bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental, social, and governance activities and firm performance: Global evidence and the moderating effect of market competition
Authors: Jung Ye Lim , Yoo Hyoung Sun 
Published: May 2023

AbstractDespite the growing demand for corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) engagement in response to the global complex crisis, the impacts of ESG activities and market environment on firm performance have not been sufficiently investigated. This study aims to explore how ESG activities affect firm performance and how the competitive market environment moderates this relationship. The panel data regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between the ESG performance and firm performance (specifically, market capitalization as a measure of market‐based firm performance and profit margin and return on assets as measures of account‐based firm performance) with the data of 2115 listed companies from 53 countries over the past 5 years (2017–2021). The analysis results showed a U‐shaped relation between ESG performance and market capitalization, and a positive linear relationship was observed between ESG performance and profit margin or return on assets. Importantly, it was found that these relationships are negatively moderated by the competition (number of competitors) in the market. It can be interpreted that the greater the number of competitors in the market, the weaker the effect of ESG performance on firm performance. This study discusses plausible reasons for these observations and managerial and policy implications drawn from the results. This study not only analyzes the relationship between ESG performance and various aspects of firm performance at the global level, but also accumulates new evidence for the moderating effect of market competition.
Perceptions of corporate social responsibilities and stakeholder engagement in the context of a disaster: A moderated mediation analysis from the perspective of consumer responses
Authors: Lu Haiyang , Zeng Keya , Mao Zhonggen 
Published: May 2023

AbstractCorporate social responsibility (CSR) has been identified as a critical factor influencing consumer decision‐making. However, there has been little empirical research on whether and how CSR affects consumer outcomes in the context of natural disasters. Against the backdrop of the Erke donation event that occurred during the flood in Henan Province, China, the present study examined the relationship between perceived corporate social responsibility (PCSR) and consumer purchase intention/behavior during a special period. We found that PCSR was positively related to consumers' purchase intention and purchase behavior. We also found that while national identity partially mediated the association between PCSR and purchase intentions, this mediating effect was not found in the path from PCSR to purchase behavior. Additionally, we found that herd mentality moderated the direct relationship between PCSR and purchase intention, but not the mediated path.
Uncertainty quantification in three‐dimensional magnetohydrodynamic equilibrium reconstruction via surrogate‐assisted Bayesian inference
Authors: Köberl Robert , von Toussaint Udo , Bungartz Hans‐Joachim , Schilling Jonathan , Albert Christopher G. ,   W7‐X Team
Published: May 2023

AbstractIn three‐dimensional (3D) equilibrium, reconstruction defining parameters of an ideal magneto‐hydrodynamic equilibrium are inferred from a set of plasma diagnostic measurements. For the reconstructed parameters, various forms of uncertainty estimates exist within common 3D reconstruction frameworks. These estimates often assume a Gaussian posterior distribution. The validity of this assumption is not obvious in such highly nonlinear inverse problems, and therefore the accuracy of the estimates cannot be guaranteed. In this work, we formulate the problem of 3D equilibrium reconstruction in a Bayesian sense and explore the posterior distribution of reconstruction parameters via Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling. The target reconstruction parameters, that is, shape and scaling factors of the pressure and toroidal current‐density profiles as well as the total toroidal flux, are taken from a reduced subspace of Wendelstein 7‐X equilibrium configurations. Since the corresponding forward model evaluations are computationally demanding, we replace the forward model via a polynomial chaos expansion surrogate. We compare the posterior distribution obtained via MCMC sampling to Laplace's approximation, which assumes a Gaussian posterior. We find that the two approaches provide similar results in regimes where the uncertainty on the plasma diagnostic signals is low. However, discrepancies between the posteriors are observed in cases of higher diagnostic signal uncertainty. Therefore, we provide further validation of the commonly used Laplace's approximation as a method of uncertainty quantification in 3D equilibrium reconstruction and showcase some of its limitations.
