bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differences in the functional responses of four invasive and one native crayfish species suggest invader‐specific ecological impacts
Authors: Chucholl Franziska , Chucholl Christoph 
Published: August 2021

AbstractInvasive non‐native species represent a leading threat to global freshwater biodiversity and non‐native crayfish species frequently cause extensive ecological damage. However, the extent to which their impact: (1) depends on invader identity and (2) differs from the natural state with native crayfish remains unclear. Comparison of the functional responses of invasive and native species represents a promising approach in this regard.Here, we explored whether four invasive crayfish species (calico crayfishFaxonius immunis, spiny‐cheek crayfishFaxonius limosus, signal crayfishPacifastacus leniusculus, and marbled crayfishProcambarus virginalis) in European freshwaters and the most widespread native species (noble crayfishAstacus astacus) overlap in function in their potential effects on key resources of benthic food webs. First, the impact on gammarids and zebra mussels was assessed by means of comparative functional response analysis using the functional response ratio as impact metric; second, the consumption of macrophytes (Charasp.) and detritus (leaf litter) was quantified and compared using feeding experiments.Both invader‐ and resource‐specific effects were observed. Invasive calico crayfish and signal crayfish exhibited the strongest per capita effects on gammarids and zebra mussels, respectively, with functional response ratios being 2‐fold higher than those of native noble crayfish. Marbled crayfish showed an intermediate effect on both prey species, whereas spiny‐cheek crayfish had lower impacts than noble crayfish. In the feeding experiment, calico crayfish consumed the highest amount of detritus, while the consumption of macrophytes did not differ among the five crayfish species.Our work demonstrates as‐yet unrecognised differences in functional responses among the four North American crayfish invaders and the European noble crayfish. The lack of congruence across the observed impacts suggests a mostly species‐specific pattern and stresses the importance of species and resource identity when considering the ecological impact of crayfish. An initial assessment of invader‐specific potential impacts positions calico crayfish and signal crayfish among the most impactful invaders.
Forest conversion to plantations: A meta‐analysis of consequences for soil and microbial properties and functions
Authors: Wang Ying , Chen Liang , Xiang Wenhua , Ouyang Shuai , Zhang Taidong , Zhang Xiulan , Zeng Yelin , Hu Yanting , Luo Gongwen , Kuzyakov Yakov 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPrimary or secondary forests around the world are increasingly being converted into plantations. Soil microorganisms are critical for all biogeochemical processes in ecosystems, but the effects of forest conversion on microbial communities and their functioning remain unclear. Here, we conducted a meta‐analysis to quantify the impacts that converting forests to plantations has on soil microbial communities and functioning as well as on the associated plant and soil properties. We collected 524 paired observations from 138 studies globally. We found that conversion leads to broad range of adverse impacts on soils and microorganisms, including on soil organic carbon (−24%), total nitrogen (−29%), bacterial and fungal biomass (−36% and −42%, respectively), microbial biomass carbon (MBC, −31%) and nitrogen (−33%), and fungi to bacteria ratio (F:B, −16%). In addition, we found impacts on the ratio of MBC to soil organic C (qMBC, −20%), microbial respiration (−18%), N mineralization (−18%), and enzyme activities including β‐1,4‐glucosidase (−54%), β‐1,4‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase (−39%), and acid phosphatase (ACP; −34%). In contrast, conversion to plantations increases bacterial richness (+21%) and microbial metabolic quotient (qCO2, +21%). The effects of forest conversion were consistent across stand ages, stand types, and climate zone. Soil C and N contents as well as the C:N ratio were the main factors responsible for the changes of microbial C, F:B, and bacterial richness. The responses of qCO2, N mineralization, and ACP activity were mainly driven by the reductions in F:B, MBC, and soil C:N. Applying macro‐ecology theory on ecosystem disturbance in soil microbial ecology, we show that microbial groups shifted from K to r strategists after conversion to plantations. Our meta‐analysis underlines the adverse effects of natural forests conversion to plantations on soil microbial communities and functioning, and suggests that the preservation of soil functions should be a consideration in forest management practices.
