bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coping with dual roles: a case of adolescent student mothers in Tanzania’s secondary schools
Authors: Mwakililo Pendo Samson , Mauki Chris Mungubariki , Lyakurwa Suitbert Emil 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThis paper aims to examine adolescent student mothers in Tanzania’s secondary schools’ unique coping strategies. It intends to explore strategies adolescent student mothers use in coping with the challenges of managing motherhood concurrent with schooling in the context of Tanzania’s secondary schools.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a qualitative single-case study design, involving 35 adolescent student mothers and 5 class teachers selected through purposive sampling. Data collection methods included focus group discussions for adolescent student mothers and semi-structured interviews for class teachers, facilitating insights into their coping strategies, and the contextual factors guiding their choices of certain coping strategies. Thematic analysis ensured systematic analysis of the data.FindingsThe findings indicate that adolescent student mothers use coping strategies like relying on interpersonal support systems, skipping schooling for some days, bringing with them their children to school, getting into convenience marriages, involving in income-generating ventures, ignoring and relying on faith and spiritual support.Research limitations/implicationsThis research will be beneficial to adolescent student mothers, parents and schools and will add a contribution to this field. However, the coping strategies identified were limited to a small sample from a selected region and schools, hence cannot be used for generalization to a larger population.Practical implicationsThis research will assist policymakers in evaluating and reassessing the re-admission policy to create more conducive environments that suit adolescent student mothers’ situations. This will create a supportive environment that fosters the well-being of adolescent student mothers and their children.Social implicationsThe findings of this paper will be useful in understanding the coping strategies employed by student mothers and how educational modifications can be implemented to suit adolescent student mothers’ situations.Originality/valueThe research was conducted after introducing the re-admission circular to primary and secondary schools in Tanzania, and the findings derived from it are original.
Corporate social innovation communication and institutionalisation: a cement multinational’s sustainability journey
Authors: Sebastiao Sonia Pedro , Melchiades Soares Andreia 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThis study examines how Secil, a multinational cement company headquartered in Portugal, communicates and institutionalises its corporate social innovation (CSI) initiatives through various communication channels, focusing on its sustainability priorities established in 2022.Design/methodology/approachA deductive and mixed-method, predominantly qualitative approach is used to understand how Secil utilises various communication tools to highlight its sustainability priorities and integrate CSI within its messages, using the dimensions of The Rutgers Institute Corporate Social Innovation Model (RICSI) presented by Wirtenberg (2021). Thematic and frame analysis are employed to interpret Secil’s articulation of its sustainability and innovation priorities. The generic frame of responsibility serves as a lens through which we can comprehend the institutionalisation of CSI within Secil’s narratives. Through a meticulous examination of journalistic and advertising materials depicting sustainable practices, the study elucidates their correspondence with the foundational pillars of RICSI.FindingsThe analysis reveals that Secil’s CSI initiatives are primarily driven by coercive isomorphic pressures from sector-specific regulations and international bodies such as the European Union and the United Nations. The company develops innovative solutions through strategic partnerships with governmental bodies, local municipalities and cultural associations, aligning these with sustainable development goals. Whilst this approach potentially offers competitive advantages, the institutionalisation of CSI appears to be predominantly shaped by external regulatory requirements rather than voluntary organisational change.Research limitations/implicationsWhilst the study’s reliance on sustainability reports, communication tools and CEO media interviews provides valuable insights, these sources may present an inherently optimistic view of organisational sustainability practices. This limitation suggests several promising avenues for future research. Subsequent studies would benefit from incorporating internal stakeholder interviews to understand communication strategy development, conducting comparative analyses across different market contexts and examining the longitudinal evolution of CSI communication.Originality/valueThis paper enhances the understanding of potential sustainability narratives used by multinational companies involved in traditionally polluting activities. It provides insights into how these companies integrate sustainability, innovation and communication in both theoretical and practical contexts. By applying the RICSI to strategic communication research, this case study highlights the crucial role of alignment, clarity of intent, stakeholder engagement and organisational culture in implementing CSI. This underscores the importance of strategic communication in this area.
Winter survival of a small predator is determined by the amount of food in hoards
Authors: Korpimäki Erkki , Piironen Antti , Laaksonen Toni 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

The hoarding behaviour of animals has evolved to reduce starvation risk when food resources are scarce, but effects of food limitation on survival of hoarding animals is poorly understood.

Eurasian pygmy owls (Glaucidium passerinum) hoard small mammals and birds in natural cavities and nest boxes in late autumn for later use in the following winter. We studied the relative influence of the food biomass in hoards of pygmy owls on their over‐winter and over‐summer apparent survival. We also tested whether this influence is modulated by intrinsic (age, sex) traits or extrinsic factors (winter temperature, snow depth).

