bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis of online fresh food shopping behavior during normal and COVID-19 crisis periods
Authors: Lu Miaojia , Wang Ran , Li Peiyang
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Online fresh food shopping has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 crisis. Online fresh food shopping provides consumers with an alternative to shopping in a traditional market, while also enabling procurement of such goods at a reduced risk of infection. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether online fresh food shopping behaviors change during public health emergency periods.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected through a web-based survey (508 respondents in China). Descriptive analysis, ordinal logistic regression analysis, and the Apriori algorithm were employed to explore what characteristics influence purchase frequency as well as food and delivery time preferences among different customer groups.

Findings

Based on the survey data, this study found that purchase frequency grew 71.2% during the COVID-19 crisis. City type and online shopping frequency of respondents are positively correlated with purchase frequency in normal and COVID-19 crisis periods. Number of daily hours worked by respondents only showed a significant impact for the normal period. People perceiving the risk of infection from going out are more willing to purchase fresh food online.

Originality/value

This is the first study to explore and compare online fresh food shopping behaviors during normal and COVID-19 crisis periods with a sample from China. The findings indicate a key role that online fresh food shopping can perform during a crisis and contribute to our understanding of fresh food online shopping behaviors during other possible public health emergency scenarios.
Antecedents and consequences of consumers' attitudes toward product placements: evidence from India
Authors: Kaur Ravineet , Sharma Rakesh Kumar , Bakshi Apurva
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Advertising clutter has fueled the rise of nontraditional advertising methods. The current study, conducted in India, adopted the consumer socialization framework to assess product placement attitudes and behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire-based survey was conducted to gauge consumers' responses to product placements. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to analyze the relationship between different variables.

Findings

The results revealed that young Indian adults are positive about product placements as they believe that incorporating brands into the content adds realism. The authors found that socialization agents significantly impact viewers' attitudes toward product placements which in turn influence their purchase intentions. The authors also found that product acceptability impacts consumers' purchase intentions.

Practical implications

This paper provides important insights into consumers' perceptions of product placements. Based on the findings, marketers can formulate effective product placement strategies.

Originality/value

Most of the studies existing in this area have been conducted in the developed markets except a few which have been conducted in the emerging markets. Hence, the present study is an attempt to fill this research gap. This study is among the first to establish a relationship between product acceptability and consumers' purchase intentions.
Exploring SMEs' behavioral intentions of participating in platform-based innovation ecosystems
Authors: Wei Fenfen , Feng Nanping , Xue Jinqi , Zhao Ruxiang , Yang Shanlin
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Small- and-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) significantly contribute to the success of platform-based innovation ecosystems (PIEs). However, less is known about their behaviors and behavioral intentions (BIs) toward participating in PIEs. Considering that SMEs' BIs directly influence their behaviors and reveal the underlying logic of their behaviors, this study, therefore, focuses on SMEs' BIs and explores the antecedents to reveal the rational effects on BIs of the participation.

Design/methodology/approach

An extended framework is proposed to understand SMEs' BIs toward the participation and empirically tested with data from a sample of 189 Chinese SMEs based on partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The results show that (1) the framework has a good fit in the context of PIEs and a large predictability of SMEs' BIs toward the participation; (2) as expected, SMEs' BIs are directly positively affected by their attitudes (ATTs), subjective norms (SNs) and platform leaders (PLs), while indirectly positively influenced by perceived usefulness (PU) and ease and negatively influenced by perceived risks (PRs) via mediation effects and (3) surprisingly, BIs are directly negatively affected by platforms probably because of the potential collaborative risks based on platforms.

Originality/value

This study enriches PIE literature by focusing on complementors and proposing a framework of SMEs' BI toward joining PIEs, and it also expands the application of BI–behavior theories in the context of PIEs by offering a BI–behavior perspective to analyze the rational logic of SMEs' behaviors of participating to PIEs. Practically, the main findings not only benefit SMEs to better understand their BIs and to make a wise choice toward the participation, but provide implications for PLs to proactively design interventions for attracting SMEs’ complementors.
Comparative effect of short-term credit granted to agriculture on agricultural added value in the West African countries
Authors: Oloukoi Laurent
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The paper analyzes the response of agricultural value added to credit and real interest rate shocks in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) and make a short-term comparative effect analysis of credit granted to the agricultural sector on agricultural value added among member countries.

Design/methodology/approach

First, in order to estimate impulse response functions (IRFs) and study shocks, a panel VAR model is used. Second the paper uses an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model with the associated error correction model to make a comparative analysis of the effect of agricultural credit on agricultural value added in the WAEMU.

Findings

Results shows that: (1) credit stimulates agricultural value added only in the medium and long term; (2) in the case of WAEMU, credit only becomes a means of lifting the constraint of capital underutilization after three years; (3) short-term credit granted to agriculture in WAEMU has a weak and differentiated effect on agricultural value added from one country to another.

