bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ecological and intrinsic drivers of foraging parameters of Eurasian lynx at a continental scale
Authors: Oliveira Teresa , Mattisson Jenny , Vogt Kristina , Linnell John , Odden John , Oeser Julian , Premier Joseph , Rodríguez‐Recio Mariano , Belotti Elisa , Bufka Ludek , Černe Rok , Duľa Martin , Fležar Urša , Gonev Andrej , Herdtfelder Micha , Heurich Marco , Hočevar Lan , Hvala Tilen , Iľko Tomáš , Kont Raido , Koubek Petr , Krojerová‐Prokešová Jarmila , Kubala Jakub , Kübarsepp Marko , Kusak Josip , Kutal Miroslav , Machciník Beňadik , Männil Peep , Melovski Dime , Molinari Paolo , Ornicāns Aivars , Pavlov Aleksandar , Prostor Maruša , Slijepčević Vedran , Smolko Peter , Tam Branislav , Krofel Miha 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The estimation of foraging parameters is fundamental for understanding predator ecology. Predation and feeding can vary with multiple factors, such as prey availability, presence of kleptoparasites and human disturbance. However, our knowledge is mostly limited to local scales, which prevents studying effects of environmental factors across larger ecological gradients.

Here, we compared inter‐kill intervals and handling times of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) across a large latitudinal gradient, from subarctic to the Mediterranean ecosystems, using a standardised dataset of predicted adult ungulate kills from 107 GPS‐collared lynx from nine distinct populations in Europe. We analysed variations in these two foraging parameters in relation to proxies reflecting prey availability, scavengers' presence and human disturbance, to improve our understanding of lynx predation at a continental scale.

We found that inter‐kill intervals and handling times varied between populations, social status and in different seasons within the year. We observed marked differences in inter‐kill intervals between populations, which do not appear to be driven by variation in handling time. Increases in habitat productivity (expressed by NDVI, used as a proxy for prey availability) resulted in reduced inter‐kill intervals (i.e. higher kill rates).

We observed less variation in handling (i.e. feeding) times, although presence of dominant scavengers (wild boars and brown bears) and higher human impact led to significantly shorter handling times. This suggests that kleptoparasitism and human disturbance may limit the energetic input that lynx can obtain from their prey. We also observed that the human impact on foraging parameters can be consistent between some populations but context‐dependent for others, suggesting local adaptations by lynx.

Our study highlights the value of large‐scale studies based on standardised datasets, which can aid the implementation of effective management measures, as patterns observed in one area might not be necessarily transferable to other regions. Our results also indicate the high degree of adaptability of these solitary felids, which enables them to meet their energy requirements and persist across a wide range of environmental conditions despite the constraints imposed by humans, dominant scavengers and variable prey availability.
Does carbon labelling encourage the consumption of low‐emission meat products? Evidence from China
Authors: Yuan Rao , Tang Zhengmin 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBy combining a hypothetical labelled‐choice experiment and a between‐subject design experiment, this study explores the influence of carbon labels on low‐emission meat consumption. The results reveal that carbon labels are effective in encouraging consumers to choose low‐emission conventional meat products. However, carbon labels are ineffective in persuading consumers to choose novel meat alternatives. Additionally, the results suggest that the efficiency of carbon labels depends on their format. The traffic‐light carbon label was identified as the most effective, reducing carbon emissions from meat consumption by 21.55%, followed by the carbon‐reduction label at 18.07% and the carbon‐neutral label at 2.6%. The findings raise implications for policymakers in developing standards for carbon labels.
Root inoculation with soil‐borne microorganisms alters gut bacterial communities and performance of the leaf‐chewer Spodoptera exigua
Authors: Ramírez‐Serrano Beatriz , Querejeta Marina , Minchev Zhivko , Pozo María J. , Dubreuil Géraldine , Giron David 
Published: November 2024

AbstractSoil‐borne microorganisms can impact leaf‐chewing insect fitness by modifying plant nutrition and defence. Whether the altered insect performance is linked to changes in microbial partners of caterpillars remains unclear. We investigated the effects of root inoculation with soil bacteria or fungi on the gut bacterial community and biomass of the folivore Spodoptera exigua. We also explored the potential correlation between both parameters. We performed herbivory bioassay using leaves of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum), measured caterpillar weight gain and characterized the gut bacterial communities via 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding. All soil microbes modified the gut bacterial communities, but the extent of these changes depended on the inoculated species. Rhizophagus irregularis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens had opposite effects on S. exigua weight. While plant inoculation with the fungus influenced gut bacterial diversity, B. amyloliquefaciens also affected the community composition. A reduced abundance of two S. exigua enterococcal symbionts correlated with decreased insect biomass. Our results show that soil microorganisms can induce plant‐mediated changes in the gut bacterial community of foliar‐feeding caterpillars. We propose that the impact of these alterations on insect performance might rely on specific adaptations within the gut bacteria, rather than solely on the occurrence of changes.
