bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The moderation effect of gender on accepting electronic payment technology: a study on United Arab Emirates consumers
Authors: Alshurideh Muhammad Turki , Al Kurdi Barween , Masa’deh Ra’ed , Salloum Said A. 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate if perceived security, trust and perceived privacy affect both perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. Also, the study explores if trust, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use influence consumers’ intentions to use the e-payment system which is supported by testing the moderation effect of gender on the intention to use such systems in the higher education institutes.

Design/methodology/approach
In total, 850 participants from United Arab Emirates (UAE) universities have filled an online questionnaire prepared for these aims. The survey instrument is composed of 22 items. The primary data was used to test the study model, proposed constructs and the study hypotheses using the Smart PLS Software.

Findings
The research confirmed that perceived security, trust and perceived privacy affect both perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. Also, the study found that trust, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use have anticipated the significance of consumers’ intention to use e-payment system which is found also moderated by gender. Research outcomes indicated an important contribution towards the acceptance of e-payment systems and the common design of e-commerce systems.

Originality/value
Research outcomes have indicated an important contribution toward the acceptance of e-payment systems and the common design of e-commerce systems. Additionally, this study helped in increasing the reader’s understanding of various aspects of e-commerce, specifically consumers’ trust and privacy protection which consequently allows the online sellers to formulate appropriate strategies and actions imperative to serve the online purchasers and target the internet users.
A ‘How to’ guide for interpreting parameters in habitat‐selection analyses
Authors: Fieberg John , Signer Johannes , Smith Brian , Avgar Tal 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Habitat‐selection analyses allow researchers to link animals to their environment via habitat‐selection or step‐selection functions, and are commonly used to address questions related to wildlife management and conservation efforts. Habitat‐selection analyses that incorporate movement characteristics, referred to as integrated step‐selection analyses, are particularly appealing because they allow modelling of both movement and habitat‐selection processes.

Despite their popularity, many users struggle with interpreting parameters in habitat‐selection and step‐selection functions. Integrated step‐selection analyses also require several additional steps to translate model parameters into a full‐fledged movement model, and the mathematics supporting this approach can be challenging for many to understand.

Using simple examples, we demonstrate how weighted distribution theory and the inhomogeneous Poisson point process can facilitate parameter interpretation in habitat‐selection analyses. Furthermore, we provide a ‘how to’ guide illustrating the steps required to implement integrated step‐selection analyses using the amt package

By providing clear examples with open‐source code, we hope to make habitat‐selection analyses more understandable and accessible to end users.
Low resilience at the early stages of recovery of the semi‐arid Chaco forest—Evidence from a field experiment
Authors: Lipoma M. Lucrecia , Cabrol Diego A. , Cuchietti Aníbal , Enrico Lucas , Gorné Lucas D. , Díaz Sandra 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Resilience—the capacity of an ecosystem to recover from disturbance—is a popular concept but quantitative empirical studies are still uncommon. This lack of empirical evidence is especially true for semi‐arid ecosystems in the face of the combined and often confounding impacts of land use and climate changes.

We designed a methodology to disentangle vegetation responses to land‐use exclusion and weather variability, and piloted it at the southern extreme of the Gran Chaco forest, the most extensive seasonally dry forest in South America. We established 16 pairs of neighbouring fenced and unfenced plots in four ecosystem types resulting from different long‐term land‐use regimes under the same climate and on highly similar soil parental material. From lower to higher land‐use intensity, related with logging and livestock grazing and trampling, these types were: primary forest (no land use in the last 50 years), secondary forest, closed species‐rich shrubland and open shrubland. In each plot we monitored plant species composition during the first 5 years following land‐use exclusion, and evaluated the resilience as the rate of change of vegetation towards the primary forest, considered as the reference ecosystem.

We found that during the first 5 years of exclusion and despite the high rainfall, only grass cover in the secondary forest showed positive resilience (recovery towards the reference ecosystem). The rest of the variables in the other ecosystem types showed either no significant change (null resilience) or even transitioned away from the reference state (negative resilience).

Synthesis. The lack of detectable recovery after 5 years of exclusion suggests that (a) long‐term land use, even at lower intensities, has affected the sources of resilience of this ecosystem; (b) rainy periods do not necessarily speed up recovery as suggested in the literature; and (c) study designs should incorporate the variation of the reference ecosystem in order to differentiate the effect of land use from other factors in a context of climate change. Although still confined to the early post‐disturbance stages, our findings suggest that recovery of these systems may be slower and more complicated than predicted in the literature on the basis of space‐for‐time substitutions.
Herbivore dung stoichiometry drives competition between savanna trees and grasses
Authors: Sitters Judith , Olde Venterink Harry 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

The balance between trees and grasses is a key aspect of savanna ecosystem functioning, and so far, believed to be regulated by resource availability, fire frequency and consumption by mammalian herbivores. Herbivores, however, also impact plant communities through the deposition of growth‐limiting nutrients in their dung and urine. Little attention has been paid to the fact that savanna herbivores produce dung containing different concentrations of nutrients and it remains unknown what the effect of this variation is on tree–grass interactions.

