bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plant specialisation may limit climate‐induced vegetation change to within topographic and edaphic niches on a sub‐Antarctic island
Authors: Cramer Michael D. , Hedding David W. , Greve Michelle , Midgley Guy F. , Ripley Brad S. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Extreme changes in temperature, rainfall and wind regimes have been correlated with plant species range expansion upslope on sub‐Antarctic islands. Ongoing climatic changes are expected to continue driving changes in species distributions globally, but niche specialisations may limit the capacity for range shifts.

We hypothesised that non‐climatic characteristics of ecological niches of vascular plant species could limit climate induced range shifts. We determined the altitudinal ranges of vascular plant species (n = 13) on sub‐Antarctic Marion Island and measured air temperature, topographic, foliar and soil properties along transects on geologically distinct substrates. Climatic and non‐climatic associations were determined using multiple linear regression and boosted regression tree (BRT) analyses. The degree of niche specialisation was determined using outlying mean index analysis within the range of species on the island.

Several species (7 of 13) exhibited niche‐specialisation. Correlation analysis revealed that edaphic properties including soil depth, loss on ignition, the principal component of most soil nutrients (Mg, Cl, K, Ca, Cu, Zn, P, S), Si, Mn and clay dominated the BRT prediction of overall plant cover. Although air temperature was correlated with plant cover in linear models, model simplification dropped temperature in both BRT and linear models. As a consequence, multiple determinants, including temperature, climate, topography and soils control the distribution of vascular plant species on this sub‐Antarctic island.

Edaphic and topographic factors is likely to limit range‐shifts of specialised vascular plant species and could limit their survival when climate change drives them beyond the extent of their particular ecological niches. Resilience of such species is likely poorly predicted by distribution models that depend heavily on climate rather than less labile non‐climatic factors.

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Size‐dependent intraspecific variation in wood traits has little impact on aboveground carbon estimates in a tropical forest landscape
Authors: Thripob Patcharapan , Fortunel Claire , Réjou‐Méchain Maxime , Nathalang Anuttara , Chanthorn Wirong 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

There is increasing evidence that intraspecific trait variation plays a role in governing rates of ecosystem functioning. While wood traits such as wood specific gravity (WSG) and wood carbon concentration (WCC) are key drivers of forest aboveground carbon (AGC) stocks, the sources of intraspecific variation in these wood traits and the consequences of this variation on AGC are poorly known, especially in the tropics.

Here, we investigated intraspecific variation in wood specific gravity (WSG) and wood carbon concentration (WCC) from 556 individual trees belonging to 15 species that well characterize different successional stages of seasonal evergreen forests in Southeast Asia. Specifically, we tested the contribution of individual or species characteristics (tree size, growth rate and regeneration guilds) and local environmental conditions (topographic wetness index and successional stages) to intraspecific variation in WSG and WCC, and assessed the consequences of intraspecific variation in these wood traits on AGC estimates in 14 permanent forest plots established along a successional gradient in Khao Yai National park, Thailand.

We found that tree size was the main driver of intraspecific variation in WSG and WCC as tree sizes increased from 10–100 cm in diameter, WSG increased by 7.3%, while WCC increased by 2.4% in heartwood, 1.6% and 2.7% in sapwood without and with volatile carbon included. There was no effect of the topographic wetness and other local environment condition in wood traits led to a slight overestimation of AGC in young secondary forests (+0.09% to +1.29%) and a small underestimation in older forests (−0.86% to −2.87%), but overall AGC estimates (13 of 14 forest plots) remained within error margins (the 95% interval).

Our study provides evidence that tree size variation translates into intraspecific variability in wood traits, whereas local environmental conditions related to topography successional stages had no effect on wood trait variability. While size‐dependent variation in WSG and WCC have largely been undocumented and thus ignored in forest carbon assessment approaches, we highlight that it has a limited impact on AGC estimates, indicating that it does not invalidate current forest carbon stock estimation approaches.