Practical implications

It is imperative to implement a policy of lowering real short-term interest rates. Moreover, a monetary policy that favors direct financing of agriculture to the detriment of that oriented toward market financing is to be prioritized.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper is that it makes the link between macroeconomics and agriculture. It shows how the monetary instrument can be manipulated to improve the performance of agriculture. Actually, in WAEMU, the financing of agriculture is provided by the market. This paper proposes a new approach which is direct financing. The paper offers possibilities for the coordination of agricultural policies in the WAEMU.
The impact of economic growth, trade openness and manufacturing on CO2 emissions in India: an autoregressive distributive lag (ARDL) bounds test approach
Authors: Karedla Yaswanth , Mishra Rohit , Patel Nikunj
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of economic growth, trade openness and manufacturing on CO2 emissions in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed autoregressive distributive lag (ARDL) bounds test approach and uses CO2 emissions, trade, manufacturing and GDP per capita to examine the relationship using an annual time series data from World Development Indicators during 1971 to 2016.

Findings

Results depict that there exists a long-run relationship between CO2 emissions and other variables. Trade openness significantly reduces CO2 emissions, whereas manufacturing and GDP have a significant and positive impact on CO2 in the long run.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the study contribute to the body of knowledge by providing new evidence on the relationship between developmental metrics and the environment. These findings are critical for policymakers and regulatory bodies to focus on economic development without jeopardizing environmental degradation.

Practical implications

In order to keep its commitment to sustainability, India needs to develop policies that encourage cleaner production methods and establishment of non-polluting industries. Simultaneously, it must disincentivize industries that emit CO2 by policy frameworks such as carbon taxes, pollution taxes or green taxes.

Originality/value

None of studies examine at how these environmental factors interact in India. Kilavuz and Dogan (2020) used the same variables, but their scope was limited to Turkey. As a result, the study is the first to examine this relationship for India, contributing to the body of knowledge on economic growth, manufacturing, trade openness and environmental concerns.
How do changes in family role status impact employees? An empirical investigation
Authors: Perrigino Matthew B. , Kossek Ellen Ernst , Thompson Rebecca J. , Bodner Todd
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Despite the proliferation of work–family research, a thorough understanding of family role status changes (e.g. the gaining of elder or child caregiving responsibilities) remain under-theorized and under-examined. The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize various forms of family role status changes and examine the ways in which these changes influence various employee outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected as part of the work–family health study. Using a longitudinal, three-wave study with two-time lags of 6 months (n = 151 family role status changes; n = 392 individuals with family role stability), this study uses one-way analysis of variance to compare mean differences across groups and multilevel modeling to examine the predictive effects of family role status changes.

Findings

Overall, experiences of employees undergoing a family role status change did not differ significantly from employees whose family role status remained stable over the same 12-month period. Separation/divorce predicted higher levels of family-to-work conflict.

Originality/value

The work raises important considerations for organizational science and human resource policy research to better understand the substantive effects of family role status changes on employee well-being.
Examining the integration of continuous improvement and strategic planning in select pharmaceutical companies in India: a case study
Authors: Kaur Harjit , Kaushik Sanjay
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The objective of the study is to examine the extent to which pharmaceutical companies in India rely on traditional planning approaches rather than the new learning approach to strategic planning. In addition to that, the study also seeks to examine the perceived ability of the pharmaceutical companies in India to integrate continuous improvement goals and product quality into the overall strategic planning and success in implementing total quality management (TQM) programs examined through three particular continuous improvement mindsets.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collected data from select pharmaceutical companies in India through survey technique using a standardized questionnaire through online mode. A descriptive statistical analysis is performed to examine the extent of integration of strategic planning and continuous improvement in the select pharmaceutical companies in India.

Findings

The results of the study indicate that pharmaceutical companies in India still rely greatly on traditional planning methods for strategic planning. However, a shift is also observed toward adoption of best practice management and modern strategic management techniques. The study also demonstrates that continuous improvement goals and strategies are included into the corporate strategic planning.

Research limitations/implications

The study employs only descriptive statistics, and no hypotheses are generated in the study because the objective is not to generalize the findings. The process of formulating quality goals and integrating them with strategy is typical to any company. Therefore, the findings cannot be generalized. The findings of the study do not given any insights into the strategic quality management process due to online mode of data collection. Also, the focus on the study is on the internal management of quality in an organization and factors in the external environment or in the value chain outside the firm, influencing strategic management of quality are beyond the scope of present study.

Practical implications

Considering the significance of quality of products, an understanding of the link between quality and strategic goals helps the managers in pharmaceutical industry to align the strategic planning goals with quality goals ensuring that the entire organization moves in same strategic direction.

