bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of leaf traits on litter rainfall interception with consequences for runoff and soil conservation
Authors: Rajão Pedro Henrique Medeiros , Berg Matty P. , Cornelissen Johannes H. C. , Dias André Tavares Corrêa 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

During rainfall, plant litter interception regulates overland flow with an impact on water runoff generation and sediment displacement. Besides the rainfall characteristics, the effects of litter mass, thickness, storage and drainage properties on rainfall interception are reasonably well understood. In contrast, less is known about the influence of leaf traits, which we hypothesized to affect interception, soil hydrology and conservation via litter structure assembly.

We measured the runoff and soil loss generation as determined by litter layer structural and hydraulic properties of 16 coexisting tropical woody species with wide‐range morphological leaf traits in a rainfall simulator experiment.

Our results show that litter produced by coexisting species can differ in precipitation interception, thereby influencing runoff and soil loss. This is because there is important interspecific variation in litter water storage and drainage, which are negatively affected by leaf area (LA). Leaf water repellency positively affected litter water storage. Moreover, LA also negatively affected litter layer density. Litter density, in turn, increased runoff, but decreased soil loss, possibly due to protection against splash erosion.

These results can be used to predict the effects of plant traits on the soil water balance and soil integrity protection through ecohydrological interception by the litter layer. The next research steps will be to extend our model to multiple‐species litter layers, and to validate and calibrate our model in different field situations in different ecosystems.

Synthesis: We revealed the direct and indirect effects of species leaf size and hydraulic traits on litter rainfall interception, runoff and soil loss. We propose a new litter‐soil ecohydrological model, by using structural equation models, which can be used as a tool to predict ecosystem functioning, and guide management and restoration actions with water and soil conservation targets.
Introduction pathways and evolutionary mechanisms of alien species of Lolium spreading across sandy coasts in Japan
Authors: Hirata Momoko , Higuchi Yumiko , Matsuo Ayumi , Sato Mitsuhiko P. , Suyama Yoshihisa , Kiyoshi Takako , Konuma Akihiro , Tominaga Tohru , Shimono Yoshiko 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Estimating the role of specific processes in the spread of alien species necessitates the determination of introduction pathways and source populations of invaded areas. Alien grasses in the genus Lolium that have extensively invaded Japan provide a unique opportunity to estimate the expansion process through direct comparison between source and naturalised populations because the introduction pathways, contaminants in grain commodities and commercial cultivars for fodder crops or revegetation materials are well‐known. Therefore, by directly comparing source and naturalised populations, we estimated the introduction pathways and whether adaptative evolution occurred in Lolium species on sandy coasts in Japan.

Lolium individuals sampled from naturalised populations in croplands, seaports, and sandy coasts were compared with those from two introduction sources for morphological and genetic variations based on a genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism analysis and a common garden experiment. Furthermore, we conducted a reciprocal transplant experiment between cropland and sandy coast.

Populations naturalised in croplands were closely related to the cultivars, whereas those naturalised in seaports and sandy coasts were associated with contaminants. These results indicate that the cropland and sandy coast populations are derived from cultivars and contaminants, respectively. In addition, asymmetric gene flow from cropland populations to sandy coast populations was observed. The reciprocal transplant experiment clearly demonstrated the home site advantage; populations derived from croplands yielded higher floret numbers than those derived from other habitats at the cropland site; sandy coast populations had higher survival rates than those from croplands at the coastal site. Port populations exhibited a similar tendency as sandy coast populations, indicating that contaminants may be originally adapted to salty and dry environments, such as that in sandy coasts. The flowering phenology in the sandy coast populations evolved in the late flowering; therefore, late flowering alleles may have been transferred from cropland populations to sandy coast populations.