Individual size distributions across North American streams vary with local temperature
Authors: Pomeranz Justin P. F. , Junker James R. , Wesner Jeff S. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractParameters describing the negative relationship between abundance and body size within ecological communities provide a summary of many important biological processes. While it is considered to be one of the few consistent patterns in ecology, spatiotemporal variation of this relationship across continental scale temperature gradients is unknown. Using a database of stream communities collected across North America (18–68°N latitude, −4 to 25°C mean annual air temperature) over 3 years, we constructed 160 individual size distribution (ISD) relationships (i.e. abundance size spectra). The exponent parameter describing ISD’s decreased (became steeper) with increasing mean annual temperature, with median slopes varying by ~0.2 units across the 29°C temperature gradient. In addition, total community biomass increased with increasing temperatures, contrary with theoretical predictions. Our study suggests conservation of ISD relationships in streams across broad natural environmental gradients. This supports the emerging use of size‐spectra deviations as indicators of fundamental changes to the structure and function of ecological communities.
Social network participation towards enactment of self‐care in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A qualitative meta‐ethnography
Authors: Welch Lindsay , Sadler Euan , Austin Anthony , Rogers Anne 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundHow people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) engage with supportive social networks to enhance self‐care is not understood. The personal rationales for participation in socially directed support have not been addressed in the literature. To determine how people with COPD identify, engage and participate in socially supportive self‐care practices, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐ethnography of qualitative studies.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted between June 2010 and June 2021. Of 3536 articles, 8 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Using a meta‐ethnography approach to the qualitative synthesis, new concepts were derived from the data to identify aligning themes and develop a conceptual model.FindingsInterpretations from the papers yielded concepts of (1) accountability and personal responsibility in self‐care, (2) valued positive relationships with clinicians, (3) understanding of illness through shared and personal experiences and (4) acknowledging social networks in fostering self‐care engagement in people with COPD. The independence‐experience (Index) model of synthesized (third order) interpretations highlighted the processes of social networks and self‐care practices: (a) fear or avoidance of dependency, (b) learning from experiences of adaptive self‐care behaviours and (c) including valued practices in self‐care. Self‐care strategies are formed through illness experiences and relatable social encounters.ConclusionThe model derived from the third‐order interpretations is a framework to describe socially supported self‐care and can be used to direct future self‐care strategies and target interventions for people with COPD.Patient or Public ContributionThe findings and model were presented to the long‐term conditions patient and public involvement group. The manuscript is coauthored by a public representative.
Evaluation of Japanese people's perception of risk information for making decisions to receive influenza and rubella vaccinations
Authors: Yasuhara Natsuko , Okamoto Sawako , Hamada Miki , Uehara Keita , Obana Naoya , Imamura Tomoaki 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundGenerally, vaccination uptake in Japan lags behind World Health Organization targets.ObjectiveThis study aimed to understand how risk information and advice affect intention to receive vaccinations.MethodsThis study had a within‐subjects design. An online survey based on the Health Belief Model was sent to 2501 Japanese individuals (≧20 years) to assess the intention to be vaccinated for influenza and rubella after receiving minor and severe risk information and hypothetical advice about each vaccine. Regression analysis was used to measure changes in intentions to receive each vaccination after being provided with (1) risk information about each vaccine and (2) hypothetical encouragement and discouragement to be vaccinated.Main OutcomesThe main outcomes included changes in vaccination intentions from baseline.ResultsForty‐one percent (N = 1030) of those sent the survey completed it. At baseline, 43% and 65% of the respondents intended to have influenza and rubella vaccinations, respectively. Being provided with information about severe risks and susceptibility increased the intention to have the influenza vaccination among females in their 40s. Receiving inaccurate and discouraging information from one's mother significantly decreased the intention to have the rubella vaccination. Women 50 and older were more likely to intend not to have vaccination for rubella. Severe risk information decreased rubella vaccination intention in all age groups, except women in their 30s and 40s (p < .05).ConclusionFor both vaccinations, older individuals demonstrated vaccine hesitancy. This group requires tailored messaging to help them understand their vulnerability (to influenza) and their role in transmission (for rubella) to encourage uptake of essential vaccinations.Patient or Public ContributionMembers of the Japanese public responded to our online questionnaire on vaccination risk.