Originality/value

The strong focus quality in pharmaceutical industry in India has given impetus to development of well-managed quality programs on the shop-floor to remain competitive and survive in the highly competitive global markets. However, no such study is conducted so far to understand the extent to which continuous improvement or TQM practices are integrated into strategic planning in the pharmaceutical companies in India.
Disrupted macrophage metabolic reprogramming in aged soleus muscle during early recovery following disuse atrophy
Authors: Fix Dennis K. , Ekiz H. Atakan , Petrocelli Jonathan J. , Mckenzie Alec M. , Mahmassani Ziad S. , O'Connell Ryan M. , Drummond Micah J.
Published: August 2021

Aged skeletal muscle is characterized by poor muscle recovery following disuse coinciding with an impaired muscle pro‐inflammatory macrophage response. Macrophage inflammatory status is regulated by its metabolic state, but little is understood of macrophage metabolism and its relation to macrophage inflammation in the context of muscle recovery and aging. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to thoroughly characterize macrophage metabolism and inflammation in aged muscle during early recovery following disuse atrophy using single cell transcriptomics and functional assays. Young (4–5 months) and old (20–22 months) male C57BL/6 mice underwent 14 days of hindlimb unloading followed by 4 days of ambulatory recovery. CD45+ cells were isolated from solei muscles and analyzed using 10x Genomics single cell RNA sequencing. We found that aged pro‐inflammatory macrophage clusters were characterized with an impaired inflammatory and glycolytic transcriptome, and this dysregulation was accompanied by a suppression of HIF‐1α and its immediate downstream target, Glut1. As a follow‐up, bone marrow‐derived macrophages were isolated from a separate cohort of young and old mice at 4‐d recovery and were polarized to a pro‐inflammatory phenotype and used for glycolysis stress test, phagocytosis activity assay, and targeted GC‐MS metabolomics. Aged bone marrow‐derived pro‐inflammatory macrophages were characterized with impaired glycolysis and phagocytosis function, decreased succinate and an accumulation of glycolytic metabolic intermediates overall supporting reduced glycolytic flux and macrophage function. Our results indicate that the metabolic reprograming and function of aged skeletal muscle pro‐inflammatory macrophages are dysfunctional during early recovery from disuse atrophy possibly attributing to attenuated regrowth.
Group clinical supervision for allied health professionals
Authors: Gardner Marcus , McKinstry Carol , Perrin Byron
Published: August 2021

Objective

To evaluate a group clinical supervision program for allied health professionals in a regional health service.

Design

This study used a mixed‐methods design including a cross‐sectional, quantitative survey of group clinical supervision participants and a focus group of facilitators.

Setting

A large regional health service in Victoria, providing hospital, community and mental health services.

Participants

Allied health professionals and managers employed at the health service.

Interventions

Group clinical supervision, based on a critical reflection model, was implemented in 3 settings.

Main outcome measure

The Clinical Supervision Evaluation Questionnaire was administered to group clinical supervision participants, with additional open‐ended questions included. The Clinical Supervision Evaluation Questionnaire tool consists of 3 subscales relating to the purpose, process and impact of group clinical supervision. A focus group was used to capture the perspectives of group clinical supervision facilitators.

Results

Fifteen survey responses were received. The overall Clinical Supervision Evaluation Questionnaire score was 56.53 (standard deviation 7.66). Scores for the Process Subscale were higher than the Purpose and Impact subscales. Themes from the open‐ended survey questions included the following: value of multiple perspectives, opportunities for reflection, peer support and group process and structure. Themes from group facilitators’ focus group included the following: need for group clinical supervision, value of facilitator training and support, and sustainability.

Conclusion

Group clinical supervision was perceived to be effective, enhancing reflection, learning and peer support. Organisational support, facilitator training, group structure and planning for sustainability were identified as critical factors for success. Interprofessional and cross‐organisational models of group clinical supervision are strategies that could help address issues relating to access to quality clinical supervision for rural allied health professionals.
Edoxaban in cardiovascular disease management: Review
Authors: Srinivasan Sharanyah , Ajmal Muhammad , Pecci Cristina , Lassar Tom
Published: August 2021

In the past decade, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have transformed the world of anti‐thrombotic therapy. Edoxaban is the most recently approved DOAC. Though intended for use primarily in stroke prevention, it has found applications in various other conditions including thromboembolic and peripheral arterial disease. This review aims to provide a detailed outline of the growing indications, evidence for use in special populations, pharmacogenetics and side‐effect profile of edoxaban.
Validity of cycloheximide chylomicron flow blocking method for the evaluation of lymphatic transport of drugs
Authors: Ryšánek Pavel , Grus Tomáš , Lukáč Peter , Kozlík Petr , Křížek Tomáš , Pozniak Jiří , Roušarová Jaroslava , Královičová Jana , Kutinová Canová Nikolina , Boleslavská Tereza , Bosák Jan , Štěpánek František , Šíma Martin , Slanař Ondřej
Published: August 2021

Background and purpose

Lymphatic transport of drugs after oral administration is an important mechanism for absorption of highly lipophilic compounds. Direct measurement in lymph duct cannulated animals is the gold standard method, but non‐invasive cycloheximide chylomicron flow blocking method has gained popularity recently. However, concerns about its reliability have been raised. The aim of this work was to investigate the validity of cycloheximide chylomicron flow blocking method for the evaluation of lymphatic transport using model compounds with high to very high lipophilicity, that is, abiraterone and cinacalcet.

