bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate social responsibility and financial performance of product and service‐based firms listed on London Stock Exchange
Authors: Elmghaamez Ibrahim Khalifa , Olarewaju Jesuleke I.
Published: April 2022

This article examines the impact of corporate social responsibility on the financial performance of firms listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). Using data for 50 firms spanning 2008–2017, our study reports that the environmental performance has positively influenced the stock price of both the product and service‐based firms listed on LSE. Similarly, it enhanced the return on capital for product‐based firms while reducing them for service‐based firms. In contrast, social activities have a significant negative impact on the stock price of the product and service‐based listed firms. Likewise, social performance has a significant negative impact on the return on capital of service‐based firms listed on LSE. However, we find an insignificant relationship between governance disclosure and the stock price and the return on capital for product and service‐based firms. This study has implications for policymakers of stock markets to issue rigid regulations to enforce all listed firms to disclose their environmental activities to stakeholders.
Electrodissolution‐Coupled Hafnium Alkoxide Synthesis with High Environmental and Economic Benefits
Authors: Li Shuai , Yang Shenghai , Li Kangkang , Lai Yanqing , Deng Chaoyong , Wang Changhong
Published: April 2022

The conventional thermal method of preparing hafnium alkoxides [Hf(OR)4, R=alkyl] – excellent precursors for gate‐dielectric HfO2 on semiconductors – is severely hindered by its unsatisfactory environmental and economic burdens. Herein, we propose a promising electrodissolution‐coupled Hf(OR)4 synthesis (EHS) system for green and efficient electrosynthesis of Hf(OR)4. The operational principle of the electrically driven system consists of two simultaneous heterogeneous reactions of Hf dissolution and alcohol dehydrogenation, plus a spontaneous solution‐based combination reaction. In applying ethanol as solvent and Hf metal as electrodissolution medium, we achieved waste‐free production of high‐purity hafnium ethoxide [Hf(OEt)4] with an equivalent “a concomitant” reduction in CO2 emission of 187.33 g CO2 per kg Hf(OEt)4 and a high net profit of 30 477 USD per kg Hf(OEt)4. This system is very competitive with the thermal process, which unavoidably releases substantial waste and CO2 for a net profit of 27 700 USD per kg Hf(OEt)4. We anticipate that the environmental and economic benefits of the EHS process could pave the way for its practical application.
Relations between magnetosonic perturbations as an indicator of a magnetosonic exciter and equilibrium parameters of a plasma
Authors: Perelomova Anna
Published: April 2022

The thermodynamic relations between perturbation of pressure and perturbation of mass density and between components of velocity which specify a magnetosonic wave are theoretically studied. A planar flow with the wave vector forming a constant angle with the equilibrium magnetic field is investigated. The theory considers deviation from the adiabaticity of a flow due to some kind of heating–cooling function and thermal conduction of a plasma. It considers also the weak impact of nonlinearity. The thermodynamic relations and corresponding diagrams reveal the hysteretic character of irreversible processes in a plasma flow and may indicate damping and nonlinear parameters of a flow. They may indicate also the geometry of a flow, the equilibrium parameters of plasma, and specify a magnetosonic source. The harmonic and impulsive exciters are discussed in this connection.
A new leaky wave antenna using wire‐loaded metagratings: The theoretical analysis and implementation
Authors: Al Soad Odai Hassan Raheem , Sun Haifeng , Fu Jiahui , Wu Qun
Published: April 2022

A new leaky wave antenna (LWA) based on wire‐loaded metagratings (MGs) is proposed, with the capability of successfully employing MGs for leaky modes. Periodic capacitive‐wired and inductive‐wired MGs are located on a dielectric substrate in the LWA framework and backed by a perfect electric conductor (PEC) layer. These MGs are partial radial surfaces to radiate energy using equivalent surface impedance with a local value of the complex wavenumber. A theoretical analysis has created a model for the equivalent electromagnetic fields produced via loaded‐wire MGs and generated the Z‐matrix and S‐matrix for a two‐port structure from the electromagnetic fields. As a result, a beam‐scanning range of 53° for the operating bandwidth of 9.9–11.9 GHz is achieved with a scanning sensitivity of 26.5°/GHz. Meanwhile, the realized gain is obtained up to 12.9 dB. The measurement and simulation results indicated that the MGs LWA was consistent. The proposed antenna performed admirably in beam‐steering communication systems.
Role of tau deposition in early cognitive decline in Down syndrome
Authors: Hartley Sigan L. , Handen Benjamin L. , Tudorascu Dana , Lee Laise , Cohen Annie , Piro‐Gambetti Brianna , Zammit Matthew , Klunk William , Laymon Charles , Zaman Shahid , Ances Beau M. , Sabbagh Marwan , Christian Bradley T.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Drawing on the amyloid/tau/neurodegeneration (AT[N]) model, the study examined whether the tau positron emission tomography (PET) biomarker [18F]AV‐1451 was associated with episodic memory problems beyond what was predicted by the amyloid beta (Aβ) PET in Down syndrome (DS).

