bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Responsible Entrepreneurship and Social Legitimacy in Turbulent and Demanding Market Environments
Authors: Adomako Samuel , Tran Mai Dong 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThis article explores the effect of responsible entrepreneurship on social legitimacy and contingent factors influencing this relationship. While research on responsible entrepreneurship is expanding, studies addressing the boundary conditions affecting its impact on legitimacy are scarce. Moreover, little is known about how these dynamics operate in markets characterized by high customer demandingness and turbulence, particularly in emerging economies. We extend legitimacy theory by proposing a model that examines the impact of responsible entrepreneurship on social legitimacy and the moderating roles of customer demandingness and market turbulence on this linkage. Using time‐lag survey data from 231 firms in Vietnam, we find that responsible entrepreneurship positively influences social legitimacy. Furthermore, this relationship is amplified under high levels of customer demandingness, where customers expect firms to demonstrate ethical and socially responsible behaviors. Similarly, market turbulence strengthens the impact of responsible entrepreneurship on social legitimacy by making responsible practices more visible and impactful in addressing societal and environmental challenges. Our findings contribute to the literature by advancing the understanding of responsible entrepreneurship's role in legitimacy building, particularly in demanding and dynamic market environments. This study provides nuanced insights for entrepreneurs and policymakers seeking to enhance corporate legitimacy through socially responsible practices.
Efficacy of peroral endoscopic myotomy for improving sleep problems in patients with achalasia
Authors: Ohmiya Toshihiro , Shiwaku Hironari , Okada Hiroki , Shiwaku Akio , Hasegawa Suguru 
Published: January 2025

AbstractObjectivesAchalasia is an esophageal motility disorder of unknown etiology. However, no studies have determined the populations in which sleep problems occur and whether they are improved by peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). We investigated the rate of sleep problems assessed by GERD‐Q (AGQ) in achalasia patients, evaluated whether POEM improves these issues, and identified factors associated with sleep improvement after POEM.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the data of patients who were diagnosed with achalasia and who underwent POEM at a single institution between March 2016 and December 2020. We examined the Eckardt symptom score and the GERD‐Q before and 3 months after POEM to assess the presence of sleep problems (AGQ) and other symptoms. The univariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with sleep problem (AGQ) improvement after POEM.ResultsA total of 177 patients were included. The average age was 52.6 ± 17.2 years. Preoperatively, dysphagia (172 [97.2%]), regurgitation (123 [69.5%]), sleep problems (AGQ; 110 [62.1%]), chest pain (102 [57.6%]), and weight loss (83 [46.9%]) were observed. Before POEM, 62.1% of patients experienced sleep problems (AGQ) compared with 9.6% after POEM (p < 0.0001). Postoperative dysphagia and regurgitation were significant factors determining whether patients continued to experience sleep problems (AGQ) after POEM.ConclusionsSleep problems (AGQ) were the third most common symptom in > 60% of patients with achalasia. Improving dysphagia and regurgitation using the POEM procedure improved sleep problems (AGQ).
Multiple Dimensions Define Thresholds for Population Resilience of the Eastern Oyster, Crassostrea virginica
Authors: La Peyre Megan K. , Wang Hongqing , Sable Shaye E. , Wu Wei , Li Bin , Comba Devin , Perez Carlos , Bates Melanie , Swam Lauren M. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTA species' distribution depends on its tolerance to environmental conditions. These conditions are defined by a minimum, maximum, and optimal ranges of single and combined factors. Forays into environmental conditions outside the minimum or maximum tolerance of a species (i.e., thresholds) are predicted to have large effects on a species' population and may help predict population resilience in the face of changing conditions. Here, we explore ecological thresholds for an important fisheries species and ecosystem engineer, Crassostrea virginica (eastern oyster). In coastal Louisiana, extreme freshwater inputs from rivers and precipitation events impact estuarine salinity, which is a key driver of oyster population dynamics. Using daily salinity and monthly oyster abundance monitoring data across Louisiana estuaries, we explore low salinity exposure threshold levels for oysters. Two statistical approaches were applied, with each model highlighting a different operational definition of a threshold: random forest models identified a threshold as an abrupt change in the oyster abundance‐ salinity relationship, while Bayesian models identified an increased probability of oyster abundance dropping below a critical threshold, defined here as less than 50% of the 5‐year mean. All model results indicate oysters in coastal Louisiana experience low salinity exposure thresholds, defined as the number of consecutive summer days of salinity levels less than 5. However, actual number of days and salinity threshold differed by statistical approach, oyster life stage, and estuary highlighting the multiple dimensions defining ecological thresholds. While thresholds are considered important benchmarks to inform management and assess population or ecosystem vulnerability, our results reveal the need to carefully relate threshold definition to management goals and to acknowledge that thresholds may be highly context dependent.