Experimental approach

Series of pharmacokinetic studies were conducted with abiraterone acetate and cinacalcet hydrochloride after enteral/intravenous administration to intact, lymph duct cannulated and/or cycloheximide pre‐treated rats.

Key results

Mean total absolute oral bioavailability of abiraterone and cinacalcet was 7.0% and 28.7%, respectively. There was a large and significant overestimation of the lymphatic transport extent by the cycloheximide method. Mean relative lymphatic bioavailability of abiraterone and cinacalcet in cycloheximide method was 28‐fold and 3‐fold higher than in cannulation method, respectively.

Conclusion and implications

Cycloheximide chylomicron flow blocking method did not provide reliable results on lymphatic absorption and substantially overestimated lymphatic transport for both molecules, that is, abiraterone and cinacalcet. This non‐invasive method should not be used for the assessment of lymphatic transport and previously obtained data should be critically revised.
An international assessment of the adoption of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS®) principles across colorectal units in 2019–2020
Authors:   ESCP Enhanced Recovery Collaborating Group
Published: August 2021

Aim

The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society guidelines aim to standardize perioperative care in colorectal surgery via 25 principles. We aimed to assess the variation in uptake of these principles across an international network of colorectal units.

Method

An online survey was circulated amongst European Society of Coloproctology members in 2019–2020. For each ERAS principle, respondents were asked to score how frequently the principle was implemented in their hospital, from 1 (‘rarely’) to 4 (‘always’). Respondents were also asked to recall whether practice had changed since 2017. Subgroup analyses based on hospital characteristics were conducted.

Results

Of hospitals approached, 58% responded to the survey (195/335), with 296 individual responses (multiple responses were received from some hospitals). The majority were European (163/195, 83.6%). Overall, respondents indicated they ‘most often’ or ‘always’ adhered to most individual ERAS principles (18/25, 72%). Variability in the uptake of principles was reported, with universal uptake of some principles (e.g., prophylactic antibiotics; early mobilization) and inconsistency from ‘rarely’ to ‘always’ in others (e.g., no nasogastric intubation; no preoperative fasting and carbohydrate drinks). In alignment with 2018 ERAS guideline updates, adherence to principles for prehabilitation, managing anaemia and postoperative nutrition appears to have increased since 2017.

Conclusions

Uptake of ERAS principles varied across hospitals, and not all 25 principles were equally adhered to. Whilst some principles exhibited a high level of acceptance, others had a wide variability in uptake indicative of controversy or barriers to uptake. Further research into specific principles is required to improve ERAS implementation.
Lung transplantation outcomes after crossing low‐level donor specific antibodies without planned augmented immunosuppression
Authors: Courtwright Andrew M. , Kamoun Malek , Diamond Joshua M. , Kearns Jane , Ahya Vivek N. , Christie Jason D. , Clausen Emily , Hadjiliadis Denis , Patel Namrata , Salgado Juan C. , Cevasco Marisa , Cantu Edward E. , Crespo Maria M. , Bermudez Christian A.
Published: August 2021

It is unknown whether some donor specific antibodies (DSA) can be crossed at the time of lung transplant without desensitization or augmented induction immunosuppression. This study assessed whether crossing low‐level pre‐transplant DSA (defined as mean fluorescence intensity [MFI] 1000–6000) without augmented immunosuppression is associated with worse retransplant‐free or chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD)‐free survival. Of the 458 included recipients, low‐level pre‐transplant DSA was crossed in 39 (8.6%) patients. The median follow‐up time was 2.2 years. There were 15 (38.5%) patients with Class I DSA and 24 (61.5%) with Class II DSA. There was no difference in adjusted overall retransplant‐free survival between recipients where pre‐transplant DSA was and was not crossed (HR: .98 [95% CI = .49–1.99], P = .96). There was also no difference in CLAD‐free survival (HR: .71 [95% CI = .38–1.33], P = .28). There was no difference in Grade 3 PGD at 72 h (OR: 1.13 [95% CI = .52–2.48], P = .75) or definite or probable AMR (HR: 2.22 [95% CI = .64–7.61], P = .21). Lung transplantation in the presence of low‐level DSA without planned augmented immunosuppression is not associated with worse overall or CLAD‐free survival among recipients with intermediate‐term follow‐up.
Smear detected cervicovaginal melanoma following negative screening—a cautionary tale of rapidly developing malignancy of the lower female genital tract
Authors: Ng Joanna K. M. , Li Joshua J. X. , Lee Jacqueline H. S.
Published: August 2021