Do patient engagement interventions work for all patients? A systematic review and realist synthesis of interventions to enhance patient safety
Authors: Newman Bronwyn , Joseph Kathryn , Chauhan Ashfaq , Seale Holly , Li Jiadai , Manias Elizabeth , Walton Merrilyn , Mears Stephen , Jones Benjamin , Harrison Reema 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundPatients are increasingly being asked for feedback about their healthcare and treatment, including safety, despite little evidence to support this trend. This review identifies the strategies used to engage patients in safety during direct care, explores who is engaged and determines the mechanisms that impact effectiveness.MethodsA systematic review was performed of seven databases (CINAHL, Cochrane, Cochrane‐Central, Embase, ISI Web of Science, Medline, PsycINFO) that included research published between 2010 and 2020 focused on patient engagement interventions to increase safety during direct care and reported using PRISMA. All research designs were eligible; two reviewers applied criteria independently to determine eligibility and quality. A narrative review and realist synthesis were conducted.ResultsTwenty‐six papers reporting on twenty‐seven patient engagement strategies were included and classified as consultation (9), involvement (7) and partnership (11). The definitions of ‘patient engagement’ varied, and we found limited details about participant characteristics or interactions between people utilizing strategies. Collaborative strategy development, a user‐friendly design, proactive messaging and agency sponsorship were identified as mechanisms to improve engagement about safety at the point of direct care.ConclusionsAgency sponsorship of collaboration between staff and patients is essential in the development and implementation of strategies to keep patients safe during direct care. Insufficient details about participant characteristics and patient–provider interactions limit recommendations for practice change. More needs to be learned about how patients are engaged in discussions about safety, particularly minority groups unable to engage with standard information.Patient or Public ContributionReview progress was reported to the CanEngage team, including the consumer steering group, to inform project priorities (PROSPERO CRD42020196453).
Epstein–Barr virus reactivation influences clonal evolution in human herpesvirus‐8‐related lymphoproliferative disorders
Authors: Granai Massimo , Facchetti Mattia , Mancini Virginia , Goedhals Jacqueline , Sherriff Alicia , Mundo Lucia , Bellan Cristiana , Amato Teresa , Sorrentino Ester , Ungari Marco , Raphael Martine , Leoncini Lorenzo , Facchetti Fabio , Lazzi Stefano 
Published: August 2021

BackgroundHuman herpesvirus‐8 (HHV8) is a lymphotropic virus associated with different lymphoproliferative disorders, including primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), multicentric Castleman’s disease (MCD), diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas, not otherwise specified, and the rare entity known as germinotropic lymphoproliferative disorder (GLPD). In PELs and GLPD the neoplastic cells also contain Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). In addition, occasional cases with atypical and overlapping features among these entities have been recognised, suggesting that the spectrum of the HHV8‐related lesions may not be fully characterised.AimsHere, we report two cases of lymphoproliferative disorder associated with HHV8 and EBV that further expand the spectrum of HHV8/EBV‐positive lymphoproliferative disease.Methods and resultsCase 1 represented HHV8/EBV‐positive extracavitary nodal PEL followed by pleural PEL. The striking characteristic of this case was the almost focal and intrasinusoidal localisation of the neoplastic cells and the association with Castleman’s disease features. In the second case, we found the entire spectrum of HHV8‐related disorders, i.e. MCD, GLPD, and PEL, coexisting in the same lymph node, underlining the variability, possible overlap and evolution among these entities. Both cases were well analysed with immunohistochemistry, determination of the EBV latency programme, and molecular analysis for clonality of immnoglobulin genes. In both patients, the disease followed an unexpected indolent course, both being still alive after 8 and 12 months, respectively.ConclusionOur findings represent further evidence of the overlap among HHV8/EBV‐positive lymphoproliferative disorders, and underline a grey zone that requires further study; they further confirm the experimental evidence that lytic EBV replication influences HHV8‐related tumorigenesis.