Deer Browsing Increases Stem Slenderness and Crown Irregularity and Modifies the Effects of Light Gradients on Architecture of Forest Tree Saplings
Authors: Cacciatori Cecilia , Gazda Anna , Bodziarczyk Jan , Foremnik Kacper , Madalcho Aklilu B. , Maciejewski Zbigniew , Pielech Remigiusz , Tomski Andrzej , Zięba Antoni , Zwijacz‐Kozica Tomasz , Szwagrzyk Jerzy 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBrowsing by ungulates is commonly assumed to target the upper parts of sapling crowns, leading to reduced vertical growth or even growth cessation. However, the extent to which browsing induces shifts in resource allocation toward lateral growth remains unclear. This study explores the impact of browsing intensity (BI) and light availability on the architectural traits of six temperate tree species, focusing on height‐diameter ratio (H/D), crown slenderness (CL/CW), and crown irregularity (CI) across sapling height classes. Browsing pressure and architectural responses varied across height groups, reflecting diverse adaptive strategies. BI was weakly but negatively correlated with sapling height, indicating that even tall saplings (> 2 m) experience browsing, particularly in the lower crown. H/D consistently increased with BI across all height classes, with stronger effects in medium and tall saplings. Light influenced H/D differently between browsed and unbrowsed saplings: unbrowsed saplings showed reduced H/D only under high light conditions, while browsed saplings exhibited consistent reductions regardless of light levels. CL/CW was negatively but insignificantly affected by BI. Light increased CL/CW in unbrowsed saplings across all height classes but decreased it in browsed short and medium saplings, suggesting a ‘pruning’ effect of browsing that altered competition dynamics. Species‐specific analysis of Fagus sylvatica revealed an increase in CL/CW with BI, reflecting unique adaptive responses. CI increased significantly with BI across all height classes, with the strongest effects in medium and tall saplings. Light reduced CI in browsed short saplings but had inconsistent effects on unbrowsed individuals. Variation partitioning showed that light explained most variation in H/D and CL/CW for shorter saplings, while BI predominantly influenced CI in taller ones. By integrating the effects of browsing and light, this study provides insights into juvenile tree adaptations and resilience under ecological stressors, advancing our understanding of tree growth strategies in challenging environments.
What does the fox select? Spatial ecology of Rocky Mountain red fox during peaks and troughs of human recreation
Authors: Burkholder Emily N. , Stephenson John , Hegg Sarah , Gustine David , Holbrook Joseph D. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractUnderstanding animal behavior at the population level can be challenging, especially in the presence of intraspecific variation in behavioral tactics. Individuals within a population often vary with respect to resource exploitation and use, which may be associated with individual states (e.g., male or female) or extrinsic variation (e.g., temporal variation in food). Explicitly accounting for interindividual variation can aid ecological insights, especially for species that exhibit high behavioral flexibility. Here, we evaluated how seasonal fluctuations in resources influenced individual‐level habitat use and selection of Rocky Mountain red fox (Vulpes vulpes macroura) within Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. Rocky Mountain red fox is a high‐elevation subspecies of the common red fox (Vulpes vulpes), and native to North America. From 2016 to 2021, we captured and GPS‐collared 18 individuals (11 males, 7 females) and evaluated spatiotemporal shifts in home range characteristics and habitat selection. We observed high individual variation in home range size, with generally larger home ranges in the winter months ( = 72.92 km2 [minimum convex polygon—MCP], 83.65 km2 [Kernel], 27.20 km2 [Local Convex Hull]) than in the summer ( = 22.23 km2 [MCP], 23.01 km2 [Kernel], 11.11 km2 [Local Convex Hull]). Similarly, we observed substantial individual variation in habitat selection across environmental gradients. Some foxes altered their selection for habitat types between summer and winter indicating behavioral plasticity with respect to seasonal resources. Distance to human features was the primary driver for habitat selection for both seasons across foxes, and on average, foxes had stronger selection for human features in the summer. These findings might indicate some foxes are concentrating on the temporal and spatial resource pulse of anthropogenic food, while others exhibited more natural tactics. Our work advanced the spatial ecology of Rocky Mountain red fox, identified variation in space use tactics associated with humans and natural resources among red foxes in a heavily recreated area, and demonstrated how human activity can influence the spatial behavior of a carnivore within a national park.