Birds and bats enhance cacao yield despite suppressing arthropod mesopredation
Authors: Ocampo‐Ariza Carolina , Vansynghel Justine , Bertleff Denise , Maas Bea , Schumacher Nils , Ulloque‐Samatelo Carlos , Yovera Fredy F. , Thomas Evert , Steffan‐Dewenter Ingolf , Tscharntke Teja 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBird‐ and bat‐mediated biocontrol benefits the productivity of tropical commodity crops such as cacao, but the ecological interactions driving these ecosystem services remain poorly understood. Whereas birds and bats prey on herbivorous arthropods, they may also prey on arthropod mesopredators such as ants, with poorly understood consequences for pest biocontrol. We used a full‐factorial experiment excluding birds, bats, and ants to assess their effects on (a) the abundance of multiple arthropod groups; (b) predation pressure on arthropods evaluated through artificial sentinel caterpillars; and (c) cacao yield over 1 year in shaded agroforestry systems of native cacao varieties in Peru. Birds and bats increased cacao yield by 118%, which translates in smallholder benefits of ca. US $959 ha−1 year−1. Birds and bats decreased predation by ants and other arthropods, but contributed to the control of phytophagous taxa such as aphids and mealybugs. By contrast, ant presence increased the abundance of these sap‐sucking insects, with negative impacts for cacao yield. Notably, high abundances of the dominant ant Nylanderia sp., known to attend sap‐sucking insects, were associated with lower cacao yield along a distance gradient from the closest forest edge. According to these results, arthropod predation by birds and bats, rather than mesopredation by arthropods, was most responsible for increases in cacao yield. Moving forward, detailed research about their trophic interactions will be necessary to identify the cause of such benefits. Retaining and restoring the large benefits of birds and bats as well as minimizing disservices by other taxa in cacao agroforests can benefit from management schemes that prioritize preservation of shade trees and adjacent forests within agroforestry landscapes.
Health service utilization among women veterans who report eating disorder symptoms
Authors: Krupp Meghan B. , King Paul R. , Wade Michael , Buchholz Laura J. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectiveDescribe health service utilization in women veterans with eating disorder symptoms and characterize the nature of mental health services received.MethodWomen veterans (N = 191) in a northeastern Veterans Health Administration region completed the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire. Health service utilization was then observed for 5 years across multiple domains (i.e., mental health, primary care, telephone consultations, emergency services); negative binomial or zero‐inflated negative binomial regression models (mental health) estimated the relative impact of reported eating disorder symptoms on health service utilization.ResultsAfter adjusting for the effects of age and body mass index, higher eating disorder symptoms were associated with higher primary care, mental health services, and telephone consultations. Eating disorder diagnoses were infrequent across the sample.DiscussionWomen veterans with higher self‐reported eating disorder symptoms evidence higher health service utilization across common healthcare domains. Encounter data suggest that eating disorder symptoms are rarely identified or clinically addressed by providers. Existing mental health visits may represent an opportunity for selective screening for eating disorder symptoms, particularly among women who evidence known risk factors.Public SignificanceThis study reveals that women veterans with higher levels of eating disorder symptoms (e.g., dietary restriction, poor body image) use more primary care, mental health, and telephone consultations than others, but may not receive services that target disordered eating. Opportunities may exist to better identify eating disorder symptoms in the context of existing mental health visits, or potentially to combine treatment for eating disorder symptoms into their mental health care.
Hummingbird foraging preferences during extreme heat events
Authors: Lawrence Sabina Lucke , Hazlehurst Jenny 
Published: May 2023

AbstractClimate change is projected to increase global mean annual temperatures as well as the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events. These changes are anticipated to alter the behavior of animals as they seek to thermoregulate in extreme heat. An important area of research is understanding how mutualistic interactions between animals and plants, such as pollination, will be affected by the cascading effects of extreme heat on animal foraging behavior. In this study, we used an experimental and observational approach to quantify the effects of extreme heat on hummingbird foraging preferences for nectar sources in shady versus sunny microsites. We also quantified pollen deposition using artificial stigmas at these sites to quantify potential cascading effects on plant reproduction. We hypothesized that hummingbirds would respond to extreme heat by preferentially foraging in shady microsites, and that this would reduce pollen deposition in sunny microsites on hot days. We found little support for this hypothesis, instead hummingbirds preferred to forage in sunny microsites regardless of ambient temperature. We also found weak evidence for higher pollen deposition in sunny microsites on hot days.