Here, we investigate if stoichiometric differences in dung from browsers and grazers from an African savanna are large enough to influence competitive interactions between N2‐fixing trees and grasses. We performed a competition experiment with seedlings of three common N2‐fixing tree species and three common C4 grass species from a Kenyan savanna. Plants were grown in mesocosms as monocultures or mixtures with dung from either zebra (grazer) or giraffe (browser).

We show that variation in dung nitrogen (N) to phosphorus (P) ratio between these herbivores was large enough to drive the competitive outcome between tree seedlings and grasses. Under zebra dung with a low N:P ratio (3.5), tree seedlings had an advantage due to increased nodulation and N2 fixation. Under giraffe dung with a high N:P ratio (6.4), grasses suppressed nodulation and tree seedling growth.

Synthesis. We identify another potentially important mechanism by which mammalian herbivores can stimulate ecosystem stability, namely through the N:P ratio of their dung. This illustrates how connected browsing and grazing herbivores are in African savannas, through the forage quality they consume, the N:P stoichiometry of their dung and subsequent effects on plant competition.
Exposing wind stress as a driver of fine‐scale variation in plant communities
Authors: Momberg Mia , Hedding David W. , Luoto Miska , le Roux Peter C. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

The effects of temperature and precipitation, and the impacts of changes in these climatic conditions, on plant communities have been investigated extensively. The roles of other climatic factors are, however, comparatively poorly understood, despite potentially also strongly structuring community patterns. Wind, for example, is seldom considered when forecasting species responses to climate change, despite having direct physiological and mechanical impacts on plants. It is, therefore, important to understand the magnitude of potential impacts of changing wind conditions on plant communities, particularly given that wind patterns are shifting globally.

Here, we examine the relationship between wind stress (i.e. a combination of wind exposure and wind speed) and species richness, vegetation cover and community composition using fine‐scale, field‐collected data from 1,440 quadrats in a windy sub‐Antarctic environment.

Wind stress was consistently a strong predictor of all three community characteristics, even after accounting for other potentially ecophysiologically important variables, including pH, potential direct incident solar radiation, winter and summer soil temperature, soil moisture, soil depth and rock cover. Plant species richness peaked at intermediate wind stress, and vegetation cover was highest in plots with the greatest wind stress. Community composition was also related to wind stress, and, after the influence of soil moisture and pH, had a similar strength of effect as winter soil temperature.

Synthesis. Wind conditions are, therefore, clearly related to plant community characteristics in this ecosystem that experiences chronic winds. Based on these findings, wind conditions require greater attention when examining environment–community relationships, and changing wind patterns should be explicitly considered in climate change impact predictions.
Dispersal limitation and weaker stabilizing mechanisms mediate loss of diversity with edge effects in forest fragments
Authors: Krishnadas Meghna , Stump Simon Maccracken 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Whether fragmented ecosystems can maintain diversity is a key ecological question. The ability of fragmented forests to support diversity is determined by both landscape‐scale metapopulation dynamics and within‐patch mechanisms that govern species coexistence. Within‐patch dynamics can be affected by proximity to forest edges. Edge effects on abiotic and biotic processes can alter species' performance and species interactions, but it is unclear how edge effects bear upon the long‐term ability of fragmented forests to maintain diversity.

We apply modern coexistence theory as a framework to predict the impact of edge effects on species coexistence. Using field data for a tropical tree community, we parameterized a spatially explicit simulation model to quantify how habitat and density dependence during seedling establishment affect diversity of later life stages. We matched simulated future communities to observed patterns of diversity and community structure for established seedlings and adults, coupled with sensitivity analysis of simulated effects.

We found that early recruitment dynamics contributed to community structure at older life stages, corroborating empirical work on the importance of early life‐stage dynamics for diversity. Edge effects reduced the diversity maintained in patches. The progressive loss of diversity was not due to changes in relative competitive ability (fitness differences), but due to weaker stabilization via density‐dependent seed mortality. Results were robust to wide changes in the absolute values of model parameters, suggesting that variation in the strength of individual processes did not change their relative importance for diversity.