We measured biomass of prey items in pygmy owl food‐hoards during autumns 2003–2023 in west‐central Finland. We individually marked and recaptured pygmy owls both at nests in the breeding season and at food‐hoards. Our dataset included a total of 407 pygmy owls, which were all captured from a food‐hoard at least once during their capture history. The mean biomass of the annual food‐hoards associated with one individual was 443 g (SD = 523 g, range from 3.5 to 4505 g) and was markedly higher in autumns of vole abundance than in those of vole scarcity.

Hoard size had a positive effect on apparent survival of owls over consecutive winter, whereas it did not affect apparent survival over next summer. Hoard size was a better predictor of apparent survival than vole abundance (main food of pygmy owls) in the field. Male owls had higher overall apparent survival rates than female owls, particularly when food‐hoards were small.

That hoard size was a better predictor of apparent survival than vole abundance indicates that the hoards are critical for pygmy owls during winter, likely because they are unable to hunt voles below deep snow cover. The positive relationship between apparent survival of owl individuals and their hoard size during winter (when the hoard is being consumed), but not summer, indicates that the hoard size has a true positive effect on survival, and does not only reflect latent inter‐individual differences and/or dissimilarities in their environments. We conclude that food limitation during hoarding essentially regulates apparent over‐winter survival of pygmy owl individuals.
Community‐Led Insights Reveal Hope for Red Colobus Conservation in Cameroon
Authors: Mbile Peter , Elomo Lylliane , Langsi George , Namasoh Pegreen , Motia Wilson 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTCurrent knowledge situates the natural range of Preuss's red colobus (Piliocolobus preussi) within south‐eastern Nigeria and western Cameroon, with the Korup National Park and its periphery being its stronghold. Nevertheless, some suggest the primate may have become extirpated in parts of the periphery of the Korup National Park. Reports from some nearby communities however suggested otherwise. Meanwhile, because of insecurity caused by a socio‐political crisis affecting the two English‐speaking regions since 2016, very few formal surveys of the species have been carried out. Yet, confirming the presence or absence of the species was considered important for a survey to be designed and carried out. From April to July 2024, we conducted a targeted, community‐based assessment of the presence/absence of Preuss's red colobus in the south‐eastern peripheral zone of Korup National Park, an area where red colobus were reported in past surveys to have been extirpated. While taking security precautions, we relied on local ethnoecological knowledge and wildlife experiences of ex‐rangers and communities to inform geographic information systems‐assisted mental‐mapping of red colobus encounters. Our results suggest that red colobus are still present in the south‐eastern peripheral zone of the Korup National Park. We offer suggestions for their conservation.
Granulocyte and Monocyte Adsorption Therapy in Patients With Sepsis: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Nishida Osamu , Nakamura Tomoyuki , Nakada Takaaki , Takahashi Gaku , Masuda Yoshiki , Tsubouchi Hiroki , Kakihana Yasuyuki , Sakamoto Yuichiro , Takasu Osamu , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Nakazawa Koichi , Kobayashi Iwao , Doi Kent , Uchiyama Sohta , Kitamura Nobuya , Kotani Toru , Kuriyama Naohide , Hattori Noriyuki , Suzuki Yasushi , Tatsumi Hiroomi , Moriyama Kazuhiro 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe pathogenesis of sepsis is thought to be linked to a dysregulated immune response, particularly that involving neutrophils. We have developed a granulocyte adsorption column as a “decoy organ,” which relocates the massive inflammation in organs in the body to a blood purification column. This study was conducted to assess the safety and experimental effectiveness of granulocyte monocyte adsorption apheresis‐direct hemoperfusion (G1‐DHP) in the treatment of patients with sepsis, using a prospective, multicenter design.MethodsThe study included patients diagnosed with sepsis and with an APACHE II score ranging from 17 to 34. A total of five G1‐DHP were performed within 3 days of patient enrollment. The primary endpoint was the change in sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score from enrollment to 7 days, and the safety endpoints were adverse events and mortality at 28 days.ResultsG1‐DHP was performed on 82 patients. The median (interquartile range) SOFA score decreased from 10 (8–11) to 4 (3–7) after 7 days (n = 70; p < 0.01). Granulocytes, mainly neutrophils, were adsorbed, and the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio significantly improved (p < 0.01). Notable improvements were observed in the SOFA scores for circulation and renal function. The acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score of the 77 patients evaluated for mortality was 27, and the 28‐day mortality rate was 7.8%.ConclusionsThis study confirmed that G1‐DHP can be safely used as an adjunct to standard sepsis treatment regimens. Although further investigations are required, G1‐DHP is a promising supplemental therapy for sepsis.Trial Registration: jRCT1080225183 (Japan Registry of Clinical Trials identifier)