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The tone from above: Does tunnelling by ultimate owners impinge on the relations between managerial compensation and earnings management?
Authors: Li Wenzhou , Chen Liang , Sheng Pengfei 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThis study aims to explore the impact of tunnelling by ultimate owners on the relation between managerial compensation and earnings management. Using a sample of the Chinese listed firms from 2009 to 2019, we find that tunnelling by ultimate owners leads to adjustments in pay‐performance sensitivity and impinges on the magnitude of earnings management. In private‐dominated firms, tunnelling by ultimate owners reduces pay‐performance sensitivity, and the decreased pay‐performance incentives do not motivate managers to inflate corporate profits by manipulating earnings information. Moreover, owing to managers' resistances, tunnelling does not generate more severe problems in the quality of earnings information. In state‐dominated firms, due to government regulation, tunnelling by ultimate owners does not induce significant adjustments in pay‐performance sensitivity. However, due to the strong motivation of managers delighting their superiors in the administrative hierarchy by adjusting financial reporting, the quality of earnings information of state‐dominated firms may be worse. Our results suggest that in firms with concentrated ownership structures‐irrespective of the nature of ownership, both the formulation and implementation of managerial compensation incentive programmes, and the magnitude of earnings management, are equilibrium results of a dynamic game between ultimate owners and managers.
“Samhandling”: On the nuances of resilience through case study research in emergency response operations
Authors: Steen Riana , Haakonsen Geir , Patriarca Riccardo 
Published: June 2022

AbstractStandard emergency‐management procedures offer guidance on how organizations can improve their handling of all types of emergencies. However, such a generalization undermines uncertainties and oversimplifies the complexity of real work practices during an emergency response operation (ERO). The handling of the COVID‐19 pandemic highlights how uncertainty and escalating consequences reinforce the need for resilience in EROs. To illustrate the key elements of our suggested approach and its practical implications, we discuss the issues in light of a case study related to a COVID‐19 outbreak on a floating oil rig in the North Sea. The analysis reveals several instances of creative problem solving, and individual and collective efforts beyond the scope of the standard procedures. It also underlines how the shortcomings of resource allocation and over‐planning might lead to inflexibility, thus harming EROs' efficiency. Our analysis highlights that the key to resilient EROs lies in robust coordination, the ability to improvise, transparency, and trusting communication between the actors involved. Greater focus on network building—proactively maintained through regular training and exercise activities—strengthens resilience in emergency‐management systems. All these traits link to the Norwegian term “samhandling,” a notion which is here proposed to summarize and connect these resilience capacities.
Divergent shifts in fear of terrorism
Authors: Kantorowicz Jaroslaw , Kuipers Sanneke , Liem Marieke , Boin Arjen 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn this study, we examine how the two facets of the fear of terrorism—the affective and behavioural fears—shift over time. To this end, we use a unique longitudinal data set of a representative sample of 755 Dutch respondents, recruited from the Longitudinal Internet Studies for the Social Sciences panel, in the time period between November 2017 and May 2020. We find that the reported affective fear of terrorism is significantly lower during the COVID‐19 crisis in 2020 than it was in 2017. Yet a divergent trend for behavioural fear of terrorism occurred. In spite of decreased affective fear of terrorism threats, respondents in 2020 reported increased protective and avoidance behaviours, similar to behaviours promoted to stop the spread of COVID‐19.
Gastrointestinal fate of food allergens and its relationship with allergenicity
Authors: Sun Na , Liu Yao , Liu Kexin , Wang Shan , Liu Qiaozhen , Lin Songyi 
Published: June 2022

AbstractFood allergens are closely related to their gastrointestinal digestion fate, but the changes in food allergens during digestion and related mechanisms are quite complicated. This review presents in detail digestion models for predicting allergenicity, the fates of food allergens in oral, gastric and duodenal digestion, and the applications of digestomics in mapping IgE‐binding epitopes of digestion‐resistant peptides. Moreover, this review highlights the structure–activity relationships of food allergens during gastrointestinal digestion. Digestion‐labile allergens may share common structural characteristics, such as high flexibility, rendering them easier to be hydrolyzed into small fragments with decreased or eliminated allergenicity. In contrast, the presence of disulfide bonds, tightly wound α‐helical structures, or hydrophobic domains in food allergens helps them resist gastrointestinal digestion, stabilizing IgE‐binding epitopes, thus maintaining their sensitization. In rare cases, digestion leads to increased allergenicity due to exposure of new epitopes. Finally, the action of the food matrix and processing on the digestion and allergenicity of food allergens as well as the underlying mechanisms was overviewed. The food matrix can directly act on the allergen by forming complexes or new epitopes to affect its gastrointestinal digestibility and thereby alter its allergenicity or indirectly affect the allergenicity by competing for enzymatic cleavage or influencing gastrointestinal pH and microbial flora. Several processing techniques attenuate the allergenicity of food proteins by altering their conformation to improve susceptibility to degradation by digestive enzymes. Given the complexity of food components, the food itself rather than a single allergen should be used to obtain more accurate data for allergenicity assessment.Practical ApplicationThe review article will help to understand the relationship between food protein digestion and allergenicity, and may provide fundamental information for evaluating and reducing the allergenicity of food proteins.
Integrated analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression profiles in response to gut microbiota depletion in the abdomens of female Bactrocera dorsalis
Authors: Xie Junfei , Cai Zhaohui , Zheng Wenping , Zhang Hongyu 
Published: June 2022