Impact of Antibiotics and Chronic Medications on Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Ng Kennedy Yao Yi , Teo Albert Eng Keong , Tan Sze Huey , Tan Jack Jie En , Tay Desiree Shu Hui , Lee Ailica Wan Xin , Ang Andrea Jing Shi , Wong Lawrence Wen Jun , Choo Su Pin , Toh Han Chong , Lee Suat Ying , Lee Joycelyn Jie Xin , Tai David Wai‐Meng 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackground and AimsThe interaction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and concomitant medications such as antibiotics, metformin, statins, beta‐blockers, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and low‐dose aspirin has been studied in other malignancies. Our study aims to investigate the relationship between these medications and ICI efficacy in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC).MethodsA retrospective review of patients who received at least one dose of ICIs between May 2015 and November 2019 was performed. The primary objectives were to compare the overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) between patients with and without medication usage. Log rank test was used to assess for differences in survival. Hazard ratios were reported using Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. The data cutoff date was December 31, 2020.ResultsA total of 168 patients were included. Median age was 69 years, 85.7% male, 60.7% ECOG 0, 78.0% Child–Pugh A liver cirrhosis, 57.7% hepatitis B etiology, 8.9% hepatitis C, and 33.3% nonviral. One hundred three patients (61.3%) received ICI monotherapy, while 38.7% received ICI in combination. Sixty‐two patients (36.9%) had concomitant antibiotic usage, 26.8% metformin, 30.4% statin, 31.0% beta‐blockers, 60.1% PPI, 6.5% NSAIDs, and 11.9% aspirin. Patients with aHCC receiving antibiotics did not have a shorter OS (adjusted HR [aHR] 1.40, 95% CI 0.94–2.09, p = 0.096) or shorter PFS (aHR 0.94, 95% CI 0.66–1.34, p = 0.73), as compared to those who did not receive antibiotics. However, patients with aHCC of viral hepatitis etiology receiving ICI treatment and concurrent antibiotics had shorter OS (5.5 vs. 14.2 months, aHR 1.93, 95% CI 1.17–3.17, p = 0.010) and PFS (1.1 vs. 2.6 months, aHR 2.69, 95% CI 1.28–5.65, p = 0.009), as compared to those who did not receive antibiotics.ConclusionsThe use of antibiotics may diminish ICI efficacy in patients with aHCC of viral hepatitis etiology, while the use of metformin, statins, beta‐blockers, NSAIDs, and aspirin is not associated with significant clinical outcomes.
A qualitative study of barriers and facilitators to compression stocking use in patients with chronic venous insufficiency
Authors: Simmonds Lucy , Krysa Jolanta , Currie Abby , Clifford Kari A. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIntroductionCompression stocking therapy is the gold standard of treatment for conditions associated with lower limb venous dysfunction. The benefits in symptom relief and preventing disease progression are well documented. Despite this, adherence to compression stocking therapy is poor. This project aimed to identify factors affecting compression stocking adherence in Aotearoa New Zealand through qualitative evaluation of interviews of patients with chronic venous insufficiency.MethodsIn this mixed‐methods study, 25 participants were recruited, and semi‐structured interviews were carried out until thematic saturation was reached. All participants also took part in surveys recording characteristics and Quality of Life questionnaires. Common interview themes were summarized and quality of life scores were compared between respondents.FindingsInterview respondents were a median of 64 years old, and were prescribed compression therapy a median of 8 years prior. The cohort spent a median of 8 h a day standing. Qualitative interviews identified three main themes influencing compression stocking use: physical factors, psychological factors and external factors. Subthemes included the influence of age and sex on participant perceptions of the stockings' appearance, and how comorbidities contribute to donning difficulty.ConclusionUnderstanding factors influencing patient adherence can enable clinicians to provide a multidimensional approach, mitigating barriers and emphasizing facilitators for the individual patient to improve adherence.
