published: April 2023

Background

Patients' treatment decisions may be influenced by the ways in which treatment options are presented. There is little evidence on how patients with advanced cancer choose preferences for advance directives (ADs) in China. Informed by behavioural economics, we assess whether end‐of‐life (EOL) cancer patients held deep‐seated preferences for their health care and whether default options and order effects influenced their decision‐making.

Methods

We collected data on 179 advanced cancer patients who were randomly assigned to complete one of the four types of ADs: comfort‐oriented care (CC) AD (comfort default AD); a life extension (LE)‐oriented care option (LE default AD); CC (standard CC AD) and LE‐oriented (standard LE AD). Analysis of variance test was used.

Results

In terms of the general goal of care, 32.6% of patients in the comfort default AD group retained the comfort‐oriented choice, twice as many as in the standard CC group without default options. Order effect was significant in only two individual‐specific palliative care choices. Most patients (65.9%) appointed their children to make EOL care decisions, but patients choosing the CC goal were twice as likely to ask their family members to adhere to their choices than patients who chose the LE goal.

Conclusion

Patients with advanced cancer did not hold deep‐seated preferences for EOL care. Default options shaped decisions between CC and LE‐oriented care. Order effect only shaped decisions in some specific treatment targets. The structure of ADs matters and influence different treatment outcomes, including the role of palliative care.

Patient or Public Contribution

Between August and November 2018, from 640 cancer hospital medical records fitting the selection criteria at a 3A level hospital in Shandong Province, we randomly selected 188 terminal EOL advanced cancer patients using a random generator programme to ensure all eligible patients had an equal chance of selection. Each respondent completes one of the four AD surveys. While respondents might require support in making their healthcare choices, they were informed about the purpose of our research study, and that their survey choices would not affect their actual treatment plan. Patients who did not agree to participate were not surveyed.
Vascular/epithelial changes as late sequelae after recovery from SARS‐COV‐2 infection: an in‐vivo comparative study
Authors: Pezzuto Federica , Lunardi Francesca , Vedovelli Luca , Olteanu Gheorghe E , Fortarezza Francesco , De Pellegrin Alessandro , Melan Luca , Faccioli Eleonora , De Franceschi Elisa , Giraudo Chiara , del Vecchio Claudia , Marinello Serena , Pasello Giulia , Gregori Dario , Navalesi Paolo , Rea Federico , Schiavon Marco , Calabrese Fiorella
Published: April 2023

Aims

While there is partial evidence of lung lesions in patients suffering from long COVID there are substantial concerns about lung remodelling sequelae after COVID‐19 pneumonia. The aim of the present retrospective comparative study was to ascertain morphological features in lung samples from patients undergoing tumour resection several months after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.

Methods and results

The severity of several lesions with a major focus on the vascular bed was analysed in 2 tumour‐distant lung fragments of 41 cases: 21 SARS‐CoV‐2 (+) lung tumour (LT) patients and 20 SARS‐CoV‐2 (−) LT patients. A systematic evaluation of several lesions was carried out by combining their scores into a grade of I–III. Tissue SARS‐CoV‐2 genomic/subgenomic transcripts were also investigated. Morphological findings were compared with clinical, laboratory and radiological data. SARS‐CoV‐2 (+) LT patients with previous pneumonia showed more severe parenchymal and vascular lesions than those found in SARS‐CoV‐2 (+) LT patients without pneumonia and SARS‐CoV‐2 (−) LT patients, mainly when combined scores were used. SARS‐CoV‐2 viral transcripts were not detected in any sample. SARS‐CoV‐2 (+) LT patients with pneumonia showed a significantly higher radiological global injury score. No other associations were found between morphological lesions and clinical data.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first study that, after a granular evaluation of tissue parameters, detected several changes in lungs from patients undergoing tumour resection after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. These lesions, in particular vascular remodelling, could have an important impact overall on the future management of these frail patients.
CEO locality and audit fees
Authors: Bolor‐Erdene Batjargal , Jung Keumah , Lee Woo‐Jong , Park Sohee , Sunwoo Hee‐Yeon
Published: April 2023

Recent literature suggests that compared to non‐local CEOs, local CEOs care more about reputation capital and hence exhibit a longer‐term orientation. Building on this literature, we address the audit pricing of CEO locality. Our empirical analyses reveal that audit fees for firms with local CEOs are lower than those for firms without local CEOs, suggesting a lower audit risk associated with local CEO clients. Seeking the underlying reasons, we indeed find that both client business risk and misreporting risk are lower for firms with local CEOs. Our results are robust to using the matched sample, controlling for potentially correlated variables, change analyses and other alternative specifications. We add to a maturing stream of auditing literature that CEOs' individual traits affect audit pricing.
The impact of COVID‐19 on residents of long‐term care facilities with learning disabilities and/or autism
Authors: Tessier Elise , Webster Harriet , Aziz Nurin Abdul , Flannagan Joe , Zaidi Asad , Charlett Andre , Dabrera Gavin , Lamagni Theresa
Published: April 2023

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has had disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations including those with learning disabilities. Assessing the incidence and risk of death in such settings can improve the prevention of COVID‐19. We describe individuals who tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 while residing in care homes for learning disabilities and/or autism and investigate the risk of death compared with individuals living in their own homes.

Methods

Surveillance records for COVID‐19 infections in England from 02 February 2020 to 31 March 2022 were extracted. Data on property type, variant wave, vaccination, hospitalisation and death were derived through data linkage and enrichment. Care home residents with learning disabilities and/or autism and diagnosed with COVID‐19 were identified and analysed, and logistic regression analyses compared the risk of death of individuals living in private residence. We assessed interaction parameters by post‐estimation analyses.

Results

A total of 3501 individuals were identified as diagnosed with SARS‐CoV‐2 whilst living in 632 care home properties for learning disabilities and/or autism. Of the 3686 episodes of infection, 80.4% were part of an outbreak. The crude case fatality rate was 2.6% and 0.6% among care home residents with autism and/or learning disabilities and their counterparts in households, respectively.

The post‐estimation analyses found over eight times the odds of death among care home residents in 60 years old compared with their counterparts living in private homes.

Conclusions

Care home residents with learning disabilities and/or autism have a greater risk of death from COVID‐19. Optimising guidance to meet their needs is of great importance.