Methods

Data from 123 non‐demented adults with DS (M  = 47 years, standard deviation = 6.34) were analyzed. The Cued Recall Test assessed episodic memory. Tau PET standardized update value ratio (SUVR) was assessed across Braak regions as continuous and binary (high tau [TH] vs. low tau [TL]) variable. Global PET Aβ SUVR was assessed as binary variable (Aβ– vs. Aβ+).

Results

In models adjusting for controls, tau SUVR was negatively associated with episodic memory performance in the Aβ+ but not Aβ– group. The Aβ+/TH group evidenced significantly worse episodic memory than the Aβ+/TL group.

Discussion

Similar to late‐onset and autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease (AD), high tau was an indicator of early prodromal AD in DS.
Assessing representation of remote sensing derived forest structure and land cover across a network of protected areas
Authors: Muise Evan R. , Coops Nicholas C. , Hermosilla Txomin , Ban Stephen S.
Published: April 2022

Protected areas (PA) are an effective means of conserving biodiversity and protecting suites of valuable ecosystem services. Currently, many nations and international governments use proportional area protected as a critical metric for assessing progress towards biodiversity conservation. However, the areal and other common metrics do not assess the effectiveness of PA networks, nor do they assess how representative PA are of the ecosystems they aim to protect. Topography, stand structure, and land cover are all key drivers of biodiversity within forest environments, and are well‐suited as indicators to assess the representation of PA. Here, we examine the PA network in British Columbia, Canada, through drivers derived from freely‐available data and remote sensing products across the provincial biogeoclimatic ecosystem classification system. We examine biases in the PA network by elevation, forest disturbances, and forest structural attributes, including height, cover, and biomass by comparing a random sample of protected and unprotected pixels. Results indicate that PA are commonly biased towards high‐elevation and alpine land covers, and that forest structural attributes of the park network are often significantly different in protected versus unprotected areas (426 out of 496 forest structural attributes found to be different; p < 0.01). Analysis of forest structural attributes suggests that establishing additional PA could ensure representation of various forest structure regimes across British Columbia's ecosystems. We conclude that these approaches using free and open remote sensing data are highly transferable and can be accomplished using consistent datasets to assess PA representations globally.
Extinction of biotic interactions due to habitat loss could accelerate the current biodiversity crisis
Authors: Sandor Manette E. , Elphick Chris S. , Tingley Morgan W.
Published: April 2022

Habitat loss disrupts species interactions through local extinctions, potentially orphaning species that depend on interacting partners, via mutualisms or commensalisms, and increasing secondary extinction risk. Orphaned species may become functionally or secondarily extinct, increasing the severity of the current biodiversity crisis. While habitat destruction is a major cause of biodiversity loss, the number of secondary extinctions is largely unknown. We investigate the relationship between habitat loss, orphaned species, and bipartite network properties. Using a real seed dispersal network, we simulate habitat loss to estimate the rate at which species are orphaned. To be able to draw general conclusions, we also simulate habitat loss in synthetic networks to quantify how changes in network properties affect orphan rates across broader parameter space. Both real and synthetic network simulations show that even small amounts of habitat loss can cause up to 10% of species to be orphaned. More area loss, less connected networks, and a greater disparity in the species richness of the network's trophic levels generally result in more orphaned species. As habitat is lost to land‐use conversion and climate change, more orphaned species increase the loss of community‐level and ecosystem functions. However, the potential severity of repercussions ranges from minimal (no species orphaned) to catastrophic (up to 60% of species within a network orphaned). Severity of repercussions also depends on how much the interaction richness and intactness of the community affects the degree of redundancy within networks. Orphaned species could add substantially to the loss of ecosystem function and secondary extinction worldwide.
Informing conservation decisions to target private lands of highest ecological value and risk of loss
Authors: Hansen Andrew J. , Mullan Katrina , Theobald David M. , Robinson Nathaniel , East Alyson , Powell Scott
Published: April 2022

Natural habitats on private lands are potentially important components of national biodiversity conservation strategies, yet they are being rapidly lost to development. Conservation easements and other means of protecting these habitats have expanded in use and will be most effective if they target private lands of highest biodiversity value and risk of loss. We developed a Biodiversity Conservation Priority Index (BCPI) based on ecological value and risk of habitat loss for remaining areas of natural vegetation cover (NVC) in the northwestern United States and addressed two questions: (1) Which remaining NVC on private lands is the highest priority for biodiversity conservation based on ecological value and risk of development? And (2) are conservation easements in NVC placed preferentially in locations of high biodiversity conservation priority? Drawing on the concept of ecological integrity, we integrated five metrics of ecological structure, function, and composition to quantify ecological value of NVC. These included net primary productivity, species richness, ecosystem type representation, imperiled species range rarity, and connectivity among “Greater Wildland Ecosystems.” Risk of habitat loss was derived from analysis of biophysical and sociodemographic predictors of NVC loss. Ecological value and risk of loss were combined into the BCPI. We then analyzed spatial patterns of BCPI to identify the NVC highest in biodiversity conservation priority and examined the relationship between BCPI and conservation easement status. We found that BCPI varied spatially across the study area and was highest in western and southern portions of the study area. High BCPI was associated with suburban and rural development, roads, urban proximity, valley bottom landforms, and low intensity of current development. Existing conservation easements were distributed more towards lower BCPI values than unprotected NVC at both the study area and region scales. The BCPI can be used to better inform land use decision making at local, regional, and potentially national scales in order to better achieve biodiversity goals.
Age structure affects population productivity in an exploited fish species
Authors: Ohlberger Jan , Langangen Øystein , Stige Leif Chr.
Published: April 2022

