bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Untangling the complex food webs of tropical rainforest streams
Authors: Saito Victor S. , Kratina Pavel , Barbosa Gedimar , Ferreira Fabio Cop , Leal Jean Barbosa , Zemelka Gabriela , Sarmento Hugo , Perkins Daniel M. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Food webs depict the tangled web of trophic interactions associated with the functioning of an ecosystem. Understanding the mechanisms providing stability to these food webs is therefore vital for conservation efforts and the management of natural systems.

Here, we first characterised a tropical stream meta‐food web and five individual food webs using a Bayesian Hierarchical approach unifying three sources of information (gut content analysis, literature compilation and stable isotope data). With data on population‐level biomass and individually measured body mass, we applied a bioenergetic model and assessed food web stability using a Lotka–Volterra system of equations. We then assessed the resilience of the system to individual species extinctions using simulations and investigated the network patterns associated with systems with higher stability.

The model resulted in a stable meta‐food web with 307 links among the 61 components. At the regional scale, 70% of the total energy flow occurred through a set of 10 taxa with large variation in body masses. The remaining 30% of total energy flow relied on 48 different taxa, supporting a significant dependency on a diverse community. The meta‐food web was stable against individual species extinctions, with a higher resilience in food webs harbouring omnivorous fish species able to connect multiple food web compartments via weak, non‐specialised interactions. Moreover, these fish species contributed largely to the spatial variation among individual food webs, suggesting that these species could operate as mobile predators connecting different streams and stabilising variability at the regional scale.

Our results outline two key mechanisms of food web stability operating in tropical streams: (i) the diversity of species and body masses buffering against random and size‐dependent disturbances and (ii) high regional diversity and weak omnivorous interactions of predators buffering against local stochastic variation in species composition. These mechanisms rely on high local and regional biodiversity in tropical streams, which is known to be strongly affected by human impacts. Therefore, an urgent challenge is to understand how the ongoing systematic loss of diversity jeopardises the stability of stream food webs in human‐impacted landscapes.
Boosting efficiency of mussel spat collection for ecological sustainability: Identifying critical drivers and informing management
Authors: Zhao Zhiyuan , Capelle Jacob J. , de Smit Jaco C. , Gerkema Theo , van de Koppel Johan , Yuan Lin , Bouma Tjeerd J. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The long‐term sustainability of natural and bottom‐cultured mussel beds relies on the availability of spat (i.e. juvenile mussels). Traditional spat collection methods, which disrupt the donor population and its habitat, have prompted the adoption of suspended mussel spat collectors (SMCs) as an ecologically sustainable alternative. However, practical experience has demonstrated that SMC efficiency is subject to significant spatiotemporal variability, with the underlying biotic and abiotic drivers remaining unresolved.

Based on 11‐year SMC practices in the Dutch Wadden Sea, we first validated, through field experiments, the inference that larval abundance and settlement rate in seawater are the primary determinants of SMC efficiency. Secondly, we screened the key factors driving variation in SMC efficiency using an integrated dataset that includes both management options (i.e. user‐defined factors, like SMC types) and environmental conditions (i.e. site‐specific factors, such as hydrodynamics). Lastly, we developed a predictive model to explore the sensitivity of SMC efficiency to these key factors.

The efficiency of SMCs was not affected by larval abundance and settlement rate, but rather regulated by management options and environmental conditions, with the key factors identified as SMC type, substrate size, mean wave height and starfish abundance.

Rope‐based SMCs outperform net‐based SMCs in terms of harvest efficiency. Both types of SMCs exhibit consistent sensitivity to environmental conditions, with harvest efficiency higher in areas with lower mean wave height and fewer starfish. Increasing substrate size (i.e. rope length and net area) in these areas has the potential to further improve SMC efficiency.

Synthesis and applications: Our study highlights the importance of environmental conditions over life cycle‐related factors in regulating SMC efficiency. This offers optimistic prospects for investment in larger‐scale deployment of SMCs and maximizing efficiency through site suitability assessments beforehand. The predictive model we developed can provide information for this purpose. Furthermore, strategically adjusting management options would further optimize SMC efficiency, but it is necessary to balance the associated benefits and costs. Overall, our study underscores the predictability and controllability of SMC efficiency and informs management to maximize sustainable spat supply in both mussel culture and restoration.
Immigration and Asylum Policy after Brexit: An Introduction
Authors: Hampshire James 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis special collection examines how immigration and asylum policies have evolved since Britain left the European Union. The referendum was won on the promise of ‘taking back control’, yet, since Brexit, immigration has increased to record levels and the nationalities of people coming to the UK have become more diverse. The increase in immigration was driven by a liberalisation of work and study visas and the creation of new humanitarian schemes. Although some aspects of immigration policy have evolved in a liberal direction, others have become increasingly restrictive. The Conservative government has pursued a draconian agenda on asylum, borders and irregular migration, including a scheme to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, and legislation that effectively abolishes the right to seek asylum in the UK. This introduction argues that recent immigration and asylum policies reflect the ambivalent, unstable and unresolved meanings of Brexit itself.
Experiences and Interest in Value‐Based Payment Arrangements for Medical Products Among Medicaid Agencies: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: BHUIYAN KHAN BEENA , GEMME VICTORIA , CHUPP ETHAN , HIGGINS APARNA , SORENSON CORINNA 
Published: June 2024