Synthesis. We demonstrated that two congeneric species with different ecological characteristics were introduced through multiple introduction pathways and spread across different habitats. A direct comparison between source and naturalised populations can considerably elucidate the patterns and processes of biological invasions.
Determinants of intra‐COMESA trade in services
Authors: Majune Socrates K. , Kaaria Judy K. , Kihiu Evelyne N. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis paper analyzes intra‐Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) trade in services by establishing its determinants and exploring the role of trade facilitation on the same. The study relies on the Poisson Pseudo Maximum Likelihood (PPML) estimator of the gravity model on bilateral services trade data for total services and eight categories of services in 17 COMESA countries from 2005 to 2019. Results reveal that several factors determine intra‐COMESA services trade, the salient ones being GDP (exporter's and importer's), distance, contiguity, and time zone differences. Trading under a service‐specific trade agreement affects a few services: transport and other business services exports. The effect is positive for transport services and negative for other business services exports. Trade facilitation measures, especially broadband technologies, significantly improve services trade across various sectors. A key policy implication of our results is that service trade is more likely to grow through digital, information, and communication infrastructure development. Thus, policy should prioritize increasing access and usage of broadband technologies.
Crisis management competencies: A university stakeholder perspective
Authors: Pharaoh Courtley D. , Visser D. J. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSouth African Universities faced an unforeseen crisis in the form of the #FeesMustFall (#FMF) movement. The Executive Management of the affected Universities was criticized for how the crisis was handled. Due to the significant cost (over R1 billion) to the higher education sector, not just in fiscal losses, but the loss of life, the investment into crisis management would be justified. Crisis management is a business action that includes planning and organising to prepare for and to respond to threats to business activities. Reviewing the literature identified a void regarding the crisis management competencies needed by the Executive Management as perceived by stakeholders. This exploratory study made use of a mixed methodology research design. A self‐administered questionnaire incorporating open‐ended questions was used to identify and explore the competencies perceived by the stakeholders as important during times of crisis. Simple descriptive statistics were used to identify the top management competencies needed in a time of crisis as perceived by the stakeholders. This was compared with the findings in the literature. The study identified 10 management competencies perceived by stakeholders of which eight competencies are consistent with crisis management competencies found in the literature.
Attitude and knowledge of dyslexia among elementary school teachers in Turkey
Authors: Altındağ Kumaş Özlem , Sardohan Yıldırım Adile Emel 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to examine the teachers' attitude and knowledge about students with dyslexia and to see whether their attitudes differ according to their socio‐demographic characteristics. The study group of this research, which was designed in the relational screening model, is made up of 300 classroom teachers. The participants filled out the Scale of Teachers' Attitudes towards Teaching Dyslexic Students and the Attitude and Knowledge Questionnaire on Dyslexia. The analyses showed that many teachers have insufficient knowledge of dyslexia, but they have a positive attitude towards teaching children with dyslexia and towards individuals with dyslexia, in general. Significant differences were found between the attitudes and experiences of teachers; it was found that teachers' knowledge of dyslexia increased with their experience. However, no significant differences were found between the attitudes of teachers according to their sex. In the light of the study results, it is recommended to update the teacher training curriculum and to design in‐service programs to improve teachers' knowledge on conducting courses with universal design in inclusive education and training.
Gifted and typically developing students' friendship quality: Does empathy make a difference?
Authors: Akgül Gülendam , Kaya Nisa Gökden 
Published: October 2023