Long‐term changes in the age and size structure of animal populations are well documented, yet their impacts on population productivity are poorly understood. Fishery exploitation can be a major driver of changes in population age–size structure because fisheries significantly increase mortality and often selectively remove larger and older fish. Climate change is another potential driver of shifts in the demographic structure of fish populations. Northeast Arctic (NEA) cod is the largest population of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and one of the world's most important commercial fish stocks. This population has experienced considerable changes in population age–size structure over the past century, largely in response to fishing. In this study, we investigate whether changes in spawner age structure have affected population productivity in NEA cod, measured as recruits per spawning stock biomass, over the past 75 years. We find evidence that shifts in age structure toward younger spawners negatively affect population productivity, implying higher recruitment success when the spawning stock is composed of older individuals. The positive effect of an older spawning stock is likely linked to maternal effects and higher reproductive output of larger females. Our results indicate a threefold difference in productivity between the youngest and oldest spawning stock that has been observed since the 1950s. Further, our results suggest a positive effect of environmental temperature and a negative effect of intraspecific cannibalism by older juveniles on population productivity, which partly masked the effect of spawner age structure unless accounted for in the model. Collectively, these findings emphasize the importance of population age structure for the productivity of fish populations and suggest that harvest‐induced demographic changes can have negative feedbacks for fisheries that lead to a younger spawning stock. Incorporating demographic data into harvest strategies could thus facilitate sustainable fishery management.
Plastid genomes reveal evolutionary shifts in elevational range and flowering time of Osmanthus (Oleaceae)
Authors: Li Yongfu , Li Xuan , Sylvester Steven Paul , Zhang Min , Wang Xianrong , Duan Yifan
Published: April 2022

Species of Osmanthus are economically important ornamental trees, yet information regarding their plastid genomes (plastomes) have rarely been reported, thus hindering taxonomic and evolutionary studies of this small but enigmatic genus. Here, we performed comparative genomics and evolutionary analyses on plastomes of 16 of the 28 currently accepted species, with 11 plastomes newly sequenced. Phylogenetic studies identified four main lineages within the genus that are here designated the: “Caucasian Osmanthus” (corresponding to O. decorus), “Siphosmanthus” (corresponding to O. sect. Siphosmanthus), “O. serrulatus + O. yunnanensis,” and “Core Osmanthus: (corresponding to O. sect. Osmanthus + O. sect. Linocieroides). Molecular clock analysis suggested that Osmanthus split from its sister clade c. 15.83 Ma. The estimated crown ages of the lineages were the following: genus Osmanthus at 12.66 Ma; “Siphosmanthus” clade at 5.85 Ma; “O. serrulatus + O. yunnanensis” at 4.89 Ma; and “Core Osmanthus: clade at 6.2 Ma. Ancestral state reconstructions and trait mapping showed that ancestors of Osmanthus were spring flowering and originated at lower elevations. Phylogenetic principal component analysis clearly distinguished spring‐flowering species from autumn‐flowering species, suggesting that flowering time differentiation is related to the difference in ecological niches. Nucleotide substitution rates of 80 common genes showed slow evolutionary pace and low nucleotide variations, all genes being subjected to purifying selection.
Application of GPS occurrence data to understand African white‐backed vulturesGyps africanusspatial home range overlaps
Authors: Zvidzai Mark , Zengeya Fadzai Michelle , Masocha Mhosisi , Ndaimani Henry , Murwira Amon
Published: April 2022

Understanding key overlap zones and habitats which are intensively shared by species in space and time is crucial as it provides vital information to inform spatial conservation with maximum benefits. The advent of high‐resolution GPS technologies associated with new analytical algorithms is revolutionizing studies underpinning species spatial and social interaction patterns within ecosystems. Here, using a robust home range estimation algorithm, the autocorrelated kernel density estimator (AKDE) equipped with an equally powerful home range overlap metric, the Bhattacharyya's coefficient (BC), we provide one of the first attempts to estimate and delineate spatial home range overlap zones for critically endangered African white‐backed vultures to inform conservation planning. Six vultures were captured in Hwange National Park using a modified cannon net system after which they were tagged and tracked with high‐resolution GPS backpacks. Overall, results suggested weaker average home range overlaps based on both the pooled data (0.38 ± 0.26), wet non‐breeding seasonal data (0.32 ± 0.23), and dry breeding season data (0.34 ± 0.28). Vultures 4, 5, and 6 consistently revealed higher home range overlaps across all the scales with values ranging between 0.60 and 0.99. Individual vultures showed consistence in space use patterns as suggested by high between‐season home range overlaps, an indication that they may be largely resident within the Hwange ecosystem. Importantly, we also demonstrate that home range overlapping geographic zones are all concentrated within the protected area of Hwange National Park. Our study provides some of the first results on African vulture home range overlaps and segregation patterns in the savanna ecosystem based on unbiased telemetry data and rigorous analytical algorithms. Such knowledge may provide vital insights for prioritizing conservation efforts of key geographic overlap zones to derive maximum conservation benefits especially when targeting wide‐ranging and critically endangered African white‐backed vultures. To this end, spatial overlap zones estimated here, although based on a small sample size, could provide a strong foundation upon which other downstream social and ecological questions can be explored further to expand our understanding on shared space use mechanisms among African vulture species.
Time series covering up to four decades reveals major changes and drivers of marine growth and proportion of repeat spawners in an Atlantic salmon population
Authors: Harvey Alison , Skaala Øystein , Borgstrøm Reidar , Fjeldheim Per Tommy , Christine Andersen Kaja , Rong Utne Kjell , Askeland Johnsen Ingrid , Fiske Peder , Winterthun Synne , Knutar Sofie , Sægrov Harald , Urdal Kurt , Alan Glover Kevin
Published: April 2022