Policy Points
State Medicaid experience with value‐based payment (VBP) arrangements for medical products is still relatively limited, and states face a number of challenges in designing and implementing such arrangements, particularly because of the resource‐intensive nature of arrangements and data needed to support measurement of desired outcomes.
A number of success factors and opportunities to support VBP arrangement efforts were identified through this study, including leveraging established venues or processes for collaboration with manufacturers, engaging external and internal partners in VBP efforts to bolster capabilities, acquiring access to new data sources, and utilizing annual renegotiation of contracts to allow for adjustments.
ContextTo date, uptake of value‐based payment (VBP) arrangements for medical products and knowledge of their design and impact have been mainly concentrated among private payers. Interest and activity are expanding to Medicaid; however, their experiences and approaches to VBP arrangements for medical products are not well characterized.MethodsThis study sought to characterize the use of VBP arrangements for medical products among state Medicaid agencies through the use of a two‐staged, mixed‐methods approach. A survey and semistructured interviews were conducted to gain an understanding of state experiences with VBP arrangements for medical products. The survey and interviews were directed at senior leaders from nine states through the survey, with respondents from seven of these states additionally participating in the semistructured interviews.FindingsAlthough experience with VBP arrangements for medical products among states varied, there were similarities across their motivations and general processes or phases employed in their design and implementation. States collectively identified a number of significant challenges to VBP arrangements, such as manufacturer engagement, outcomes measurement, and the time, expertise, and resources required to design and implement them. We outline a range of strategies to help address these gaps and make it easier for states to pursue VBP arrangements, including more direct engagement from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, state‐to‐state peer learning and collaboration, data infrastructure and sharing, and additional research to inform fit‐for‐purpose VBP arrangement approaches.ConclusionsFindings from this study suggest that it may be easier for states to pursue VBP arrangements for medical products if there is greater clarity on processes employed that support design and implementation as well as effective strategies to address common challenges associated with contract negotiations. As states gain more experience, it will be important to monitor the design and implementation of common VBP arrangements to assess impact on the Medicaid program and the populations it serves.
New insights into dairy management and the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis: The shift from single nutrient to dairy matrix effects—A review
Authors: Wang Kaili , Zhao Xu , Yang Sijia , Qi Xiaoxi , Li Aili , Yu Wei 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDairy is recognized as a good source of calcium, which is important for preventing osteoporosis. However, the relationship between milk and bone health is more complex than just calcium supplementation. It is unwise to focus solely on observing the effects of a single nutrient. Lactose, proteins, and vitamins in milk, as well as fatty acids, oligosaccharides, and exosomes, all work together with calcium to enhance its bioavailability and utilization efficiency through various mechanisms. We evaluate the roles of dairy nutrients and active ingredients in maintaining bone homeostasis from the perspective of the dairy matrix effects. Special attention is given to threshold effects, synergistic effects, and associations with the gut–bone axis. We also summarize the associations between probiotic/prebiotic milk, low‐fat/high‐fat milk, lactose‐free milk, and fortified milk with a reduced risk of osteoporosis and discuss the potential benefits and controversies of these dairy products. Moreover, we examine the role of dairy products in increasing peak bone mass during adolescence and reducing bone loss in old age. It provides a theoretical reference for the use of dairy products in the accurate prevention and management of osteoporosis and related chronic diseases and offers personalized dietary recommendations for bone health in different populations.
Review on emerging applications of nanobiosensor in food safety
Authors: Guruprasath N. , Sankarganesh P. , Adeyeye S. A. O. , Babu A. Surendra , Parthasarathy V. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractNanosensors have become an indispensable tool in the food sector due to their specificity and sensitivity. The biosensor consists of a transducer coupled with a biorecognition component to transform biological signal into digital signal. Nanobiosensors have been widely used for sensing toxic chemicals such as pesticide residues and pathogenic microbes owing to their accurate sensitivity in an affordable manner, which gives more hope to the food industry on their applications. It employs nanocarriers to bind to impurities and pollutants, as well as food‐borne microorganisms and their resulting toxins, such as mycotoxins. This modern technology ensures food safety in food processing industries. Nowadays, nanoparticle‐immobilized sensors act as spot indicators to improve smart food packing technology. Certain types of nanobiosensors are deployed to monitor food product manufacture till packaging and to check the freshness of the product till spoilage identification. They are mainly using enzyme catalysts, which are highly sensitive to extreme environmental conditions. As a result, there is a greater evaluation requirement in nanosensor technology to adopt any temperature, pH, or other difficult parameters. Its stability, while in contact with food substrates, is another criterion that needs to be regularized. Within this framework, this review delves into the latest developments in nanobiosensors and the obstacles encountered during their use across different food industries.
Sea cucumber significance: Drying techniques and India's comprehensive status