Climate and non‐native herbivores influence reproductive investment by Greater Sage‐grouse
Authors: Behnke Tessa L. , Street Phillip A. , Sedinger James S. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractHighly seasonal environments can increase competition among herbivores for nutrients, affecting rates of reproduction and survival. There is concern about the impacts of non‐native ungulates on Greater Sage‐grouse in the Great Basin of North America. We estimated nesting propensity, the annual proportion of females attempting a nest, for Greater Sage‐grouse in relation to the abundance of ungulates using 7 years of data from the northwestern Great Basin, USA. We focused on nesting because it is the necessary first major investment required for the production of new recruits. We used a Bayesian multistratum model to investigate the effects of weather and sympatric non‐native herbivores, free‐roaming horses and domestic cattle, on reproductive rates and female survival of adult and yearling sage‐grouse. Adults nested at a higher rate (0.931, 95% CI, 0.904–0.953) than yearlings (0.867, 95% CI, 0.802–0.922) under average conditions of covariates other than age. If the first nest failed, renesting rates were similar between adults (0.349, 95% CI, 0.292–0.410) and yearlings (0.353, 95% CI, 0.217–0.507). Females in better body condition at the start of the season nested at higher rates, and moderately snowy winters led to the highest nesting propensity during the following spring. Drier conditions led to low rates of nesting, particularly in areas with dense cattle grazing. Female survival was lower for nesting females, indicating a survival cost of reproduction. Areas with abundant free‐roaming horses had slightly higher nesting propensity, though other research suggests negative impacts later in the breeding cycle. Sage‐grouse face life history trade‐offs that may be shifting due to changing climatic conditions. Our work suggests that the effects of competition with non‐native ungulates on sage‐grouse life histories may be exacerbated by adverse weather.
Mesopredator predation risk limits northern bobwhite nesting habitat
Authors: Harris Jonathan P. , O'Connell Timothy J. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPredators can significantly limit the amount of available habitat for vulnerable prey. Encouraging spatial segregation of predators and prey through habitat management prescriptions may be a useful tool to increase productivity and abundances of prey species of conservation concern. We estimated the total area of low‐risk nesting habitat by interacting predator habitat selection models with northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) nest‐site selection models. We used trail cameras, transect sampling, spotlighting transects, and incidental tracking to survey and map occurrences of mesopredators at a site in western Oklahoma, USA. We created broad‐scale resource selection function models for bobwhite nest‐site and mesopredator habitat selection using generalized linear models to create maps of occurrence probability in ArcGIS. Bobwhite nests were more likely to be depredated in areas of high selection by coyotes (Canis latrans) and striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) compared to areas with low mesopredator selection. Approximately 392 ha of bobwhite nesting habitat (17%) had low probabilities of selection by both coyotes and striped skunks. Our results demonstrate the need for incorporating species' interactions into estimations of available habitat. Based on the total area of highly selected cover by northern bobwhite, approximately 29% of the study area would have been deemed suitable for nesting. However, only 5% of that area is predicted to have a low predation risk.
Palladium‐Catalyzed C‐H Bond Functionalization of Benzo[1,2‐b : 4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐4,8‐dione: A One Step Access to 2‐Arylbenzo[1,2‐b : 4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐4,8‐diones
Authors: Durai Manisha , Liu Linhao , Frère Pierre , Roisnel Thierry , Guerchais Véronique , Doucet Henri 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe reactivity of benzo[1,2‐b : 4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐4,8‐dione in Pd‐catalyzed C−H arylation was investigated. Using aryl bromides as aryl source in the presence of carbonate bases in 1,4‐dioxane, the mono‐C2‐arylated benzo[1,2‐b : 4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐4,8‐diones were regioselectively obtained. This procedure allowed to introduce both electron‐rich and electron‐poor aryl substituents on the benzo[1,2‐b : 4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐4,8‐dione unit. These conditions were also effective for the coupling with 1‐bromonaphthalene, 9‐bromophenanthrene as well as aryl bromides bearing synthetically useful nitrile, chloro and methoxy substituents. The photophysical properties of representative arylated compounds have been performed by joint experimental and theoretical studies.