Wild Atlantic salmon populations have declined in many regions and are affected by diverse natural and anthropogenic factors. To facilitate management guidelines, precise knowledge of mechanisms driving population changes in demographics and life history traits is needed.

Our analyses were conducted on (a) age and growth data from scales of salmon caught by angling in the river Etneelva, Norway, covering smolt year classes from 1980 to 2018, (b) extensive sampling of the whole spawning run in the fish trap from 2013 onwards, and (c) time series of sea surface temperature, zooplankton biomass, and salmon lice infestation intensity.

Marine growth during the first year at sea displayed a distinct stepwise decline across the four decades. Simultaneously, the population shifted from predominantly 1SW to 2SW salmon, and the proportion of repeat spawners increased from 3 to 7%. The latter observation is most evident in females and likely due to decreased marine exploitation. Female repeat spawners tended to be less catchable than males by anglers.

Depending on the time period analyzed, marine growth rate during the first year at sea was both positively and negatively associated with sea surface temperature. Zooplankton biomass was positively associated with growth, while salmon lice infestation intensity was negatively associated with growth.

Collectively, these results are likely to be linked with both changes in oceanic conditions and harvest regimes. Our conflicting results regarding the influence of sea surface temperature on marine growth are likely to be caused by long‐term increases in temperature, which may have triggered (or coincided with) ecosystem shifts creating generally poorer growth conditions over time, but within shorter datasets warmer years gave generally higher growth. We encourage management authorities to expand the use of permanently monitored reference rivers with complete trapping facilities, like the river Etneelva, generating valuable long‐term data for future analyses.
Maternal dopamine exposure provides offspring starvation resistance in Daphnia
Authors: Issa Semona , Chaabani Safa , Asimakopoulos Alexandros G. , Jaspers Veerle L. B. , Einum Sigurd
Published: April 2022

The neurotransmitter dopamine has been shown to play an important role in modulating behavioral, morphological, and life history responses to food abundance. However, costs of expressing high dopamine levels remain poorly studied and are essential for understanding the evolution of the dopamine system. Negative maternal effects on offspring size from enhanced maternal dopamine levels have previously been documented in Daphnia. Here, we tested whether this translates into fitness costs in terms of lower starvation resistance in offspring. We exposed Daphnia magna mothers to aqueous dopamine (2.3 or 0 mg/L for the control) at two food levels (ad libitum vs. 30% ad libitum) and recorded a range of maternal life history traits. The longevity of their offspring was then quantified in the absence of food. In both control and dopamine treatments, mothers that experienced restricted food ration had lower somatic growth rates and higher age at maturation. Maternal food restriction also resulted in production of larger offspring that had a superior starvation resistance compared to ad libitum groups. However, although dopamine exposed mothers produced smaller offspring than controls at restricted food ration, these smaller offspring survived longer under starvation. Hence, maternal dopamine exposure provided an improved offspring starvation resistance. We discuss the relative importance of proximate and ultimate causes for why D. magna may not evolve toward higher endogenous dopamine levels despite the fitness benefits this appears to have.
A nondestructive method of calculating the wing area of insects
Authors: Yu Kexin , Reddy Gadi V. P. , Schrader Julian , Guo Xuchen , Li Yirong , Jiao Yabing , Shi Peijian
Published: April 2022