Cervicovaginal melanoma is a rare and aggressive neoplasm detectable by Pap smear. Non‐HPV‐related lesions, such as melanoma, can be rapidly progressive and unsuspected. Awareness of uncommon but clinically significant lesions on Pap smear is important.
The generalist parasitoid Nasonia vitripennis shows more behavioural plasticity in host preference than its three specialist sister species
Authors: Kalyanaraman Dhevi , Gadau Jürgen , Lammers Mark
Published: August 2021

Host preference is an important behaviour in parasitoid females as they must choose suitable hosts for their offspring. Preference includes location, recognition and acceptance of hosts. Both genetic and environmental factors can affect all those stages. Here, we focus on two factors (rearing history and experience) affecting host preference in the parasitoid wasp genus Nasonia (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae: Pteromalinae), which harbours both a host generalist (N. vitripennis) and several closely related specialists (N. giraulti, N. longicornis and N. oneida). We tested whether Nasonia females prefer the host that they developed in by rearing them on two different host species (Lucilia sericata and Calliphora vomitoria) for over 10 generations before testing them for their host preference. We then tested whether experience changes host preference by allowing the females to feed and oviposit on either host species before testing their host preference. Only the generalist N. vitripennis showed behavioural plasticity as the effect of rearing history on host preference was overruled by their experience with a different host species. In contrast, the three specialist species were not affected by long‐term rearing history and only shifted their host preference based on experience. In all four known Nasonia species, individual adult experience modulated host recognition, acceptance and preference.
Interactive effects of land use, river regulation, and climate on a key recreational fishing species in temperate and boreal streams
Authors: Donadi Serena , Degerman Erik , McKie Brendan G. , Jones Douglas , Holmgren Kerstin , Sandin Leonard
Published: August 2021

Numerous anthropogenic stressors, including river regulation, excess loadings of nutrients and sediment, channelisation, as well as thermal and hydrological stressors driven by climate change impact riverine ecosystems worldwide. In a time when freshwater degradation and the rate of global warming are faster than ever, understanding the potential interactive effects of local and catchment‐scale stressors with large‐scale climatic conditions is essential to enhance our ability to plan effective conservation, restoration, and mitigation measures.

In this study we analysed a dataset spanning the whole of Sweden using a space‐for‐time approach to investigate interactive effects of land use, river regulation, and climate on brown trout (Salmo trutta) abundance in streams.

We found that in warmer regions trout populations were negatively affected in catchments with more intense river regulation by hydropower dams (i.e. ≥10 m3/km2 total reservoir storage volume). In such catchments, a 7°C warmer mean summer air temperature was associated with an average between 44% and 83% decline in trout abundance. In catchments with less intense river regulation, trout abundance instead increased moderately with increasing temperature.

We also found that brown trout abundance declined with increasing areal extent of urban areas when found in combination with ≥20% agricultural land use. When agricultural land use reached maximum values (84%), brown trout abundance decreased from an average of 13 individuals per 100 m2 in catchments with no urban areas to values ≤1 in catchments with ≥5% urban land use. Also, brown trout abundance declined with increasing agricultural land use in catchments with ≥3% urban land use.

Our study brings innovative empirical evidence of interactive effects between river regulation, land use and climate on brown trout populations. From a management perspective our findings suggest that: (1) restoring natural flows (e.g. through dam removal) and riparian vegetation could mitigate adverse effects of climate change; and (2) restoration measures that minimise the effects of agriculture and urban land use (e.g. reduction of nutrient levels and restored riparian buffer zones) could help rehabilitate brown trout in catchments with high anthropogenic land use change. However, given the large observed variation between streams, we advise for bespoke management actions stemming from sound knowledge of local habitat conditions and target populations, whenever possible, using an ecosystem management‐based approach.
Reduced habitat suitability and landscape connectivity in a songbird migratory divide
Authors: Justen Hannah , Lee‐Yaw Julie A. , Delmore Kira E.
Published: August 2021

Aim

Seasonal migration is a common phenomenon in animals and connects geographically distant ecosystems. Considerable variation has been documented in this behaviour and migratory divides (contact zones between populations that use different routes to navigate around ecological barriers) are an example of this. Migratory divides could have important implications for ecological speciation as hybrids in divides take intermediate routes and it has been predicted that these routes will be ecologically inferior as they bring hybrids over barriers that parental forms avoid. We provide the first test of this prediction here using a well‐characterized divide between coastal and inland subspecies of Swainson’s thrushes.

Location

North, Central and South America.

Time period

2006–2013.

Major taxa studied

Birds.

Methods

We used ecological niche models and analyses of landscape connectivity to predict suitable habitat for coastal and inland thrushes on migration and identify optimal migratory routes. We compared estimates of habitat suitability and landscape connectivity along the actual migratory routes of birds tracked with light‐level geolocators.

Results

Consistent with predictions for migratory divides, niche models estimated lower habitat suitability in the intermediate range between the migratory ranges of parental forms. Furthermore, our models of landscape connectivity predicted optimal routes that circumvent this intermediate area. Birds taking intermediate routes used stopover sites of lower predicted habitat suitability than birds migrating on either side of the divide and overlapped less with optimal paths.