Authors: Harini Ravi , Natarajan Venkatachalapathy , Sunil C. K. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSea cucumbers, members of the echinoderm class Holothuroidea, are marine invertebrates with ecological significance and substantial commercial value. With approximately 1700 species, these organisms contribute to marine ecosystems through nutrient cycling and face various threats, including overfishing and habitat loss. Despite their importance, they are extensively exploited for diverse applications, from seafood to pharmaceuticals. This study investigates sea cucumbers' nutritional profile and bioactive elements, emphasizing their role as sources of essential compounds with potential health benefits. The demand for sea cucumbers, especially in dried form, is significant, prompting exploration into various drying techniques. Examining the global trade in sea cucumbers highlights their economic importance and the conservation challenges they face. Conservation efforts, such as awareness campaigns and international collaboration, are evaluated as essential steps in combating illicit trade and promoting the sustainable stewardship of sea cucumber populations.Practical ApplicationAround 1700 species of sea cucumbers were identified as vital ecological scavengers in the Holothuroidea class. High commercial value due to their health benefits, particularly their demonstrated inhibitory effect against various types of cancer. “Beche‐de‐mer” holds a 90% market share and is regarded as a luxury food item in Southeast Asian countries. Due to overexploitation, the species is classified as Schedule I under the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) in India, prompting the implementation of a blanket ban on their harvesting to ensure its conservation.
HPLC‐QQQ‐MS/MS‐based authentication and determination of free and bound sialic acids content in human, bovine, sheep, goat milk, and infant formula
Authors: Chen Qingyan , Mueed Abdul , Zhu Liuying , Deng Zeyuan , Peng Han , Li Hongyan , Zhang Bing 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAn accurate method for qualitative and quantitative analysis of lipid‐bound (LB), protein‐bound (PB), oligosaccharides‐bound, and free sialic acids in milk was developed by using high‐performance liquid chromatography ‐triple quadrupole‐tandem mass spectrometer. The profile of free and bound sialic acids in milk (human, bovine, goat, and sheep) and infant formula (IF) was examined in the present study. Human milk contains only N‐acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) and was mainly present in the form of oligosaccharide‐bound. The content of total Neu5Ac (T‐Neu5Ac), free and bound Neu5Ac in human milk decreased with the prolongation of lactation. The most intriguing finding was the increase in the proportion of PB and LB sialic acids. The sialic acids in bovine and sheep milk were mainly PB and oligosaccharides‐bound Neu5Ac. T‐Neu5Ac in goat milk (GM) was 67.44–89.72 µg/mL and was mainly PB Neu5Ac, but total N‐glycolylneuraminic acid (T‐Neu5Gc) content of GM can be as high as 100.01 µg/mL. The concentration of T‐Neu5Gc in sheep and GM was significantly higher than that of bovine milk (BM). T‐Neu5Gc content of GM ‐based IF was 264.86 µg/g, whereas T‐Neu5Gc content of BM ‐based IF was less (2.26–17.01 µg/g). Additionally, our results found that there were also sialic acids in IF ingredients, which were mainly bound with protein and oligosaccharides, primarily derived from desalted whey powder and whey protein concentrate.
Fermented goat milk by selenium‐enriched Lactobacillus paracasei alleviates depressive psychological disturbance
Authors: Sun Yuhan , Zhao Hongfan , Chang Mengjia , Yue Tianli , Yuan Yahong , Shi Yiheng 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDepression is a prevalent psychiatric disease with the characteristic of persistently gloomy mood. The treatment of depression with traditional therapeutic medications suffers from low efficacy and adverse side effects due to the extremely unpredictable courses and uneven responses to treatment. The goal of this paper was to investigate the preparation of selenium‐enriched fermented goat milk and the potential mechanism of its intervention on the chronic unpredictable stress‐induced depression mice model. The results showed that Se‐Lactobacillus paracasei 20241 (Se‐20241) significantly alleviated depressive behavior, reversed the upregulation of inflammatory factors, and attenuated glucocorticoid resistance. Meanwhile, the results showed a modulatory function on oxidative stress dysfunction in the liver, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. The change in abundance of Ileibacterium, Muribaculaceae, Turicibacter, Dubosiella, and Bifidobacterium was also modified. These results provided the theoretical groundwork for the development of psychoactive probiotic supplements for depressed patients and clarified the probable mechanism of Se‐20241 for antidepressant impact on the CUMS model.
Germany: Political Developments and Data in 2023
Authors: ANGENENDT MICHAEL , KINSKI LUCY 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAfter a focus on global challenges, in the year 2023, domestic politics took centre stage in Germany. Notably, there was a rise in internal tensions within the ‘traffic light coalition’, especially regarding fiscal policy issues: The Free Democrats’/Freie Demokratische Partei (FDP) austerity clashed with the Social Democrats’/Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschland (SPD) and the Alliance 90/Greens'/Bündnis 90/Die Grünen willingness to take on more debt for economic challenges. A key event was the Federal Constitutional Court's ruling that prohibited the reallocation of COVID‐19 relief funds to the Climate and Transformation Fund, exposing budgetary constraints and repercussions on economic policy more broadly. The so‐called Heating Act and debates on Child Basic Security were also important. The Alternative for Germany/Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) achieved notable electoral victories, while the Left Party's/Die Linke future is more uncertain than ever, having lost its parliamentary group status in the Bundestag due to a split. Regional elections were held in Berlin, Bremen, Bavaria and Hesse, contributing to this year's political dynamics.
Win by defence: The impact of defensive trademarks on corporate innovation
Authors: Li Xuechao , Wu Dejun , Wu Yucheng 
Published: June 2024