Chems4EU: chemsex use and its impacts across four European countries in HIV‐positive men who have sex with men attending HIV services
Authors: Whitlock Gary G. , Protopapas Konstantinos , Bernardino Jose I. , Imaz Arkaitz , Curran Adrian , Stingone Christof , Shivasankar Sivapatham , Edwards Sarah , Herbert Sophie , Thomas Konstantinos , Mican Rafael , Prieto Paula , Nestor Garcia Jorge , Andreoni Massimo , Hill Samantha , Okhai Hajra , Stuart David , Bourne Adam , Conway Katie 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIntroductionChemsex in a European context is the use of any of the following drugs to facilitate sex: crystal methamphetamine, mephedrone and gamma‐hydroxybutyrate (GHB)/gamma‐butyrolactone (GBL) and, to a lesser extent, cocaine and ketamine. This study describes the prevalence of self‐reported recreational drug use and chemsex in HIV‐positive men who have sex with men (MSM) accessing HIV services in four countries. It also examines the problematic impacts and harms of chemsex and access to chemsex‐related services.MethodsThis is a cross‐sectional multi‐centre questionnaire study of HIV‐positive MSM accessing nine HIV services in the UK, Spain, Greece and Italy.ResultsIn all, 1589 HIV‐positive MSM attending HIV services in four countries completed the questionnaire. The median age of participants was 38 years (interquartile range: 32–46 years) and 1525 (96.0%) were taking antiretroviral therapy (ART). In the previous 12 months, 709 (44.6%) had used recreational drugs, 382 (24.0%) reported chemsex and 104 (6.5%) reported injection of chemsex‐associated drugs (‘slamsex’). Of the 382 engaging in chemsex, 155 (40.6%) reported unwanted side effects as a result of chemsex and 81 (21.2%) as a result of withdrawal from chemsex. The reported negative impacts from chemsex were on work (25.1%, 96), friends/family (24.3%, 93) and relationships (28.3%, 108). Fifty‐seven (14.9%) accessed chemsex‐related services in the past year, 38 of whom (67%) felt the service met their needs.DiscussionA quarter of participants self‐reported chemsex in the past 12 months. There were high rates of harms from chemsex across all countries, including negative impacts on work, friends/family and relationships. Although a minority of those engaging in chemsex accessed support, most found this useful.
Study on the effect of text direction and temporal focus on advertising persuasiveness
Authors: Xi Yue , Wang Yudie , Jiang Yushi , Wang Yedi 
Published: August 2021

AbstractGlobal brands are benefiting from the rapidly growing demand in China. Text displayed both vertically and horizontally is common in Chinese advertisements. The skillful use of text direction can effectively improve advertising persuasiveness. Using two studies, we find that the descriptions of an advertisement that are displayed vertically (vs. horizontally) result in enhanced advertising persuasiveness among consumers who focus on the past. In contrast, the reverse holds for consumers who focus on the future. Furthermore, the results show that consumers' sense of “feeling right” mediates the interaction effect. In addition, we demonstrate how product category plays a vital role in the three‐way interaction effects between product category, temporal focus, and text direction on “feeling right.” Compared with utilitarian products, vertical descriptions of hedonic products enhance consumers' sense of “feeling right” when they are in the past‐focus condition. Our findings enrich advertising theory and practice. Meanwhile, we also elucidate the effects of text direction on Chinese advertising.