Elevational ranges of pioneer marsh species are site specific and likely shaped by different abiotic and biotic factors
Authors: Steinigeweg Charlotte S. , Siebeneicher Ole J. , Schröder Boris , Kleyer Michael , Lõhmus Kertu , Löbel Swantje 
Published: January 2025

AbstractSalt marshes are dynamic systems whose landscape structure and resilience to disturbance depend on bio‐geomorphological interactions. The ecological niches of salt marsh plants are asserted to be organized along an elevational gradient, determining the impact of abiotic factors such as soil aeration, flooding, and salinity, which generate the typical salt marsh zonation. In the foremost (pioneer) zone, vegetation must cope with nonoptimal environmental conditions due to strong impacts of hydrodynamic forces and sedimentation and is threatened by climate change–induced sea level rise or increased storminess. To test the hypothesis that species have different elevational ranges, which are shaped by local abiotic conditions and biotic interactions, salt marsh species occurrences and covers were recorded along 65 seaward–landward transects at two study sites on the back‐barrier island Spiekeroog in the German Wadden Sea, differing in topography, site age, and history. Elevations were extracted from a digital terrain model. Zero‐inflated beta regression models demonstrated that species occurrence and cover are mediated by elevation in a species‐specific manner. The fast colonizer Salicornia procumbens occurred foremost at the lowest elevations, followed by the pioneer species Spartina anglica and Salicornia europaea. The higher marsh species Limonium vulgare, Atriplex portulacoides, and Spergularia spp. occurred at higher elevations, indicating varying species' vulnerability to local abiotic factors. Furthermore, the individual cover of species was negatively related to the total cover of other species, possibly indicating that species‐specific elevational ranges are further modified by interspecific interactions. Especially, the cover of the ecosystem engineer Sp. anglica mostly had negative effects on individual species cover, although positive effects on the cover of Sa. europaea at the eastern site. Our results provide insights into plant species responses and interactions under highly dynamic conditions in the foremost marsh zone. Knowledge about species‐specific responses to their abiotic and biotic environment is an important prerequisite for modeling and predicting future ecosystem shifts in salt marshes under climate change.
Living in fear: How experience shapes caribou responses to predation risk
Authors: Derguy Laurie , Leblond Mathieu , St‐Laurent Martin‐Hugues 
Published: January 2025

AbstractWild prey can reduce predation risk by avoiding areas used by their predators. As they get older, individuals should be able to fine‐tune this avoidance based on their increased experience with predation risk. Such learning mechanisms are expected to play a key role in how individuals cope with risk during their life, particularly in altered landscapes where human disturbances have created habitat conditions distinct from those of the past. We studied the role of experience on the avoidance of risky areas by boreal caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in a system where they are under high predation pressure from gray wolves (Canis lupus) and black bears (Ursus americanus). Using telemetry data collected on 28 caribou, 31 wolves, and 12 bears, we investigated whether caribou adjusted their level of predator avoidance with passing monitoring years, a proxy of increasing experience. We observed an increase in the avoidance of areas suitable to wolves (during two study periods) and bears (during all study periods) with passing years. Periods during which caribou did not adjust their behavior toward wolves (winter and calving) were characterized by persistent—potentially innate—avoidance. Our results suggest that, in most circumstances, caribou became more efficient at avoiding areas selected by their predators as they gained experience. Future work should attempt to demonstrate whether such tactics are heritable; if so, our results would suggest that, given time, caribou living in disturbed environments would have the potential to adapt to changing levels of risk. This would give hope for the conservation of caribou, a species at risk in Canada, provided levels of risk do not surpass the limits of their behavioral plasticity.