Main conclusions

Our results support the prediction that intermediate routes of hybrids in migratory divides are ecologically inferior to those of parental forms. This finding suggests ecological differences are helping to maintain divides and could have broad implications, with divides shaping the distribution and maintenance of species boundaries globally and across many taxonomic groups.
The ghost of a giant – Six hypotheses for how an extinct megaherbivore structured kelp forests across the North Pacific Rim
Authors: Bullen Cameron D. , Campos Alberto A. , Gregr Edward J. , McKechnie Iain , Chan Kai M. A.
Published: August 2021

Aim

The global decline of megafauna is believed to have had significant and widespread ecological impacts. One such extinction of likely important consequence is the 18th century extinction of the Steller’s sea cow (Hydrodamalis gigas); however, little has been written about how the loss of this megaherbivore may have impacted coastal ecosystem dynamics. Drawing on historical evidence, sea cow biology, kelp forest ecology, and the ecology of extant sirenians, we propose several discrete hypotheses about the effects Steller’s sea cows may have had on kelp forest dynamics of the North Pacific.

Location

North Pacific Ocean.

Time period

Pre‐1760s.

Major taxa studied

Steller’s sea cow (Hydrodamalis gigas).

Results & conclusions

The evidence we review suggests that Steller’s sea cows exerted substantial direct and indirect influences on kelp forests, likely affecting the physical ecosystem structure, productivity, nutrient cycling, species interactions, and export of nutrients to surrounding ecosystems. This suggests that kelp forest dynamics and resilience were already significantly altered prior to the influence of more recent and well‐known stressors, such as industrial fishing and climate change, and illustrates the important ecological roles that are lost with megafaunal extinction.
High resource overlap and small dietary differences are widespread in food‐limited warbler (Parulidae) communities
Authors: Kent Cody M. , Huh Kyu Min , Hunter Sarah Chieko , Judson Kathryn , Powell Luke L. , Sherry Thomas W.
Published: August 2021

Although both interspecific competition and coexistence mechanisms are central to ecological and evolutionary theory, past empirical studies have generally focused on simple (two‐species) communities over short time periods. Experimental tests of these species interactions are challenging in complex study systems. Moreover, several studies of ‘imperfect generalists’, consistent with Liem's Paradox, raise questions about the ability of evolved species differences to partition niche space effectively when resources vary considerably across the annual cycle. Here we used a recently developed theoretical framework to combine past research on population‐level processes with observational data on resource use to test for ongoing interspecific competition and understand the nature of resource overlap. We compared species diet overlaps and differences in several distinctive communities centred on a focal species, the American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla replicated both spatially and seasonally, in combination with documentation of population regulation to assess the ability of similar species to partition dietary niche space and limit interspecific competition. Our results document high dietary overlap in most of the communities studied, with only subtle differentiation consistent with known species differences in foraging behaviour and morphology. These findings are largely consistent with species foraging as imperfect generalists. However, in contrast to past studies, the high diet overlaps observed here during times of inferred resource scarcity were driven by low‐value prey taxa (e.g. small ants) and did not involve truly ‘private’ resources. All of these factors increase the potential negative impacts of interspecific competition, and limit the ability of these birds to avoid competition if food availability deteriorates further than observed in our study, either seasonally or at longer intervals.
Wing and leg bone microstructure reflects migratory demands in resident and migrant populations of the Dark‐eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)
Authors: Louis Leeann D. , Bowie Rauri C. K. , Dudley Robert
Published: August 2021

Migration is the primary strategy that temperate birds use to avoid overwintering under harsh conditions. As a consequence, migratory birds have evolved specific morphological features in their wings and skeleton. However, in addition to varying in overall shape and size, bone can also change at the microstructural level by, for example, increasing its thickness. Such changes are critical to preventing fracture and damage under repeated loading (fatigue), yet it is not known whether migratory behaviour influences bone microstructure. To address this gap in the literature, we performed micro‐computed tomography on skeletons of resident and migrant subspecies of the Dark‐eyed JuncoJunco hyemalis. We investigated the differences in the major wing bone, the humerus, and the major leg bone, the femur. In each bone, we studied the microarchitecture of the two types of bone tissue: cortical bone, the thick outer layer of bone; and trabecular bone, which is the porous network of bone tissue at the ends of long bones. We used linear models to quantify morphological features with respect to body mass and migratory behaviour. Humeri from migratory birds were thinner, wider and had higher overall geometric stiffness, i.e. a higher polar moment of inertia, relative to humeri from resident birds. These features may help keep their bones stiff to maintain their increased body mass during migration. In contrast, migrant femora were shorter, thinner and had lower geometric stiffness than femora of residents, potentially to reduce total body mass. Tissue mineral density was lower in both the humerus and the femur of migratory birds. In addition, migratory subspecies had less trabecular bone (lower bone volume fraction) due primarily to a loss of trabecular thickness. Migratory behaviour may thus select for improved stiffness and fatigue resistance in the wing bones and reduced mass of leg bones. Our work demonstrates how important insights into morphological adaptation can be obtained by investigating bone microstructure.
Encapsulation and characterisation of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract using sodium alginate and different cellulose derivatives
Authors: Sheng Kangliang , Zhang Guanghui , Kong Xiaowei , Wang Jingmin , Mu Wanmeng , Wang Yongzhong
Published: August 2021

Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) has health benefits. However, these phenolic compounds undergo degradation reactions and have undesirable sensorial characteristics. GSPE was encapsulated using sodium alginate (SA), SA‐methyl cellulose (MC) and SA‐hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) for promoting controlled release, pH stability, temperature and storage period tolerance of GSPE. The microcapsules were characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infra‐red (FTIR) analysis. The SA‐MC and SA‐HPMC microcapsules appeared to have a more compact surface than SA‐alone microcapsules. FTIR analysis indicated successful immobilisation of GSPE into the polymeric microcapsules. Moreover, the SA‐MC and SA‐HPMC microcapsules showed higher thermal stability. The microcapsules showed a relatively higher amount of released GSPE at a pH above six than at a lower pH. The SA‐MC and SA‐HPMC microcapsules could be used to retain more GSPE content in the gastric phase and to release it in the intestinal phase for possible absorption. Furthermore, after 28 days of storage at 25 °C, the GSPE retention rate of the microcapsules was still higher than 80%. GSPE encapsulated in SA‐MC and SA‐HPMC microcapsules results in lesser degradation and can be absorbed more effectively. This method has potential for the delivery of colon‐specific materials while exhibiting a sustained‐release characteristic.
The effect of female presence on corporate boards of directors on the value relevance of accounting amounts: empirical evidence from the European Union
Authors: Cimini Riccardo
Published: August 2021

This paper investigates the ability of female presence to affect value relevance. Focusing on a sample of 487 entities listed in 18 European countries over the period 2009–2017, it uses a price model to assess the ability of female presence to affect the value relevance of earnings and book value disclosed in the consolidated annual reports of the firms analyzed. Findings offer evidence that female presence on corporate boards increases the value relevance of accounting amounts, providing insights that board composition affects investors’ judgments. Taking into account that in the literature scholars have shown that female presence is associated with market prices, this paper provides a contribution, showing its ability to affect the value relevance of earnings and book value of equity. The research findings suggest that not only the quality of accounting standards but also other factors such as female presence on the corporate board of directors affect accounting practices and, in turn, the quality of financial reporting and value relevance. Its findings offer an additional support to the European Union Gender Equality Strategy 2020–2025 according to which an increase in women's participation in the labor market has a strong, positive impact on the whole economy.
How the even‐toed ungulate vertebral column works: Comparison of intervertebral mobility in 33 genera
Authors: Belyaev Ruslan I. , Kuznetsov Alexander N. , Prilepskaya Natalya E.
Published: August 2021

In this study, we used a previously developed osteometry‐based method to calculate available range of motion in presacral intervertebral joints in artiodactyls. We have quantified all three directions of intervertebral mobility: sagittal bending (SB), lateral bending (LB), and axial rotation (AR). This research covers 10 extant families of artiodactyls from 33 genera and 39 species. The cervical region in artiodactyls is the most mobile region of the presacral vertebral column in SB and LB. Mobility is unevenly distributed throughout the joints of the neck. The posterior neck joints (C4–C7) are significantly more mobile (on average by 2.5–3.5°) to anterior joints (C2–C4) and to the neck–thorax joint (C7–T1) in SB and LB. An increase in the relative length of the cervical region in artiodactyls is accompanied by an increase in the bending amplitudes (SB: Pearson r = 0.781; LB: r = 0.884). Animals with the most mobile necks (representative of Giraffidae and Camelidae) are 2–3 times more mobile in SB and LB compared to species with the least mobile necks. The thoracic region in artiodactyls, as in other mammals, is characterized by the greatest amplitudes of AR due to the tangential orientation of the zygapophyseal articular facets. The lowest AR values in the thoracic region are typical for the heaviest artiodactyls—Hippopotamidae. The highest AR values are typical for such agile runners as cervids, musk deer, pronghorn, as well as large and small antelopes. SB mobility in the posterior part of the thoracic region can be used by artiodactyls during galloping. The highest values of SB aROM in the posterior part of the thoracic region are typical for small animals with high SB mobility in the lumbar region. The lumbar region in mammals is adapted for efficient SB. Both the cumulative and average SB values in the lumbar region showed correspondence to the running type employed by an artiodactyl. The greatest SB amplitudes in the lumbar region are typical for small animals, which use saltatorial and saltatorial–cursorial running. An increase in body size also corresponds to a decrease in lumbar SB amplitudes. The lowest SB amplitudes are typical for species using the so‐called mediportal running. Adaptation to endurance galloping in open landscapes is accompanied by a decrease in lumbar SB amplitudes in artiodactyls. The consistency of the approach used and the wide coverage of the studied species make it possible to significantly expand and generalize the knowledge of the biomechanics of the vertebral column in artiodactyls.
The mobility of the superficial and deep midfacial fat compartments: An ultrasound‐based investigation
Authors: Schelke Leonie , Velthuis Peter J. , Lowry Natalia , Rohrich Rod J. , Swift Arthur , Gotkin Robert H. , Moellhoff Nicholas , Frank Konstantin , Dumbrava Mihai , Cotofana Sebastian
Published: August 2021