Most insects engage in winged flight. Wing loading, that is, the ratio of body mass to total wing area, has been demonstrated to reflect flight maneuverability. High maneuverability is an important survival trait, allowing insects to escape natural enemies and to compete for mates. In some ecological field experiments, there is a need to calculate the wing area of insects without killing them. However, fast, nondestructive estimation of wing area for insects is not available based on past work. The Montgomery equation (ME), which assumes a proportional relationship between leaf area and the product of leaf length and width, is frequently used to calculate leaf area of plants, in crops with entire linear, lanceolate leaves. Recently, the ME was proved to apply to leaves with more complex shapes from plants that do not have any needle leaves. Given that the wings of insects are similar in shape to broad leaves, we tested the validity of the ME approach in calculating the wing area of insects using three species of cicadas common in eastern China. We compared the actual area of the cicadas’ wings with the estimates provided by six potential models used for wing area calculation, and we found that the ME performed best, based on the trade‐off between model structure and goodness of fit. At the species level, the estimates for the proportionality coefficients of ME for three cicada species were 0.686, 0.693, and 0.715, respectively. There was a significant difference in the proportionality coefficients between any two species. Our method provides a simple and powerful approach for the nondestructive estimation of insect wing area, which is also valuable in quantifying wing morphological features of insects. The present study provides a nondestructive approach to estimating the wing area of insects, allowing them to be used in mark and recapture experiments.
Moose in our neighborhood: Does perceived hunting risk have cascading effects on tree performance in vicinity of roads and houses?
Authors: Mehlhoop Anne C. , Van Moorter Bram , Rolandsen Christer M. , Hagen Dagmar , Granhus Aksel , Eriksen Rune , Ringsby Thor Harald , Solberg Erling J.
Published: April 2022

Like large carnivores, hunters both kill and scare ungulates, and thus might indirectly affect plant performance through trophic cascades. In this study, we hypothesized that intensive hunting and enduring fear of humans have caused moose and other forest ungulates to partly avoid areas near human infrastructure (perceived hunting risk), with positive cascading effects on recruitment of trees. Using data from the Norwegian forest inventory, we found decreasing browsing pressure and increasing tree recruitment in areas close to roads and houses, where ungulates are more likely to encounter humans. However, although browsing and recruitment were negatively related, reduced browsing was only responsible for a small proportion of the higher tree recruitment near human infrastructure. We suggest that the apparently weak cascading effect occurs because the recorded browsing pressure only partly reflects the long‐term browsing intensity close to humans. Accordingly, tree recruitment was also related to the density of small trees 5–10 years earlier, which was higher close to human infrastructure. Hence, if small tree density is a product of the browsing pressure in the past, the cascading effect is probably stronger than our estimates suggest. Reduced browsing near roads and houses is most in line with risk avoidance driven by fear of humans (behaviorally mediated), and not because of excessive hunting and local reduction in ungulate density (density mediated).
Mechanisms and drivers of alternative shrubland states
Authors: Archer Steven R. , Peters Debra P. C. , Burruss N. Dylan , Yao Jin
Published: April 2022

Grassland‐to‐shrubland state change has been widespread in arid lands globally. Long‐term records at the Jornada Basin USDA‐LTER site in the North American Chihuahuan Desert document the time series of transition from grassland dominance in the 1850s to shrubland dominance in the 1990s. This broadscale change ostensibly resulted from livestock overgrazing in conjunction with periodic drought and represents the classic “grassland‐to‐shrubland” regime shift. However, finer‐scale observations reveal a more nuanced view of this state change that includes transitions from dominance by one shrub functional type to another (e.g., based on leaf habit [evergreen vs. deciduous], N2 fixation potential, and drought tolerance). We analyzed the Jornada Basin historic vegetation data using a fine‐scale grid and classified the dominant vegetation in the resulting 890 cells on each of four dates (1858, 1915, 1928, and 1998). This analysis allowed us to quantify on contrasting soil geomorphic units the rate and spatial distribution of: (1) state change from grasslands to shrublands across the Jornada Basin, (2) transitions between shrub functional groups, and (3) transitions from shrub‐to‐grass dominance. Results from our spatially explicit, decadal timescale perspective show that: (1) shrubland ecosystems developing on former grasslands were spatially and temporally more dynamic than has been generally presumed, (2) in some locations, shrublands initially developing on grasslands subsequently transitioned to ecosystems dominated by a different shrub functional type, with these changes in shrub composition likely involving changes in soil properties, and (3) some shrub‐dominated locations have reverted to grass dominance. Accordingly, traditional, broad characterizations of “grassland‐to‐shrubland” state change may be too simplistic. An accounting of these complexities and transitions from one shrub functional group to another is important for projecting state change consequences for ecosystem processes. Understanding the mechanisms, drivers, and influence of interactions between patterns and processes on transitions between shrub states defined by woody plant functional types will be germane to predicting future landscape change.
TrophicCS: Spatialized trophic data of the Celtic Sea continental shelf food web
Authors: Robert Marianne , Pawlowski Lionel , Kopp Dorothée
Published: April 2022