AbstractUsing a sample of listed Chinese companies from 2012 to 2020, we investigate the impact of registration of defensive trademarks on corporate innovation. We find that firms with a higher number of defensive trademarks engage in less innovation. The mechanism tests show that defensive trademarks reduce innovation by increasing firm market share, and further tests show that the negative effect is more pronounced for firms with resource constraints and state‐owned enterprises. Our findings indicate a substitutive effect of defensive trademarks on corporate innovation, which is a win‐by‐defence strategy adopted by firms in market share competition.
Bilateral mandible fractures in the paediatric patient in a case of peer‐to‐peer violence: a case report and literature review
Authors: Dal Santo KL 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTMandible fractures are relatively uncommon despite the mandible being the most commonly fractured facial bone in the paediatric population. The aetiology of mandible fractures can be categorized as intentional (e.g. as a result of assault, peer‐to‐peer violence, family violence) or non‐intentional (e.g. as a result of falls, motor vehicle crashes, sporting incidents). Peer‐to‐peer violence affects up to a third of male school aged children in Australia. This case report details the case of a paediatric patient with bilateral mandibular fractures who presented to a general dental practice after an episode of peer‐to‐peer violence. Clinical examination, radiographic findings and treatment are reported. This paper explores the experience and impact of peer‐to‐peer physical violence on the individual and his family. A review of the relevant literature is presented. © 2024 Australian Dental Association.
Patient demographic characteristics and risk factors associated with sun protection behaviours in specialist melanoma clinics
Authors: Smith Juliet , Espinoza David , Smit Amelia K. , Gallo Bruna , Smith Andrea L. , Lo Serigne N. , Guitera Pascale , Martin Linda K. , Cust Anne E. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectiveWe investigated the association between sun protection behaviours and demographic and melanoma risk characteristics of patients attending Australian melanoma specialist clinics. This may assist in targeting and tailoring melanoma prevention patient education for people at high‐risk and specific population subgroups.MethodsA cross‐sectional analysis of questionnaire data collected from participants attending the dermatology clinics at two major melanoma centres in Sydney, Australia between February 2021 and September 2023. The primary outcome was Sun Protection Habits (SPH) index (a summary score measured as habitual past month use of sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, a shirt with sleeves that covers the shoulders, limiting midday sun exposure and seeking shade, using a Likert scale). The primary analysis considered the SPH index and its component items scored as continuous.ResultsData from 883 people were analysed. Factors associated with less frequent sun protection behaviours overall included male gender, no personal history of melanoma, lower perceived risk, lower calculated 10‐year risk of developing melanoma, and no private health insurance. People aged >61 years reported lower use of sunscreen but higher use of hats and sleeved‐shirts compared with people in the younger age group. There was no difference in overall sun protection behaviours according to family history of melanoma, country of birth or by lifetime melanoma risk among people without a personal history of melanoma.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the potential for targeting high‐risk individuals with less frequent use of sun protection for patient education, public health messaging and ultimately improving sun protection behaviours.