Unveiling Landscape‐Level Drivers of Freshwater Biodiversity Dynamics
Authors: Eastwood Niamh , Watson Arron , Zhou Jiarui , Orsini Luisa 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTHuman activities severely impact biodiversity, particularly in freshwater lakes. These habitats provide critical ecosystem services and, at the same time, suffer from river inflow, agricultural runoff, and urban discharge. DNA‐based techniques are preferred for monitoring biodiversity due to their effectiveness. However, pinpointing the causes of biodiversity decline across landscapes poses challenges due to the complex interactions between biodiversity and environmental drivers. In this study, we used an explainable multimodal machine learning approach that can integrate different types of data, such as biological, chemical, and physical data, to discover potential causes of biodiversity dynamics. This is done by identifying relationships between environmental drivers—plant protection products, physico‐chemical parameters and typology‐ and community biodiversity changes in 52 lake ecosystems. By analyzing benthic and pelagic lake communities, we found significant correlations between biodiversity and environmental drivers, such as plant protection products. Furthermore, our analysis allowed us to identify factors within these drivers responsible for biodiversity dynamics. Specifically, insecticides and fungicides were identified as the most important factors, followed by 43 physico‐chemical factors, including many heavy metals. Our holistic, data‐driven approach provides insights into large‐scale biodiversity changes and could inform conservation efforts and regulatory interventions to protect biodiversity from pollution.
Prevalence of Plasmid‐Mediated Fluoroquinolone Resistance Genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Among Patients at Aleppo University Hospital, Syria
Authors: Shanan Roula , Yousef Nihad , Balid M. Emad , Tahan Zaher S. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundPseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant opportunistic pathogen, especially in hospital‐acquired infections, with plasmid‐mediated fluoroquinolone resistance posing a major healthcare threat. This research aimed to isolate fluoroquinolone‐resistant P. aeruginosa from patients at Aleppo University Hospital, assess the prevalence of fluoroquinolone resistance, confirm molecular identity, identify plasmid‐associated resistance genes, and investigate virulence factors.MethodsA total of 430 samples were collected from patients and cultured on selective media for identification. Molecular confirmation was achieved through PCR techniques. Various media were used to assess virulence factors and antibiotic resistance while also investigating the prevalence of resistance‐related genes.ResultsThe study identified 29 fluoroquinolone‐resistant P. aeruginosa isolates. These strains exhibited complete resistance to penicillins and all four generations of cephalosporins while remaining 100% sensitive to colistin. Notably, both hemolysin and gelatinase production rates were found to be 100%, and 48.2% of the isolates formed strong biofilms. The aac(6′)‐Ib gene was present in 72.4% of the isolates, the qnrS gene in 44.8%, and the qnrB gene in 13.7%. Additionally, 37.8% of the isolates contained two types of resistance genes, while 62% had one type. Importantly, all resistant isolates (100%) possessed at least four virulence factors.ConclusionThe findings indicate a prevalence of plasmid‐associated fluoroquinolone resistance genes in the studied isolates. It is recommended to rationalize fluoroquinolone use to preserve their effectiveness against multidrug‐resistant strains.