Background

Understanding the mobility of the midface and the separate contributions of the superficial and deep fat compartments is essential for natural esthetic outcomes following soft tissue filler or fat grafting procedures. A study was designed that used ultrasound imaging to demonstrate in vivo visualization and quantification of distances and movements in the midface.

Methods

A total of 48 midfaces of 24 healthy Caucasian volunteers, all naïve of esthetic procedures, (22 females; 46.85 (9.8) years; 22.83 (3.1) kg/m2) were scanned using 18 MHz ultrasound imaging. Distances between bony landmarks (inferior orbital rim, infraorbital foramen) were used as markers to measure the cranial movement of the superficial (superficial nasolabial and superficial medial cheek fat compartment) and the deep (deep pyriform space, deep medial check fat compartment, deep lateral cheek fat compartment) midfacial fat compartments between resting and smiling facial position.

Results

The superficial midfacial fat compartment moved, on average, 3.7 mm (p < 0.001) cranially, whereas the deep midfacial fat compartments moved, on average, 0.1 mm (p > 0.05) during smiling. No gender differences in mobility were identified (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The results obtained are in line with previous cadaveric investigations and revealed, in a highly statistically significant fashion, that the superficial midfacial fat compartments move in cranial direction whereas the deep fat compartment did not display similar positional changes. These results help to guide facial injectable treatments and to understand why, in the midface, a deep supraperiosteal approach should be favored when augmenting the deep midfacial fat compartments.
Treatment of psoriasis with biologics in the early COVID‐19 pandemic: A study examining patient attitudes toward the treatment and disease course
Authors: Yalici‐Armagan Basak , Tabak Gulsun Hazan , Dogan‐Gunaydin Sibel , Gulseren Duygu , Akdogan Neslihan , Atakan Nilgun
Published: August 2021

Background

Since March 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has been ongoing all around the world with a wide range of clinical course including asymptomatic cases to severe and fatal respiratory tract disease. Patients on immunosuppressive treatments were predicted to be more susceptible to COVID‐19.

Aims

It was aimed to assess treatment continuity, the course of psoriasis and the course and clinical features of COVID‐19 in patients treated with biological agents for psoriasis at the early initial period of COVID‐19 pandemic.

Patients/Methods

Patients treated with biological agents for psoriasis at our institute were contacted by phone between 1 and 10 July 2020 and fulfilled a questionnaire about their continuity to psoriasis treatments, clinical course of psoriasis, and any suspicion/diagnosis of COVID‐19.

Results

A total of 106 patients, 41 females and 65 males, were enrolled. Mean age of the patients was 46.1 ± 12.1 years (range: 19–77). Median duration of psoriasis was 18 years (min–max: 1 month–51 years). Twenty‐four patients (22.6%) were using tumor necrosis alpha inhibitors (ETA:1, IFX:19, ADA:4), whereas 82 patients (77.4%) were using interleukin (IL) 12/23 or IL‐17 inhibitors (UST:48, SECU:30, IXE:4). Seventy‐six patients (71.7%) continued the treatment, whereas 30 patients (28.3%) interrupted the treatment voluntarily. Twenty out of 30 patients (66.6%) who interrupted the treatment had an exacerbation of psoriasis. None of the patients were diagnosed with COVID‐19 in the study period.

Conclusion

Patients with psoriasis who received biological therapy continued their treatment at a high rate during the early period of the COVID‐19 pandemic. No COVID‐19 diagnosis was made among patients whether they continued or discontinued treatment. Recurrence and exacerbation of psoriasis in a significant proportion of patients who interrupted treatment and absence of COVID‐19 diagnosis in each group support the importance and safety of continuity of biological treatments for psoriasis in COVID‐19 era.
The Loan Covenant Channel: How Bank Health Transmits to the Real Economy
Authors: CHODOROW‐REICH GABRIEL , FALATO ANTONIO
Published: August 2021

We document the importance of covenant violations in transmitting bank health to nonfinancial firms. Roughly one‐third of loans in our supervisory data breach a covenant during the 2008 to 2009 period, allowing lenders to force a renegotiation of loan terms or to accelerate repayment of otherwise long‐term credit. Lenders in worse health are more likely to force a reduction in the loan commitment following a violation. The reduction in credit to borrowers who violate a covenant can account for the majority of the cross‐sectional variation in credit supply during the 2008 to 2009 crisis.