Population‐based assessment of risks for severe COVID‐19 disease outcomes
Authors: Zerbo Ousseny , Lewis Ned , Fireman Bruce , Goddard Kristin , Skarbinski Jacek , Sejvar James J. , Azziz‐Baumgartner Eduardo , Klein Nicola P. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAmong approximately 4.6 million members of Kaiser Permanente Northern California, we examined associations of severe COVID‐19 with demographic factors and comorbidities. As of July 23, 2021, 16 182 had been hospitalized, 2416 admitted to an ICU, and 1525 died due to COVID‐19. Age was strongly associated with hospitalization, ICU admission, and death. Black persons and Hispanic ethnicity had higher risk of death compared with Whites. Among the comorbidities examined, Alzheimer's disease was associated with the highest risk for hospitalization (aHR 3.19, CI: 2.88–3.52) and death (aHR 4.04, CI: 3.32–4.91). Parkinson's disease had the second highest risk of death (aHR = 2.07, CI: 1.50–2.87).
Simulating the macroeconomic impact of expansion in total government expenditure on the economy of Nigeria
Authors: Gbaka Solomon , Iorember Paul Terhemba , Abachi Philip Terhemen , Obute Christopher Obilikwu 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis study examines the impact of further expansion in government spending in Nigeria for the period of 1970–2016. Using a simulation analysis, the model divides the economy into five blocks which corresponds with five key sectors: government, price, supply, external, and monetary/financial sectors of the economy. The simulation scenario involves the average annual increase in total government expenditure, based on the projections of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of the Federal Government of Nigeria. The results reveal positive and negative shocks across the sectors. Specifically, the results indicate that the policy fuels the growth of non‐oil output/export and real gross domestic product, suggesting the sensitivity of output to government expenditure. It further reveals a generally positive reaction from the monetary/financial sector variables, worsens inflationary pressure and exchange rate volatility crisis, while the manufacturing sector output also witnesses a significant fall. This study concludes that fiscal expansion in the form of public expenditure would yield a positive impact on the various sectors of the Nigerian economy, and that it would particularly serve as a veritable tool for achieving the diversification drive of the government. Overall, the study confirms the relative efficacy of fiscal policy in Nigeria. The study recommends sustained increase in government expenditure vis‐a‐vis fiscal discipline via the institutionalised regulatory framework. The economy should also be consciously diversified from oil to a non‐oil‐based economy.
Tourism‐induced pollutant emissions in Mediterranean countries: Evidence from panel causality analysis
Authors: Ozcan Ceyhun Can , Bekun Festus Victor , Nazlioglu Saban 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThere are ample studies that document the tourism‐led growth for single countries and/or a specific region. The nexus on international tourist arrival‐induced pollutant emissions and energy consumption has been ongoing in the related literature. This is pertinent, given its inherent implications for environmental sustainability. This study explores the growth impact of international tourist arrivals on quality of the environment in terms of a causality relationship for 16 selected Mediterranean countries by a multivariate framework; this is based on tourism‐led growth and the tourism‐induced pollutant emissions model for annual data from 1995 to 2014. Our model, therefore, explores the dynamic causal links between tourism, growth, energy, and the environment. We employ the panel causality technique (Emirmahmutoglu and Kose 2011) that allows for heterogeneity and correlations across cross‐sections. The data shows correlation among international tourism, economic growth, energy consumption, and pollutant emission. The findings from the causality analysis support the evidence on tourism‐induced pollutant emissions and energy consumption as well as the validity of the tourism‐led growth hypothesis. The findings also suggest that international tourism is a catalyst for energy consumption and economic growth, which translates into pollutant emissions, implying insightful policy prescriptions.
The residue of theocracy in contemporary democracies: A comparative study
Authors: Zafirovski Milan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe article re‐examines residues of theocracy in contemporary western and related democracies such as OECD countries. It outlines a model of theocracy composed of four elements. These elements are, first, extreme religiosity and religious fanaticism and closure; second, suppression of knowledge and scientific progress and perpetuation of anti‐science, irrationalism; third, a state‐favoured Church as the agent of political power, coercion, repression, war; and fourth, accumulation and redistribution of economic resources to support religion. The model is represented in the format of the functionalist AGIL scheme. Considering evidence, the model of theocracy is found to fit reasonably well for certain, primarily highly religious and conservative, countries. Conversely, it does not fit many other countries, especially less religious and more liberal societies. The article aims to contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between religion and politics in contemporary societies, and outlines directions for further research.