Long‐Term Monitoring of Hunting Signs Reveals Complex Spatiotemporal Patterns of Hunting Activities in an Unprotected African Rainforest
Authors: Nguimdo Vianny Rodel Vouffo , Abwe Ekwoge Enang , Morgan Bethan J. , Ketchen Marcel Eyong , Mfossa Daniel Mbouombouo , Abwe Abwe Enang , Betobe Nelson Ekole , Whytock Robin C. , Tobler Mathias W. , Kamp Johannes , Balkenhol Niko , Waltert Matthias , Soofi Mahmood 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTAimThe long‐term survival of many mammal populations relies on how effectively we mitigate the threat from unsustainable hunting. Yet, hunting activities are often cryptic, especially in unprotected forests. Here, we investigate whether hunting signs can help understand the spatiotemporal dynamics of hunting activities in an unprotected African rainforest and examine how landscape characteristics predict various indicators of hunting.LocationEbo forest, Cameroon, Central Africa.MethodsWe recorded hunting signs (e.g., shotgun cartridges, wire snares, direct sightings) systematically on 23 parallel recce lines across the Ebo forest from 2008 to 2023. We assigned hunting data and spatial covariates (e.g., elevation, distance to village) to 1 × 1 km grid cells and applied generalised linear mixed models to predict the effects of these covariates on hunting.ResultsWe found that hunting was commonplace across the entire Ebo forest. The best‐fitting models for each hunting sign differed considerably. Shotgun cartridges and all hunting signs combined increased significantly from 2016 to 2023 and varied non‐linearly along the village‐distance gradient. We found a progressive inversion of hunting trends along the anthropogenic gradient; between 2016 and 2018, wire snares declined with the distance to road but from 2021, they increased along the road‐distance gradient. Wire snares showed a similar pattern along the river‐distance gradient. Our results also revealed differences between shotgun hunting and snaring along the altitudinal gradient; the effect of elevation was positive on shotgun cartridges and negative on wire snares. Hunting signs and trails decreased significantly with increasing terrain ruggedness.Main ConclusionsUsing long‐term monitoring data, we show how hunting patterns change dynamically with respect to human and landscape‐related features. We also demonstrate complex hunting patterns along the gradient of human influence, therefore questioning the use of proxies such as the distance to human settlements and even topography to account for hunting pressure. Overall, we show that hunting sign data can reveal the spatiotemporal patterns of hunting, crucial in evaluating the effectiveness of conservation interventions and guiding the prioritisation of limited conservation resources.
rarestR: An R Package Using Rarefaction Metrics to Estimate α‐ and β‐Diversity for Incomplete Samples
Authors: Zou Yi , Zhao Peng , Wu Naicheng , Lai Jiangshan , Peres‐Neto Pedro R. , Axmacher Jan C. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTAimSpecies abundance data is commonly used to study biodiversity patterns. In this context, comparing α‐ and β‐diversity across incomplete samples can lead to biases. Therefore, it is essential to employ methods that enable standardised and accurate comparisons of α‐ and β‐diversity across varying sample sizes. In addition, biodiversity studies also often require robust estimates of the total number of species within a community and the number of species shared by two communities.InnovationRarefaction methods are commonly used to calculate α‐diversity for standardised sample sizes, and they can also serve as the basis for calculating β‐diversity. In this application note, we present rarestR, a new R package designed for calculating abundance‐based α‐ and β‐diversity measures for inconsistent samples using rarefaction‐based metrics. The package also includes parametric extrapolation techniques to estimate the total expected number of species within a community, as well as the total number of species shared between two communities. Additionally, rarestR provides visualisation tools for curve‐fitting associated with these estimators.Main ConclusionsOverall, the rarestR package is a valuable tool for comparing α‐ and β‐diversity values among incomplete samples, such as those involving highly mobile or species‐rich taxa. In addition, our species estimators offer a complementary approach to non‐parametric methods, including the Chao series of estimators.