Assembling the Right Pieces: Developing an Interdisciplinary Team to Study Disease, Decline, and Recovery of a World-Class Smallmouth Bass Fishery
Authors: Schall Megan K , Smith Geoffrey D , Blazer Vicki S , Walsh Heather L , Wertz Timothy , Shull Dustin , Wagner Tyler 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Managing and understanding fisheries dynamics are becoming more complex as new and seemingly more complicated environmental factors are identified. Often management requires resources beyond that of any one entity and calls for collaboration among partners with differing priorities and backgrounds to account for the complexity of factors influencing fisheries. We present a collaborative case study from the Susquehanna River basin, Pennsylvania, where Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu have faced population declines, mortality events, and notable signs of disease in recent years. Collaboration was required to study many facets of the fishery and the environment simultaneously to better understand risk factors and underlying relationships influencing Smallmouth Bass health. The outcomes from this interdisciplinary collaboration allowed for identification of contributing risk factors, led to the development of products and analytical techniques that were mutually beneficial to all partners involved, and provided knowledge that was integrated into fish health and fisheries management.
Elderberry extract improves molecular markers of endothelial dysfunction linked to atherosclerosis
Authors: Festa Joseph , Hussain Aamir , Hackney Amon , Desai Unmesh , Sahota Tarsem S. , Singh Harprit , Da Boit Mariasole 
Published: May 2023

AbstractEndothelial dysfunction (ED), secondary to diminished nitric oxide (NO) production and oxidative stress, is an early subclinical marker of atherosclerosis. Reduced NO bioavailability enhances the adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells and promotes atherosclerosis. Elderberry extract (EB) is known to contain high levels of anthocyanins which could exert vascular protective effects. Specifically, we investigated the functional capacity of EB on various markers of ED. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were pretreated with EB 50 μg/mL and stimulated with TNF‐α 10 ng/mL. Cell viability, apoptosis, oxidative stress; eNOS, Akt, Nrf2, NOX‐4, and NF‐κB at the protein level were measured. A co‐culture model was used to determine whether EB could prevent the adhesion of monocytes (THP‐1) to HUVECs. Moreover, the expression of adhesion molecules and pro‐inflammatory cytokines were also measured. It was demonstrated that EB prevented TNF‐α induced apoptosis and reactive oxygen species production in HUVECs. Additionally, EB upregulated Akt and eNOS activity, and Nrf2 expression in response to TNF‐α, whereas it decreased NOX‐4 expression and NF‐κB activity. EB prevented the adhesion of monocytes to HUVECs, as well as reduced IL‐6 and MCP‐1 levels, which was associated with inhibition of VCAM‐1 expression. Our results demonstrate that EB upregulates key cellular markers of endothelial function and ameliorates markers of ED. EB could be used as a potential nutritional aid for preventing atherosclerosis progression.
Supplementation of microencapsulated probiotics modulates gut health and intestinal microbiota
Authors: Gyawali Ishwari , Zhou Guilian , Xu Guli , Li Genghui , Wang Yujun , Zeng Yuxian , Li Jincheng , Zhou Jingjing , Zhu Canjun , Shu Gang , Jiang Qingyan 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe beneficial effect of probiotics on host health is impaired due to the substantial loss of survivability during gastric transit caused by small intestinal enzymes and bile acids. Encapsulation helps to preserve the probiotics species from severe environmental factors. Lactobacillus paracasei, highly sensitive probiotic species to gastric acid, was encapsulated with polyacrylate resin. C57BL/6 male mice were equally divided into three groups; control group was fed with basal diet without any additives, the un‐encapsulated group was fed with 0.1% of a mixture of encapsulating material and L. paracasei, and encapsulated group was fed with 0.1% encapsulated L. paracasei (microcapsule) for 4 weeks. The result showed elevated fecal moisture percentage in the encapsulated group, but not in the un‐encapsulated group. Further study showed that the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in the small intestine was significantly higher compared to un‐encapsulated and the control group. Microencapsulated probiotics also remarkably increased intestinal mucin and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) concentration, intestinal MUC‐2, and tight junction protein mRNA expression levels improving the intestinal barrier function of mice. In addition, microcapsules also reduced proinflammatory factor mRNA expression, while considerably increasing anti‐inflammatory factor mRNA expression. Microbiota metabolites, fecal LPS (Lipopolysaccharide) were downregulated, and acetate and lactate were upraised compared to control. Furthermore, glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) and TAOC levels were increased and Malondialdehyde (MDA) was decreased improving antioxidant capacity. Microflora and bioinformatic predictive analysis of feces showed that encapsulated probiotics remarkably increased Lactobacillus proportions. Mice's intestinal health can thus be improved by using microencapsulated probiotics.