AbstractInsect gut microbiota has been reported to participate in regulating host multiple biological processes including metabolism and reproduction. However, the corresponding molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Recent studies suggest that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in complex interactions between the gut microbiota and the host. Here, we used next‐generation sequencing technology to characterize miRNA and mRNA expression profiles and construct the miRNA–gene regulatory network in response to gut microbiota depletion in the abdomens of female Bactrocera dorsalis. A total of 3016 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 18 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were identified. Based on the integrated analysis of miRNA and mRNA sequencing data, 229 negatively correlated miRNA–gene pairs were identified from the miRNA–mRNA network. Gene ontology enrichment analysis indicated that DEMs could target several genes involved in the metabolic process, oxidation–reduction process, oogenesis, and insulin signaling pathway. Finally, real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction further verified the accuracy of RNA sequencing results. In conclusion, our study provides the profiles of miRNA and mRNA expressions under antibiotics treatment and provides an insight into the roles of miRNAs and their target genes in the interaction between the gut microbiota and its host.
E‐voice in the digitalised workplace. Insights from an alternative organisation
Authors: Bernauer Vanessa Sandra , Kornau Angela 
Published: June 2022

AbstractDigitalisation permeates all aspects of organizational life, especially the ways we communicate with each other. Drawing on a case study of an alternative organisation—the German collective Premium, which is almost entirely digitally organised—we seek to explore contextual factors that facilitate or hinder the expression of electronic voice (e‐voice). Based on 20 semi‐structured interviews with different members of the collective, we identified various contextual facilitators and barriers to e‐voice expression: Collective belief in the value of diverse voices, cautious online and complementary face‐to‐face communication facilitate e‐voice, while less formalised structures, power and knowledge asymmetries, and information overload hinder it. These findings demonstrate that despite an alternative organisation's firm intention and self‐reflective efforts to create an inclusive and participatory digital space, tensions arise. Further, our study contributes to employee voice theorising by outlining contextual factors that are specifically relevant to e‐voice practices.
The genomes of chicory, endive, great burdock and yacon provide insights into Asteraceae palaeo‐polyploidization history and plant inulin production
Authors: Fan Wei , Wang Sen , Wang Hengchao , Wang Anqi , Jiang Fan , Liu Hangwei , Zhao Hanbo , Xu Dong , Zhang Yan 
Published: June 2022