Synthesis. Weakening of stabilizing processes that promote species self‐limitation in ecological communities could compromise the ability of habitat fragments to maintain diversity. Quantifying the relative importance of intraspecific versus interspecific interactions—to assess stabilizing mechanisms and fitness differences—can help evaluate when habitat amount versus quality plays a larger role in maintaining diversity of fragments.
‘Living in a Zoom world’: Survey mapping how COVID‐19 is changing family therapy practice in the UK
Authors: Mc Kenny Richard , Galloghly Emily , Porter Catherine M. , Burbach Frank R. 
Published: February 2021

Following the COVID‐19 pandemic, psychological therapies rapidly moved online in mid‐2020. The Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice in the UK (AFT) surveyed the attitudes and practices of systemic therapists in the UK in early October 2020, exploring members’ views and gathered information about ongoing needs. A sample of 312 people were included in a mixed methods analysis. In total, 65% of respondents felt their overall experience of using online video technology professionally was positive, further reflected in responses to two open‐ended questions. Detailed thematic analysis revealed that many positive comments were related to the practical advantages of online working, whilst many negative comments were related to technique and the therapeutic relationship. Possible respondent biases are discussed, and the implications of this change in practice are explored. It remains to be seen if this marks the beginning of a more permanent shift in our field as we explore the potential of new technologies.Practitioner Points

The vast majority of UK systemic therapists felt that their experience of online video technology was positive.

They noted many practical advantages but also identified many challenges regarding therapeutic techniques and the therapeutic relationship.

Therapists developed a range of creative solutions to maximise the therapeutic opportunities of online video.
“It is not just about doing or saying the right things”: Working systemically with parents whose children are placed in public care
Authors: Syrstad Ellen , Ness Ottar 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis article explores the possibilities of a systemic approach in the support of parents whose children are placed in public care. The article is based on a qualitative study interviewing six parents who have received support from Norwegian Family Counselling Services (FCS) and seven systemic family therapists from FCS. Both groups were interviewed individually and in focus groups. The findings suggest that parents experienced less judgement from therapists in FCS than from caseworkers in CPS. Even if it could be challenging, the systemic therapists found a systemic approach useful to help parents develop agency and make meaning of their lives, as the parents struggled to have agency and understand why their children were placed in care. The article concludes that systemic approaches can be useful in these cases, combined with appropriate child protection interventions as necessary.

It is a challenge for the Child Protection Services (CPS) to support parents after their children are placed in public care.

Parents’ feelings of powerlessness towards the CPS made them align with the CPS’s requirements even when they did not understand or disagreed with the requirements.

Systemic family therapy seems to be a promising approach for working with parents to explore their own narratives, to improve and contextualise their meaning‐making.
Treatment efficacy of multiple family therapy in helping Hong Kong Chinese parents recover from depression
Authors: Ma Joyce L. C. , Xia Lily L. L. , Yau‐Ng Monica , Yan‐Yee Cindy Yiu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis paper reports on the results of a clinical study that assessed the treatment efficacy of an adapted model of multiple family therapy (MFT) in helping Hong Kong Chinese parents recovering from depression. A total of sixty‐one depressed parents were assigned to either the control group (CG) or the experimental group (EG) on the basis of their motivation and commitment to the MFT programme. Data were collected using standardised measures in the pre‐treatment phase (T1), in the post‐treatment phase (T2) and at a three‐month follow‐up (T3). No significant difference was found between the EG and the CG in regard to the effect of MFT on the parental and family functioning of the depressed parents. However, after the MFT, the EG depressed parents’ level of psychological distress was significantly reduced, an effect which was sustained at 3‐month follow‐up. Clinical and research implications of the study are discussed.
Practitioner points

Multiple family therapy (MFT) is useful for Hong Kong Chinese parents with depression in recovery.

Depressed parents’ psychological distress was reduced after MFT.