HLA‐matched related peripheral blood stem cell and bone marrow transplantation with RIC regimens yield comparable outcomes for adult AML
Authors: Mitsuyoshi Takaya , Arai Yasuyuki , Kondo Tadakazu , Kawata Takahito , Hirabayashi Shigeki , Tanaka Masatsugu , Mori Yasuo , Doki Noriko , Nishida Tetsuya , Kotani Takeharu , Ogata Masao , Tabayashi Takayuki , Eto Tetsuya , Sawa Masashi , Imada Kazunori , Kanda Junya , Ichinohe Tatsuo , Atsuta Yoshiko , Yanada Masamitsu 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIntroductionUnderstanding differences in clinical outcomes between PBSCT and BMT is important, and this study compared outcomes of HLA‐matched related PBSCT and BMT using reduced‐intensity conditioning (RIC) in adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients.MethodsData from 402 patients who underwent either PBSCT (n = 294) or BMT (n = 108) between 2000 and 2022 were analyzed using the Japanese nationwide registry database. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), and secondary endpoints included disease‐free survival (DFS), non‐relapse mortality (NRM), and GVHD.ResultsResults indicated no significant difference in 3‐year OS (44.6% for PBSCT vs. 46.9% for BMT, HR 1.173, P = 0.299) and DFS (42.1% vs. 41.8%, HR 1.073, P = 0.639). PBSCT was more beneficial for avoiding relapse (20.3% vs. 12.4%, HR, 0.715, P = 0.059). However, PBSCT was associated with higher NRM (20.3% vs. 12.4%, HR 1.801, P = 0.025) due to more frequent, chronic GVHD (HR 1.889, P = 0.035). Subgroup analysis did not reveal specific patient groups that benefited more from PBSCT or BMT. Incidence of extensive chronic GVHD and NRM has improved in PBSCT recipients in recent years (2014–2022).ConclusionsWe conclude that related PBSCT with RIC regimens offers comparable prognosis to BMT for adult AML patients. Further optimization of prophylactic strategies for chronic GVHD is required to improve outcomes after PBSCT.
Land Degradation's Influence on Livelihoods of Small‐Scale Farmers and Land Care Workers in Ladybrand, South Africa
Authors: Msipa Alexander Mabunga , Lombard Antoinette , Aucamp Ilse , Baade Jussi 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTLand degradation influences the natural resource‐based livelihoods of agricultural communities whose livelihoods are dependent on the productivity of the land. South Africa has been and still is considerably affected by land degradation which adversely influences livelihoods and well‐being. The article reports on the findings of a study aimed at determining how land degradation in the Ladybrand area, Free State Province, South Africa, influences the livelihoods of small‐scale farmers and land care workers, and what land management strategies can mitigate land degradation for sustainable livelihood outcomes. The explorative study adopted a qualitative research approach and an instrumental case study research design. A purposive sampling method was used to select 13 small‐scale farmers (general and commonage) and 14 land care workers for the study. Data were collected through focus group interviews and were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings indicated the causes of land degradation in Ladybrand that jeopardise land management practices for sustainable livelihoods, namely, the high volume of invasive plants, land pollution, overgrazing, unsecure land tenure systems and poor access to markets. Strategies recommended to mitigate land degradation and improve land management practices for sustainable livelihoods include rotational grazing, tenure security for small‐scale farmers, increasing access to markets and institutional support to small‐scale farmers and land care workers. This study documents the insights of small‐scale farmers and land care workers on land degradation and their commitment to practise sustainable land management.
Ecological Risks and Patterns Associated With Land Use/Cover Changes Along the Belt and Road Initiative Routes
Authors: He Yinjie , Liu Xinran , Wu Dafang , Li Shuangcheng , Zhou Ping 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThis study aims to uncover the characteristics of land use/cover (LULC) changes over a macro‐scale and long‐term period, as well as to assess their associated ecological risks. LULC changes are closely tied to ecological and environmental processes such as climate change, biodiversity, soil conservation, and water purification. With global population growth and urbanization, LULC changes have left a significant ecological footprint. To achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, understanding the negative impacts of LULC changes is essential. This study employs GIS spatial models to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution of LULC changes in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries post‐BRI proposal, using remote sensing monitoring and the InVEST model. During the ancient Silk Road period, living and production spaces occupied only 2.15% of the area. By 2013, this had expanded to 12.98% due to agricultural land growth, notably in central India and the Eastern European Plain. From 2013 to 2021, living and production spaces continued to increase, while ecological spaces decreased, with notable expansions in southeastern coastal China, Java, and the Mediterranean. Post‐BRI, LULC changes led to the decreased quality risks of landscape fragmentation, carbon emissions, and nitrogen eutrophication, but increased the quality risks of habitat quality degradation, soil erosion, and phosphorus eutrophication.