AbstractGifted students differ from their peers in cognitive, social and emotional development. This study aims to compare gifted and typically developing students in terms of friendship quality and empathy level and examine the gender differences in a sample of Turkish students. In addition, the predictive role of empathy in friendship quality among gifted and typically developing students was investigated. The sample consisted of 97 gifted and 135 typically developing primary and secondary school students. Data were analysed by two‐way analysis of variance and regression analysis. Results revealed that friendship quality was predicted by cognitive empathy in gifted and typically developing students. In addition, some gender differences emerged. The results are discussed in terms of the skills that need to be supported with preventive psychological counselling.
On the nexus between real income, renewable energy consumption, and environmental sustainability on life expectancy for BRICS‐T countries: Accessing evidence from quantile regression
Authors: Dam Mehmet M. , Kaya Funda , Bekun Festus V. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis study is aimed at establishing the impact of real income, renewable energy consumption, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission on life expectancy for annual frequency data from 1990 to 2019 for BRICS‐T (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and Turkiye) economies. In addition, the effects of real income, renewable energy consumption, and life expectancy on CO2 emissions are given by establishing a second model. To this end, different econometric approaches such as fixed effects model, random effects model, panel quantile regression, and the Dumitrescu and Hurlin panel causality test were used. We found in our empirical evidence that renewable energy consumption and real income positively affect life expectancy. At the same time, it was seen that real income has a positive effect on CO2 emissions, but renewable energy consumption has a negative effect. According to the panel quantile regression analysis results, while the effect of income on life expectancy is similar to other estimation results, that of renewable energy consumption is different. However, the effect of renewable energy consumption and real income on CO2 emissions is similar to other estimation results. The findings of the study show that policy makers need to promote renewable energy in order to extend life expectancy which is an important determinant of economic growth.
The neglect of nonnative orthopterans as potential invaders: A call for awareness
Authors: Kulessa Anna K. , Balzani Paride , Soto Ismael , Kouba Antonín , Renault David , Tarkan Ali Serhan , Haubrock Phillip J. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractDespite the potential ecological and economic impacts of invasive species, there is a dearth of data on the presence, impacts, and management implications of potentially invasive Orthoptera species. This lack of research and inconsistent data, including risk screenings and impact assessments, is especially evident in Europe. Consequently, assessing the status, distribution, and potential threats of nonnative Orthoptera in Europe remains challenging, impeding the development of effective management strategies. To address this gap, we call for increased efforts to collect and curate data on non‐native and possibly invasive Orthoptera in Europe. Such efforts will improve our understanding of this order's invasion dynamics, facilitate the identification of priority areas for conservation, and support the development of effective management policies and preventive measures.
Bacterial plant pathogens affect the locomotor behavior of the insect vector: a case study of Citrus volkameriana–Triozae erytreae–Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus system
Authors: Ameline Arnaud , Karkach Alain , Denoirjean Thomas , Grondin Martial , Molinari Florencia , Turpin Patrick , Delatte Hélène , Reynaud Bernard 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPlant pathogens can alter the behavior of their insect vectors as well as their survival and reproduction. The African psyllid, Trioza erytreae, is one of the vectors of Huanglongbing, a citrus disease caused mainly by “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus” (CLas). The purpose of this study was to characterize the effects of CLas on the psyllid, T. erytreae using Citrus volkamerina plants as the study system. The study focused more specifically on the CLas effects prior to and after its acquisition by the psyllid T. erytreae. Our results did not support the hypothesis that CLas effects psyllid probing behavior prior to acquisition; few differences were observed between uninfected T. erytrea feeding on CLas‐infected versus control plants. On the other hand, compared to psyllids that had completed their development on control plants, the ones that had completed their development on a CLas‐infected plant exhibited changes in their behavior (greater velocity), physiology (smaller mass) and biochemistry (lower water and lipid content). Altogether, our results confirm the existence of a marked postacquisition effect on the vector locomotor behavior and a minor preacquisition effect of CLas on the vector behavior, which can be partially explained by physiological and biochemical changes.
“I knew it was a scam”: Understanding the triggers for recognizing romance fraud
Authors: Cross Cassandra 
Published: October 2023