Depressed parents with lower levels of education are likely to need support or interventions additional to MFT.
The implementation cost of a safety‐net hospital program addressing social needs in Atlanta
Authors: MacLeod Kara E. , Chapel John M. , McCurdy Matthew , Minaya‐Junca Jasmin , Wirth Diane , Onwuanyi Anekwe , Lane Rashon I. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the cost of integrating social needs activities into a health care program that works toward health equity by addressing socioeconomic barriers.Data Sources/Study SettingCosts for a heart failure health care program based in a safety‐net hospital were reported by program staff for the program year May 2018–April 2019. Additional data sources included hospital records, invoices, and staff survey.Study DesignWe conducted a retrospective, cross‐sectional, case study of a program that includes health education, outpatient care, financial counseling and free medication; transportation and home services for those most in need; and connections to other social services. Program costs were summarized overall and for mutually exclusive categories: health care program (fixed and variable) and social needs activities.Data CollectionProgram cost data were collected using a activity‐based, micro‐costing approach. In addition, we conducted a survey that was completed by key staff to understand time allocation.Principal FindingsProgram costs were approximately $1.33 million, and the annual per patient cost was $1455. Thirty percent of the program costs was for social needs activities: 18% for 30‐day supply of medications and addressing socioeconomic barriers to medication adherence, 18% for mobile health services (outpatient home visits), 53% for navigating services through a financial counselor and community health worker, and 12% for transportation to visits and addressing transportation barriers. Most of the program costs were for personnel: 92% of the health care program fixed, 95% of the health care program variable, and 78% of social needs activities.DiscussionHistorically, social and health care services are funded by different systems and have not been integrated. We estimate the cost of implementing social needs activities into a health care program. This work can inform implementation for hospitals attempting to address social determinants of health and social needs in their patient population.
The chemistry and sensory characteristics of new herbal tea‐based kombuchas
Authors: Zhang Jing , Van Mullem Joshua , Dias Disney Ribeiro , Schwan Rosane Freitas 
Published: February 2021

AbstractKombucha is a black tea‐based, non‐alcoholic beverage fermented by yeast and bacteria are known for its refreshing scent and taste and presents biological characteristics, namely antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory activity. The present study compared traditional kombucha prepared with black tea and green tea to kombuchas produced with several alternative substrates, including white tea, chrysanthemum, honeysuckle, and mint infusions. Throughout the fermentation process, liquid and gas chromatography analyzed sugars, ethanol, organic acids, and volatile compounds. Sugar consumption was substrate‐dependent, with mint kombucha having the highest amount of residual sugar and honeysuckle having the lowest. Forty‐six volatile organic compounds were detected, including alcohols, esters, acids, aldehydes, ketones, and other compounds. Twenty‐two compounds were produced during the fermentation and identified in all kombuchas; some of these compounds represented fruity and floral aromas. Another 24 compounds were substrate specific. Notably, the herb‐based kombuchas (chrysanthemum, honeysuckle, and mint) contained several compounds absent in the tea‐based kombuchas and are associated with minty, cooling, and refreshing aromas. Mint and green tea kombucha attained the highest and lowest overall sensorial acceptance ratings, respectively. This study demonstrated herbal substrates' suitability to prepare kombucha gastronomically with volatile compound and flavor profiles distinct from tea‐based kombuchas.Practical ApplicationThe kombucha beverage is a low‐caloric functional drink that is increasingly popular around the world. While it is traditionally produced with black or green tea, this paper explores its production based on other herbal and floral infusions. The kombucha analogs presented in this paper can provide consumers with healthy alternatives for sugary soft drinks while also offering a broader range of flavors.
Major royal jelly proteins prevents NAFLD by improving mitochondrial function and lipid accumulation through activating the AMPK / SIRT3 pathway in vitro
Authors: Zhang Xiaochen , Lu Xinyang , Zhou Yingjun , Guo Xinyu , Chang Yaning 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic syndrome, whose main characteristics are excessive lipid accumulation and oxidative stress. Major royal jelly proteins (MRJPs) is a kind of water‐soluble protein, which is abundant in royal jelly (RJ). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of MRJPs on lipid accumulation and oxidative stress of liver cells. Here, we first optimized the conditions for extracting MRJPs from RJ and identified the extraction effect and product by SDS‐PAGE. Then, we used oleic acid (OA) of 1.0 mM to induce hepatocytes for 24 hr to establish a stable cell models of lipid accumulation, and we found that pre‐administration (24 hr) of MRJPs (0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 g/L) could significantly reduce the lipid drop content and triglyceride level in the model cells, and simultaneously reduce the alanine aminotransferase and aspertate aminotransferase levels in the cell culture supernatant. In addition, pre‐incubation (24 hr) with MRJPs (0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 g/L) could restore superoxide dismutase (SOD) level and mitochondrial membrane potential as compared with OA group. Furthermore, MRJPs administration significantly upregulated the expression of Silent Information Regulator 2 Associated Protein 3, mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD2), and cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV in OA‐treated HepG2 cells. The study for the first time provides evidences on the lipid‐lowering effect of MRJPs at the cellular level, which can further provide support for the development and application of polypeptide drugs in the future, and can also provide a choice for the prevention and treatment of liver metabolic diseases represented by NAFLD.Practical ApplicationOur study proved that MRJPs had substantial preventing effect on OA‐induced lipid accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction in HepG2 cells. This research can further provide theoretical support for the development and application of peptide drugs in the future. Besides, it can not only further broaden our understanding of NAFLD and other diseases, but also provide ideas for research on oxidative stress and lipid accumulation in the body.