The Contribution of Hydric Habitats to the Richness of the Cape Fynbos Flora
Authors: van Blerk J. J. , Cramer M. D. , West A. G. , Musker S. D. , Verboom G. A. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTAimThe Cape Fold Belt Mountains, underlying the Cape fynbos flora, facilitate widespread moisture collection and groundwater availability across the region, with importance for maintaining hydric habitat niches. We assessed the contribution of hydric habitat‐associated species (HH species) to the richness of this flora, and how this varies phylogenetically and spatially.LocationThe Cape Floristic Region (CFR), South Africa.MethodsWe compiled data describing habitat preference and distributions for 3114 species in 23 fynbos clades. We used published habitat descriptions to identify putative HH species and tested how hydric habitat association is structured phylogenetically using both Ornstein‐Uhlenbeck models and measures of phylogenetic signal. We used species' distribution data to identify regional hotspots of HH species and boosted regression trees (BRTs) to identify associated environmental drivers.ResultsPreference for hydric habitats is associated with nearly a fifth of the species in our study, being most strongly represented in monocot clades. HH species are most strongly concentrated in the southwestern CFR, where they contribute to high overall richness. BRTs indicated that hotspots of HH species are generally associated with saturating, winter precipitation and/or elevated levels of groundwater discharge.Main ConclusionsOur findings indicate that the unique climate, topography and hydrology of the CFR facilitate the formation and maintenance of important hydric habitats, which play host to a large fraction of the flora despite much of the region being semi‐ or seasonally arid. These findings highlight the threat of climate change and underscore the need for extreme caution regarding activities like groundwater abstraction, which could disrupt the hydrological processes essential to sustaining these habitats and their unique flora.
Sexual dimorphism in exercise‐induced response on steroid hormones to a 24‐week supervised concurrent training intervention
Authors: Herrera‐Quintana Lourdes , Vázquez‐Lorente Héctor , Ruiz Jonatan R. , Amaro‐Gahete Francisco J. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundSteroid hormones are key mediators of adaptative responses to exercise, a stimulus that may concurrently affect their blood concentrations. However, the chronic endocrine adaptations and whether these potential changes are dependent on exercise intensity remain undetermined. Moreover, it is also unknown if the exercise‐induced effects on steroid hormonal status are related to the participant' sex.MethodsThis study aimed to investigate the intensity effects of a 24‐week supervised concurrent training intervention on steroid hormones in sedentary young men and women. A total of 106 untrained young adults (68% women) aged 18–25 years were randomly assigned to one of the three groups: (I) Control group (no exercise; n = 35); (II) Ex‐Moderate group (concurrent training at moderate intensity; n = 36); (III) Ex‐Vigorous group (concurrent training at vigorous intensity; n = 35). Steroid hormones (i.e. cortisol, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS)) were measured in plasma through a chemiluminescent method. Body composition parameters were determined using a dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry scanner.ResultsNo significant changes in steroid hormones levels were observed after the intervention (all p ≥ .129). However, a time x group interaction was noted in the testosterone/cortisol ratio (T/C ratio) only in women (p = .044). Concretely, our data showed a significant decrement of T/C ratio in both the Ex‐Moderate group and in the Ex‐Vigorous compared with the control group (Δ = −24.2 ± 2.0% and Δ = −38.9 ± 45.4%, respectively).ConclusionOur 24‐week supervised concurrent training intervention showed no significant changes in steroid hormone levels. However, a significant decrement of T/C ratio was observed only in women, indicating a sexual dimorphism in the effect on T/C ratio.
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) as fluid biomarker in neurodegenerative disorders: A systematic review
Authors: Risi Barbara , Imarisio Alberto , Cuconato Giada , Padovani Alessandro , Valente Enza Maria , Filosto Massimiliano 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundSeveral studies evaluated peripheral and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) mtDNA as a putative biomarker in neurodegenerative diseases, often yielding inconsistent findings. We systematically reviewed the current evidence assessing blood and CSF mtDNA levels and variant burden in Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Multiple sclerosis (MS) was also included as a paradigm of chronic neuroinflammation‐driven neurodegeneration.MethodsMedline, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science were searched for articles published from inception until October 2023. Studies focused on mtDNA haplogroups or hereditary pathogenic variants were excluded. Critical appraisal was performed using the Quality Assessment for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies criteria.ResultsFifty‐nine original studies met our a priori‐defined inclusion criteria. The majority of CSF‐focused studies showed (i) decreased mtDNA levels in PD and AD; (ii) increased levels in MS compared to controls. No studies evaluated CSF mtDNA in ALS. Results focused on blood cell‐free and intracellular mtDNA were contradictory, even within studies evaluating the same disease. This poor reproducibility is likely due to the lack of consideration of the many factors known to affect mtDNA levels. mtDNA damage and methylation levels were increased and reduced in patients compared to controls, respectively. A few studies investigated the correlation between mtDNA and disease severity, with conflicting results.ConclusionsAdditional well‐designed studies are needed to evaluate CSF and blood mtDNA profiles as putative biomarkers in neurodegenerative diseases. The identification of “mitochondrial subtypes” of disease may enable novel precision medicine strategies to counteract neurodegeneration.