Predicting vaginal delivery after labor induction using machine learning: Development of a multivariable prediction model
Authors: Ferreira Iolanda , Simões Joana , Correia João , Areia Ana Luísa 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIntroductionInduction of labor, often used for pregnancy termination, has globally rising rates, especially in high‐income countries where pregnant women present with more comorbidities. Consequently, concerns on a potential rise in cesarean section (CS) rates after induction of labor (IOL) demand for improved counseling on delivery mode within this context.Material and MethodsWe aim to develop a prognostic model for predicting vaginal delivery after labor induction using computational learning. Secondary aims include elaborating a prognostic model for CS due to abnormal fetal heart rate and labor dystocia, and evaluation of these models' feature importance, using maternal clinical predictors at IOL admission. The best performing model was assessed in an independent validation data using the area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC). Internal model validation was performed using 10‐fold cross‐validation. Feature importance was calculated using SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanation) values to interpret the importance of influential features. Our main outcome measures were mode of delivery after induction of labor, dichotomized as vaginal or cesarean delivery and CS indications, dichotomized as abnormal fetal heart rate and labor dystocia.ResultsOur sample comprised singleton term pregnant women (n = 2434) referred for IOL to a tertiary Obstetrics center between January 2018 and December 2021. Prediction of vaginal delivery obtained good discrimination in the independent validation data (AUROC = 0.794, 95% CI 0.783–0.805), showing high positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) of 0.752 and 0.793, respectively, high specificity (0.910) and sensitivity (0.766). The CS model showed an AUROC of 0.590 (95% CI 0.565–0.615) and high specificity (0.893). Sensitivity, PPV and NVP values were 0.665, 0.617, and 0.7, respectively. Labor features associated with vaginal delivery were by order of importance: Bishop score, number of previous term deliveries, maternal height, interpregnancy time interval, and previous eutocic delivery.ConclusionsThis prognostic model produced a 0.794 AUROC for predicting vaginal delivery. This, coupled with knowing the features influencing this outcome, may aid providers in assessing an individual's risk of CS after IOL and provide personalized counseling.
Insect–flower interactions, ecosystem functions, and restoration ecology in the northern Sahel: current knowledge and perspectives
Authors: Medina‐Serrano Natalia , Hossaert‐McKey Martine , Diallo Aly , McKey Doyle 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTActions for ecological restoration under the Great Green Wall (GGW) initiative in the northern Sahel have been plant focused, paying scant attention to plant–animal interactions that are essential to ecosystem functioning. Calls to accelerate implementation of the GGW make it timely to develop a more solid conceptual foundation for restoration actions. As a step towards this goal, we review what is known in this region about an important class of plant–animal interactions, those between plants and flower‐visiting insects. Essential for pollination, floral resources also support insects that play important roles in many other ecosystem processes. Extensive pastoralism is the principal subsistence mode in the region, and while recent analyses downplay the impact of livestock on vegetation dynamics compared to climatic factors, they focus primarily on rangeland productivity, neglecting biodiversity, which is critical for long‐term sustainability. We summarise current knowledge on insect–flower interactions, identify information gaps, and suggest research priorities. Most insect‐pollinated plants in the region have open‐access flowers exploitable by diverse insects, an advantageous strategy in environments with low productivity and seasonal and highly variable rainfall. Other plant species have diverse traits that constrain the range of visitors, and several distinct flower types are represented, some of which have been postulated to match classical “pollination syndromes”. As in most ecosystems, bees are among the most important pollinators. The bee fauna is dominated by ground‐nesting solitary bees, almost all of which are polylectic. Many non‐bee flower visitors also perform various ecosystem services such as decomposition and pest control. Many floral visitors occupy high trophic levels, and are indicators of continued functioning of the food webs on which they depend. The resilience of insect–flower networks in this region largely depends on trees, which flower year‐round and are less affected by drought than forbs. However, the limited number of abundant tree species presents a potential fragility. Flowering failure of a crucial “hub” species during exceptionally dry years could jeopardise populations of some flower‐visiting insects. Furthermore, across Sahelian drylands, browsers are increasingly predominant over grazers. Although better suited to changing climates, browsers exert more pressure on trees, potentially weakening insect–flower interaction networks. Understanding the separate and combined effects of climate change and land‐use change on biotic interactions will be key to building a solid foundation to facilitate effective restoration of Sahelian ecosystems.
The Innovation Power of Living Labs to Enable Sustainability Transitions: Challenges and Opportunities of On‐Campus Initiatives
Authors: Herth Annika , Verburg Robert , Blok Kornelis 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTLiving labs are becoming increasingly popular as suitable arrangements for cocreation and innovation by bringing multiple stakeholders together to work on (solving) complex societal challenges. University campuses are ideal places for living labs, and many universities use such arrangements for various experiments in relation to sustainable future initiatives. Despite the popularity of the living lab concept, much remains unclear about their ways of operation and their potential to innovate. This study aims to show some of the current challenges of on‐campus living labs involved with experiments concerning the energy transition. A total of six different living labs were examined based on semistructured interviews with different stakeholders ranging from researchers to operational staff members. Our results show several internal and external challenges, such as the living lab set‐up and multiple operational challenges concerning administration, coordination and governance. More external challenges include the overall embeddedness of living labs within the more traditional organizational structure of the university and the tensions between academic and operational processes. Despite these challenges, we conclude that a university campus is still a fruitful place for living labs to cocreate and innovate. By creating awareness and understanding of the challenges living labs face, future initiatives may be facilitated better so that campus living labs are able to unlock their potential to innovate and contribute to societal challenges sooner rather than later.