Understanding the dynamics of species interactions for food (prey–predator, competition for resources) and the functioning of trophic networks (dependence on trophic pathways, food chain flows, etc.) has become a thriving ecological research field in recent decades. This empirical knowledge is then used to develop population and ecosystem modeling approaches to support ecosystem‐based management. The TrophicCS data set offers spatialized trophic information on a large spatial scale (the entire Celtic Sea continental shelf and upper slope) for a wide range of species. It combines ingested prey (gut content analysis) and a more integrated indicator of food sources (stable isotope analysis). A total of 1337 samples of large epifaunal invertebrates (bivalve mollusks and decapod crustaceans), zooplankton, fish, and cephalopods, corresponding to 111 taxa (94% determined at the species level), were collected and analyzed for stable isotope analysis of their carbon and nitrogen content. Samples were collected between 2014 and 2016, mostly during the month of November and between 57 and 516 m depth. Sample size varied between taxa (from 1 to 52), with 98 taxa having at least three samples. The gut contents of 1027 fish belonging to 10 commercially important species: black anglerfish (Lophius budegassa), white anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius), blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou), cod (Gadus morhua), haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), hake (Merluccius merluccius), megrim (Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis), plaice (Pleuronectes platessa), sole (Solea solea), and whiting (Merlangius merlangus) were analyzed. Sampling occurred in November 2014 and 2015. The gut content data set contains the occurrence of prey in gut, identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible. No prey were assigned for 274 empty gut contents. To consider potential ontogenetic diet changes, a large size range was sampled for each species. The TrophicCS data set was used to improve understanding of trophic relationships and ecosystem functioning in the Celtic Sea. Data are released under a CC‐BY‐NC‐SA license, and please cite this paper when reusing the data.
Healthcare resource use of patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy
Authors: Lauppe Rosa , Liseth Hansen Johan , Fornwall Anna , Johansson Katarina , Rozenbaum Mark H. , Strand Anne Mette , Vakevainen Merja , Kuusisto Johanna , Gude Einar , Smith J. Gustav , Gustafsson Finn
Published: April 2022

Aims

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR‐CM) is the cardiac manifestation of transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR). The aim of this study was to estimate healthcare resource use for ATTR‐CM patients compared with heart failure (HF) patients, in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden.

Methods and results

Data from nationwide healthcare registers in the four countries were used. ATTR‐CM patients were defined as individuals diagnosed with amyloidosis and cardiomyopathy or HF between 2008 and 2018. Patients in the ATTR‐CM cohort were matched to patients with HF but without ATTR‐CM diagnosis. Resource use included number of visits to specialty outpatient and inpatient hospital care. A total of 1831 ATTR‐CM and 1831 HF patients were included in the analysis. The mean number of hospital‐based healthcare contacts increased in both the ATTR‐CM and HF cohort during 3 years pre‐diagnosis and was consistently higher for the ATTR‐CM cohort compared with the HF cohort, with 6.1 [CI: 5.9–6.3] vs. 3.2 [CI: 3.1–3.3] outpatient visits and 1.03 [CI: 0.96–1.1] vs. 0.7 [CI: 0.7–0.8] hospitalizations. In the first year following diagnosis, patients with ATTR‐CM continued to visit outpatient care (10.2 [CI: 10.1, 10.4] vs. 5.7 [CI: 5.6, 5.9]) and were admitted to hospital more frequently (3.3 [CI: 3.2, 3.4] vs. 2.5 [CI: 2.5, 2.6]) than HF patients.

Conclusions

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy imposes a high burden on healthcare systems with twice as many outpatient specialist visits and 50% more hospitalizations in the year after diagnosis compared with HF patients without ATTR‐CM. Studies to investigate if earlier diagnosis and treatment of ATTR‐CM may lower resource use are warranted.
Comparing and contrasting risk factors for heart failure in patients with and without history of myocardial infarction: data from HOMAGE and the UK Biobank
Authors: Rastogi Tripti , Ho Frederick K. , Rossignol Patrick , Merkling Thomas , Butler Javed , Clark Andrew , Collier Timothy , Delles Christian , Jukema J Wouter , Heymans Stephane , Latini Roberto , Mebazaa Alexandre , Pellicori Pierpaolo , Sever Peter , Staessen Jan A. , Thijs Lutgarde , Cleland John G. , Sattar Naveed , Zannad Faiez , Girerd Nicolas
Published: April 2022

Aims

Myocardial infarction (MI) is among the commonest attributable risk factors for heart failure (HF). We compared clinical characteristics associated with the progression to HF in patients with or without a history of MI in the HOMAGE cohort and validated our results in UK Biobank.

Methods and results

During a follow‐up of 5.2 (3.5–5.9) years, 177 (2.4%) patients with prior MI and 370 (1.92%) patients without prior MI experienced HF onset in the HOMAGE cohort (n = 26 478, history of MI: n = 7241). Older age, male sex and higher heart rate were significant risk factors of HF onset in patients with and without prior MI. Lower renal function was more strongly associated with HF onset in patients with prior MI. Higher body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure and blood glucose were significantly associated with HF onset only in patients without prior MI (all p for interactions <0.05). In the UK Biobank (n = 500 001, history of MI: n = 4555), higher BMI, glycated haemoglobin, diabetes and hypertension had a stronger association with HF onset in participants without prior MI compared to participants with MI (all p for interactions <0.05).