Effect of short‐term consumption of yellow peas as noodles on the intestinal environment: A single‐armed pre‐post comparative pilot study
Authors: Yamada Mei , Yoshimoto Joto , Maeda Tetsuya , Ishii Sho , Kishi Mikiya , Taguchi Takashi , Morita Hidetoshi 
Published: May 2023

AbstractLegumes contain dietary fiber and resistant starch, which are beneficial to the intestinal environment. Here, we investigated the effects of yellow pea noodle consumption on the gut microbiota and fecal metabolome of healthy individuals. This single‐armed pre‐post comparative pilot study evaluated eight healthy female participants who consumed yellow pea noodles for 4 weeks. The gut microbiota composition and fecal metabolomic profile of each participant were evaluated before (2 weeks), during (4 weeks), and after (4 weeks) daily yellow pea noodle consumption. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed on stool samples, followed by clustering of operational taxonomic units using the Cluster Database at High Identity with Tolerance and integrated QIIME pipeline to elucidate the gut microbiota composition. The fecal metabolites were analyzed using capillary electrophoresis time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Compared to day 0, the relative abundances of five bacterial genera (Bacteroides, Bilophila, Hungatella, Parabacteroides, and Streptococcus) in the intestinal microbiota significantly decreased, wherein those of Bifidobacterium longum and Ruminococcus bromii were increased on day 29 and decreased to the basal level (day 0) on day 57. Fecal metabolomic analysis identified 11 compounds showing significant fluctuations in participants on day 29 compared to day 0. Although the average levels of short‐chain fatty acids in participants did not differ significantly on day 29 compared to those on day 0, the levels tended to increase in individual participants with >8% relative abundance of R. bromii in their gut microbiota. In conclusion, incorporating yellow peas as a daily staple may confer human health benefits by favorably altering the intestinal environment.
Locoregional strategies to decrease postoperative pain and neck discomfort after open thyroidectomy: A scoping review
Authors: Sanabria Alvaro , Betancourt Carlos , Chiesa‐Estomba Carlos , Coca‐Pelaz Andrés , Florek Ewa , Guntinas‐Lichius Orlando , Lopez Fernando , Mäkitie Antti A. , Nixon Iain J. , Randolph Gregory , Rinaldo Alessandra , Rodrigo Juan Pablo , Shaha Ashok R. , Tufano Ralph P. , Zafereo Mark , Ferlito Alfio 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAdequate pain control enhances patients' quality of life and allows a quick return to normal activities. Current pain management practices may contribute to the crisis of opioid addiction. We summarize the evidence that evaluates locoregional interventions to decrease pain and neck discomfort after thyroidectomy. We designed a scoping review. The search strategy was made in the Pubmed/MEDLINE and EMBASE database. We included only systematic reviews and RCTs that compared two or more strategies. Forty‐nine publications including 5045 patients fulfilled criteria. Sore throat frequency is higher for endotracheal intubation and topical administration of anesthetic before intubation decreases this. Pre‐incisional infiltration of the surgical wound decreases postoperative pain. Bilateral superficial plexus nerve block decreases analgesic requirements during and after thyroidectomy. Wound massage and neck exercises decrease postoperative discomfort. Locoregional interventions significantly impact postoperative pain and may reduce opioid use and improve patient outcomes.