Business Group Affiliation and Board Independence in India: The Effects of Structural and Situated Attention
Authors: He Lerong , Shaw Tara Shankar 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTResearch Question/IssueThis study examines how business group affiliation shapes firm attention and consequently influences firms' compliance with board independence requirements.Research Findings/InsightsUsing a longitudinal sample of Indian listed firms, we find that group‐affiliated firms are more likely to comply with board independence requirements than nongroup firms, especially when the affiliated firm is larger or when a greater proportion of firms in the business group has adopted an independent board structure. However, the likelihood of compliance in group‐affiliated firms is subject less to the influence of the industry compliance norm. We also document that group‐affiliated firms are less sensitive to the influence of the industry task environment than stand‐alone firms. Other things being equal, the influences of industry complexity, munificence, and dynamism on compliance are smaller in group affiliates.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsOur study contributes to the attention‐based view by extending the structural attention argument from organizational structures within firm boundaries to organizational forms across firm boundaries. We argue that the network structure of business groups shapes affiliated firms' attention focus and consequently affects their compliance patterns. We also highlight the joint effects of structural and situated attention on shaping organizational decisions. We reveal that the interplays of business groups' organizational form and industry contexts give rise to distinct compliance patterns between affiliated and unaffiliated firms and among different types of group‐affiliated firms. As such, we supplement prior corporate governance literature by stressing the influences of inter‐organization networks and industry task environment on board structure.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsOur study indicates that inter‐organizational networks affect compliance with corporate governance regulations. Thus, the government could utilize inter‐organizational relationships and peer influence to encourage compliance. Our study also highlights the impact of industry environments and business group structure on board composition and managers' cognitive limitations that prevent them from attending to all situational cues. Thus, it is essential for managers to allocate their scarce attention to scanning various domains of their firms' external environments and internal circumstances when making strategic and corporate governance decisions.
Biodiversity Data Curation as a Profession in South African Natural Science Museums
Authors: Coetzer Willem , Lisher Mark 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTWe reflect on our work with several South African natural science museums, most of which lack positions dedicated to managing biodiversity data. We argue that there is a need to recognize the profession of biodiversity data curation, an example of which is described in the area of taxonomic data cleansing and publication. Greater recognition could elevate this work to a professional level and address the lack of capacity in museums, encourage data curators to develop their skills, and give museums a well‐trained cohort from which to recruit professionals. We argue that the use of industry‐standard tools and practices will improve the integrity, security, and usefulness of potentially valuable biodiversity data. We propose a model of joint responsibility for server administration and biodiversity database hosting, to enable under‐resourced museums to benefit from the systems administration capacity of a well‐resourced organization.
Phoretic mites do not affect burying beetle reproductive success, despite eliminating fly competitors
Authors: Nagel Laura , Kendrick Julia M. , Bonier Frances 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Interspecific interactions exist along a continuum from parasitism to mutualism, but the fitness costs and benefits of these associations may be fluid, depending on factors like abiotic conditions and interactions with other organisms.
Phoretic mites (Poecilochirus spp.) use burying beetles (Nicrophorus spp.) as a means of locating and traveling to carrion, the site of both organisms' reproduction. Several species of Dipteran fly also reproduce on carrion, competing with beetles and mites. Mites could benefit their beetle hosts by reducing the abundance of these flies, but experimental evidence of this benefit is mixed.
We experimentally tested the fitness effects of Poecilochirus mites on N. orbicollis and determined if these effects are dependent on the presence of fly competitors by experimentally manipulating both fly and mite presence with beetles breeding in a semi‐natural environment.
Fly colonisation of carrion reduced beetle reproductive success, and mites reduced fly numbers. Despite this, the fitness cost of flies was not ameliorated by mites. Mites did not affect beetle reproductive success, regardless of fly presence or absence.
Although beetle reproductive success was not affected by mites, beetles were physically compromised by high mite loads; beetles with more mites had slower righting times than beetles with fewer mites.
Our results suggest that these mites are commensals of burying beetles, although unmeasured benefits of reductions of flies could tip this relationship to a mutualism, and unmeasured fitness costs of compromised locomotion could tip it to parasitism.