Conclusion

The importance of clinical risk factors associated with HF onset is dependent on whether the patient has had a prior MI. Diabetes and hypertension are associated with new‐onset HF only in the absence of MI history. Patients may benefit from targeted risk management based on MI history.
Involvement of Non‐Starch Lipids from Endogenous Wheat in the Development of Bread Dough Rancidity During Frozen Storage
Authors: Zhao Wenxiu , Xu Xueming
Published: April 2022

The involvement of free and bound lipids on the development of rancidity in wheat–bread dough is studied following frozen storage for 24 months. Lipid oxidation and oxidative stability are determined by assaying peroxide value and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, which indicate that lipid oxidation starts after three months. High performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography are used to characterize changes in lipid profile and fatty acid composition, respectively. The bound lipid fraction is mainly composed of polar glycolipids and phospholipids, and their content decreases with storage time because the unsaturated fatty acids in the bound lipid fraction are oxidized. It appears that endogenous wheat lipids, especially the polar lipids with amphiphilic structures and surface activity are most exposed to oxygen because they accumulate at the interface around, and stabilize, the gas cells in the foam structure of the bread.

Practical Applications: This study has demonstrated that polar lipids, such as galactolipids, are the most susceptible to oxidation, apparently because they are enriched at the gas bubble interface, where they improve gas bubble stability, but they are also in close contact with oxygen in the gas bubbles. An important practical finding from this study is that lipid oxidation was negligible in the first 3 months of frozen storage (−10 °C) and only became extensive after 6 months. This is important information for the baking industry.
Evaluation of Oxidative Stability of Cupcake Oil: Comparison of Antioxidant Properties of Dracocephalum kotschyi Essential Oil versus TBHQ
Authors: Hematian Sourki Abdollah , Pasalar Hanieh , Ghani Askar
Published: April 2022

Given the phytochemical properties of Dracocephalum kotschyi, this research considers the effects of adding its essential oil to cupcakes and investigation of the its oil oxidative stability. At first D. kotschyi’s essential oil (DKEO) is identified and measured by GC/MS. The results show that the most important components of DKEO are α‐pinene (25.50%), geranial (14.01%), limonene (12.39%), and neral (11.07%). Chemical analyses on pH, acidity, peroxide value, p‐Anisidine value, and total oxidation value (TOTOX) show that increasing the concentration of DKEO reduces the oxidation rate and increases the oxidative stability of the cupcake's oil during storage. Sensory evaluation shows that DKEO used concentration does not have favorable effects on some organoleptic properties of cupcakes. Despite the positive effects of DKEO on maintaining the oxidative stability of cupcake's oil during baking and storage, lower concentrations of it are recommended, along with combinatory usages of this essential oil with other commonly used essential oils in the confectionery industry (such as cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom essential oils), whereby consumers can be gradually accustomed to new flavors.

Practical applications: The present study introduces the Dracocephalum kotschyi as a rich source of antioxidants. In the present study, valuable data are presented to compare the application of natural antioxidants of D. kotschyi versus a synthetic antioxidant like tert‐butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) in a popular product. In addition, D. kotschyi is introduced as a natural antioxidant potential to the oil industry and oil‐dependent food industries, which can not only reduce the nutritional risks of synthetic antioxidants, but also increase the marketability of oil‐rich food products.
Measurements and modeling of CO2 adsorption behaviors on granular zeolite 13X: Impact of temperature and time of calcination on granules properties in granulation process using organic binders
Authors: Aghaei Mahsa , Anbia Mansoor , Salehi Samira
Published: April 2022

CO2 adsorption on granulated zeolite 13X by organic binders were studied by volumetric measurements. The goal of research was finding the optimum thermal conditions after shaping by organic binders to enhance the mechanical strength and adsorption capacity of granules. Previously published literature investigated the usage of traditional inorganic binders and the effect of organic binders has never been surveyed. Polyvinyl alcohol and polyethylene glycol were added to zeolite powder as organic binders and the effect of calcination temperature and calcination time on the physicochemical and mechanical properties of granules were studied. The textural/structural and morphological features of synthesized adsorbents were characterized by N2 isotherm, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Differential thermal analysis (DTA), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). The results showed that using high temperatures and longer periods for the calcination had a favorable effect on their mechanical properties but their effects on the physical properties were negative. Thermodynamic investigations were employed to understand the adsorption behavior. Equilibrium adsorption demonstrated that Langmuir model was the most suitable model for description CO2 adsorption and the maximum adsorption capacity was 4.02 (mmol/g). The thermodynamic analysis indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic in nature. The value of isosteric heat of adsorption was analyzed based on Clausius–Clapeyron equation.
Brain glycogen content is increased in the acute and interictal chronic stages of the mouse pilocarpine model of epilepsy
Authors: Seo Gi Young , Neal Elliott S. , Han Felicity , Vidovic Diana , Nooru‐Mohamed Fathima , Dienel Gerald A. , Sullivan Mitchell A. , Borges Karin
Published: April 2022