AbstractResearch SummaryThis article investigates the contributing factors (or triggers) to a realization of romance fraud victimization, based on 1015 reports lodged with Scamwatch (Australian online reporting portal for fraud) between July 2018 and July 2019 (inclusive). The article examines the free text narrative of each report to propose five discernible trigger categories: further requests for money; characteristics of communications; verification checks; an offender's action(s); and being told by a third party.Policy ImplicationsBased on a comprehensive understanding of these five categories, the article advocates for broader messaging approaches to encompass financial literacy and well‐being, cyberliteracy and critical thinking skills, cybersecurity practices, and respectful and healthy relationships. Leveraging the use of these wider education and awareness campaigns could improve recognition of romance fraud. Importantly, it is suggested that banks and other financial institutions are in a strong position to focus their efforts on some of these broader messages to effect positive change.
The male's scent triggered a neural response in females despite ambiguous behavioral response in Asian house rats
Authors: WANG Weichao , GE Jingru , ZHANG Yaohua , ZHANG Jianxu 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPheromones and olfactory communication play vital roles in sex recognition and mate choice in rodents. Asian house rats (Rattus tanezumi) (RT) often startle easily, making behavioral measurements difficult to carry out accurately in the laboratory. Here, the behavioral and olfactory preferences of the female RT between males and females were not observed using a conventional two‐choice device; we then explored the neuro‐immunohistochemical evidence in the brains of RT females. We found that male urine elicited significantly higher c‐fos expression in the accessory olfactory system and sex‐related brain regions in females than female urine did. On the other hand, the differences of volatile compounds and major urinary proteins (MUPs) in both voided urine and preputial glands (PGs) of the RT were detected using gas chromatography–mass spectrometer, sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing electrophoresis, and liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. We found that PG‐derived 1‐(4,5‐dihydro‐2‐thiazolyl)‐ethanone and total MUPs were more abundant in males versus females, suggesting these sexually divergent components might activate the female's accessory olfactory system. In conclusion, the neuro‐immunohistochemical evidence indicated that potential sex pheromones might exist in RT; however, the strength of the chemical signal might be too weak to cause behavioral responses in females.
Regulatory and pathogenic mechanisms in response to iron deficiency and excess in fungi
Authors: Pijuan Jordi , Moreno David F. , Yahya Galal , Moisa Mihaela , Ul Haq Ihtisham , Krukiewicz Katarzyna , Mosbah Rasha , Metwally Kamel , Cavalu Simona 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIron is an essential element for all eukaryote organisms because of its redox properties, which are important for many biological processes such as DNA synthesis, mitochondrial respiration, oxygen transport, lipid, and carbon metabolism. For this reason, living organisms have developed different strategies and mechanisms to optimally regulate iron acquisition, transport, storage, and uptake in different environmental responses. Moreover, iron plays an essential role during microbial infections. Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been of key importance for decrypting iron homeostasis and regulation mechanisms in eukaryotes. Specifically, the transcription factors Aft1/Aft2 and Yap5 regulate the expression of genes to control iron metabolism in response to its deficiency or excess, adapting to the cell's iron requirements and its availability in the environment. We also review which iron‐related virulence factors have the most common fungal human pathogens (Aspergillus fumigatus, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Candida albicans). These factors are essential for adaptation in different host niches during pathogenesis, including different fungal‐specific iron‐uptake mechanisms. While being necessary for virulence, they provide hope for developing novel antifungal treatments, which are currently scarce and usually toxic for patients. In this review, we provide a compilation of the current knowledge about the metabolic response to iron deficiency and excess in fungi.
tdsa: An R package for time‐dependent sensitivity analysis
Authors: Ng Wee Hao , Myers Christopher R. , McArt Scott H. , Ellner Stephen P. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Sensitivity analysis of ecological and epidemiological models is often used to identify the best targets of opportunity for control or management, for example, which subpopulations should be prioritised for vaccination or protection. However, effectiveness of a management action depends not just on which system component is targeted but also on when an action is taken. Traditional methods of model sensitivity analysis apply to time‐invariant parameter perturbations, which limits their ability to address questions about the timing of management interventions. A semianalytic method for performing time‐dependent sensitivity analysis (TDSA) has been recently introduced to address this need (Ng et al., in press). However, some of the steps typically require substantial time and effort.

We have developed an R package, tdsa, that automates all steps required for TDSA by using numerical rather than analytic differentiation of model terms to evaluate the sensitivity equations. By avoiding analytic differentiation, the package substantially reduces user effort and risk of human error and increases the generality of TDSA by making it possible to analyse nonparametric or equation‐free models.

The results of TDSA may be sensitive to assumptions of the system model. By reducing the effort needed to perform TDSA, the tdsa package facilitates comparison of results under different model assumptions, hence allowing for more robust conclusions. We illustrate this using an example involving the transmission of Morogoro virus in the Natal multimammate mouse, under different assumptions about how the contact rate depends on mouse population density.

By automating most of the mathematical and programming steps of the semianalytical approach, the tdsa package makes TDSA accessible to a wide range of users with varying quantitative expertise.
Use of 31P magnetisation transfer magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure ATP changes after 670 nm transcranial photobiomodulation in older adults
Authors: Fear Elizabeth J. , Torkelsen Frida H. , Zamboni Elisa , Chen Kuan‐Ju , Scott Martin , Jeffery Glenn , Baseler Heidi , Kennerley Aneurin J. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMitochondrial function declines with age, and many pathological processes in neurodegenerative diseases stem from this dysfunction when mitochondria fail to produce the necessary energy required. Photobiomodulation (PBM), long‐wavelength light therapy, has been shown to rescue mitochondrial function in animal models and improve human health, but clinical uptake is limited due to uncertainty around efficacy and the mechanisms responsible. Using 31P magnetisation transfer magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MT‐MRS) we quantify, for the first time, the effects of 670 nm PBM treatment on healthy ageing human brains. We find a significant increase in the rate of ATP synthase flux in the brain after PBM in a cohort of older adults. Our study provides initial evidence of PBM therapeutic efficacy for improving mitochondrial function and restoring ATP flux with age, but recognises that wider studies are now required to confirm any resultant cognitive benefits.