Glucose is the main brain fuel in fed conditions, while astrocytic glycogen is used as supplemental fuel when the brain is stimulated. Brain glycogen levels are decreased shortly after induced seizures in rodents, but little is known about how glycogen levels are affected interictally in chronic models of epilepsy. Reduced glutamine synthetase activity has been suggested to lead to increased brain glycogen levels in humans with chronic epilepsy. Here, we used the mouse pilocarpine model of epilepsy to investigate whether brain glycogen levels are altered, both acutely and in the chronic stage of the model. One day after pilocarpine‐induced convulsive status epilepticus (CSE), glycogen levels were higher in the hippocampal formation, cerebral cortex, and cerebellum. Opposite to expected, this was accompanied by elevated glutamine synthetase activity in the hippocampus but not the cortex. Increased interictal glycogen amounts were seen in the hippocampal formation and cerebral cortex in the chronic stage of the model (21 days post‐CSE), suggesting long‐lasting alterations in glycogen metabolism. Glycogen solubility in the cerebral cortex was unaltered in this epilepsy mouse model. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (Gsk3b) mRNA levels were reduced in the hippocampal formations of mice in the chronic stage, which may underlie the elevated brain glycogen content in this model. This is the first report of elevated interictal glycogen levels in a chronic epilepsy model. Increased glycogen amounts in the brain may influence seizure susceptibility in this model, and this warrants further investigation.
Blood pressure and heart rate responses to orthostatic challenge and Valsalva manoeuvre in mild cognitive impairment with Lewy bodies
Authors: Hamilton Calum A. , Frith James , Donaghy Paul C. , Barker Sally A. H. , Durcan Rory , Lawley Sarah , Barnett Nicola , Firbank Michael , Roberts Gemma , Taylor John‐Paul , Allan Louise M. , O’Brien John , Yarnall Alison J. , Thomas Alan J.
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Orthostatic hypotension is a common feature of normal ageing, and age‐related neurodegenerative diseases, in particular the synucleinopathies including dementia with Lewy bodies. Orthostatic hypotension and other abnormal cardiovascular responses may be early markers of Lewy body disease. We aimed to assess whether abnormal blood pressure and heart rate responses to orthostatic challenge and Valsalva manoeuvre would be more common in mild cognitive impairment with Lewy bodies (MCI‐LB) than MCI due to Alzheimer's disease (MCI‐AD).

Methods

MCI patients (n = 89) underwent longitudinal clinical assessment with differential classification of probable MCI‐LB, possible MCI‐LB, or MCI‐AD, with objective autonomic function testing at baseline. Blood pressure and heart rate responses to active stand and Valsalva manoeuvre were calculated from beat‐to‐beat cardiovascular data, with abnormalities defined by current criteria, and age‐adjusted group differences estimated with logistic models.

Results

Orthostatic hypotension and abnormal heart rate response to orthostatic challenge were not more common in probable MCI‐LB than MCI‐AD. Heart rate abnormalities were likewise not more common in response to Valsalva manoeuvre in probable MCI‐LB. An abnormal blood pressure response to Valsalva (delayed return to baseline/absence of overshoot after release of strain) was more common in probable MCI‐LB than MCI‐AD. In secondary analyses, magnitude of blood pressure drop after active stand and 10‐s after release of Valsalva strain were weakly correlated with cardiac sympathetic denervation.

Conclusions

Probable MCI‐LB may feature abnormal blood pressure response to Valsalva, but orthostatic hypotension is not a clear distinguishing feature from MCI‐AD.
Leveraging COVID‐19 pandemic response for improved health system financing: Lessons from Ghana
Authors: Novignon Jacob , Tabiri Kwasi Gyabaa
Published: April 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic has exposed health system funding challenges across many developing countries. The needed infrastructure to effectively respond to the pandemic was absent in many developing countries. This has resulted in policymakers resorting to various strategies to mobilise sufficient resources in response to the pandemic, especially in the early stages. This paper reviewed Ghana's efforts to mobilise domestic and external resources for the health sector in response to the pandemic. The paper also assessed lessons from these strategies and highlights how these lessons could be leveraged to sustain financing for the health sector. Using evidence from desk reviews, we demonstrate the existence of fiscal space through external sources, partnership with non‐state actors, and effective public financial management (budget space). We also show that the COVID‐19 pandemic presents an important momentum to drive future investment in health infrastructure across developing countries.
Determinants of Turkish households' out‐of‐pocket expenditures on three categories of health care services: A multivariate probit approach
Authors: Demir Ayşenur , Alkan Ömer , Bilgiç Abdulbaki , Florkowski Wojciech J. , Karaaslan Abdulkerim
Published: April 2022

This study identifies the driving forces that contribute to the probabilities of incidence of out‐of‐pocket (OOP) expenditures by households in Turkey. Factors affecting the probability of OOP expenditures on medical products/devices/supplies (MP), outpatient services (OTS), and inpatient services (ITS) are examined using the Household Budget Survey data gathered by the Turkish Statistical Institute in 2018. The study applies the multivariate probit model. The incidence of OOP spending varied with 48.9% of the households reporting OOP expenditure on MP, 22.4% on OTS, and 25.4% on ITS. The largest probability changes were associated with household disposable annual income, household type and size, age category, and having private health insurance. Gender and marital status also influenced expenditures in some categories. Lifestyle choices had small and mixed effects, with smoking and alcohol consumption lowering the probability of OOP spending. From a policy standpoint, households with the lowest incomes, large households, and those where the household head was ‘others’ (retiree, student, housewife, not actively working, etc.) or had a condition preventing employment seemed to report OOP expenditures less frequently and may have chosen not to receive healthcare services, leading to the need for more healthcare services later.