AbstractInulin is an important reserve polysaccharide in Asteraceae plants, and is also widely used as a sweetener, a source of dietary fibre and prebiotic. Nevertheless, a lack of genomic resources for inulin‐producing plants has hindered extensive studies on inulin metabolism and regulation. Here, we present chromosome‐level reference genomes for four inulin‐producing plants: chicory (Cichorium intybus), endive (Cichorium endivia), great burdock (Arctium lappa) and yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius), with assembled genome sizes of 1.28, 0.89, 1.73 and 2.72 Gb, respectively. We found that the chicory, endive and great burdock genomes were shaped by whole genome triplication (WGT‐1), and the yacon genome was shaped by WGT‐1 and two subsequent whole genome duplications (WGD‐2 and WGD‐3). A yacon unique whole genome duplication (WGD‐3) occurred 5.6–5.8 million years ago. Our results also showed the genome size difference between chicory and endive is largely due to LTR retrotransposons, and rejected a previous hypothesis that chicory is an ancestor of endive. Furthermore, we identified fructan‐active‐enzyme and transcription‐factor genes, and found there is one copy in chicory, endive and great burdock but two copies in yacon for most of these genes, except for the 1‐FEH II gene which is significantly expanded in chicory. Interestingly, inulin synthesis genes 1‐SST and 1‐FFT are located close to each other, as are the degradation genes 1‐FEH I and 1‐FEH II. Finally, we predicted protein structures for 1‐FFT genes to explore the mechanism determining inulin chain length.
Variation in thermal and hydrotime requirements for seed germination of Chaco seasonally dry forest species in relation to population environmental conditions and seed mass
Authors: Bertuzzi Tania , Pastrana‐Ignes Valeria , Curti Ramiro N. , Batlla Diego , Baskin Carol C. , Sühring Silvia , Galíndez Guadalupe 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThermal and hydrotime requirements for seed germination can vary with the species, environment in which the seeds developed and/or seed mass. We investigated seed germination responses to temperature and water potential of Aspidosperma quebracho‐blanco, Bulnesia retama, Parasenegalia visco, Parkinsonia praecox and Tecoma stans, all of which are native tree species of Chaco seasonally dry forests in northwest Argentina. We determined inter‐and intraspecific variability in seed germination through thermal and hydrotime models and correlated model parameters with environmental variables of seed provenance and seed mass. Seeds of all species germinated to high percentage over a range of temperatures. Seeds of A. quebracho‐blanco, P. praecox and T. stans were more tolerant to water stress than those of B. retama and P. visco. Thermal and hydrotime parameters for germination varied amongst species and populations. There was a negative correlation between thermal (θT(50)) and hydrotime (θH) constants and base temperature (Tb) and water potential (Ψb(50)). Seed mass correlated negatively with Tb and positively with θT(50). Species and populations were grouped according to thermal and hydrotime parameters and seed mass but not according to seed provenance. These results suggest that seed germination traits related to temperature, water potential and seed mass are species specific, and the variations within a species are probably due to a high phenotypic plasticity. These species showed a complex set of germination strategies that give them a competitive advantage in different environments, depending on dispersal time, seed mass and local environmental conditions during the germination period.
Interspecific variation in the diet of a native apex predator and invasive mesopredator in an alpine ecosystem
Authors: Thompson Eilysh R. , Driscoll Don A. , Venn Susanna E. , Geary William L. , Ritchie Euan G. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractCarnivores have key ecological roles in structuring and regulating ecosystems through their impacts on prey populations. When apex‐ and meso‐predators co‐occur in ecosystems, there is the potential for complex interspecific interactions and trophic dynamics that can affect the composition and functioning of ecological communities. Investigating the diet of sympatric carnivores can allow us to better understand their ecological roles (e.g. potential suppression of herbivores) or impacts (e.g. predation of threatened species). Australia's alpine region provides an ideal system in which to explore spatial and temporal variation in predator and prey interactions, using the dingo (Canis dingo) and invasive red fox (Vulpes vulpes) diet. We examined the diet of dingoes and foxes across three different mountains and seasons in Victoria's alpine region, using macroscopic scat analysis. There was little diet overlap between the two carnivores, with foxes having a broader diet than dingoes. Dingoes primarily consumed larger mammal species, including invasive sambar deer (Cervus unicolor, 44%), and the native common wombat (Vombatus ursinus, 34%), whereas foxes typically consumed smaller mammals, including the native bush rat (Rattus fuscipes, 55%), and the invasive European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus, 15%). Dingoes consumed more than thirty times the volume of large invasive mammals (predominantly sambar deer) than did foxes. Foxes consumed close to 15 times as many critical weight range individuals per scat than dingoes. Only one threatened critical weight range mammal species was identified within scats, the broad‐toothed rat (Mastacomys fuscus), found within five fox scats. Our results suggest that the introduction of novel prey may alter predator–predator interactions by causing a reduction in the dietary overlap. Therefore, in the context of integrated wildlife management and biodiversity conservation, any control of novel, invasive prey populations needs to consider possible flow on effects to apex‐ and meso‐predator diets and potential secondary impacts on native prey.
Facilitating inclusive ICT application and e‐Commerce development in rural China
Authors: Huang Jikun , Su Lanlan , Huang Qiwang , Liu Xinyu 
Published: June 2022

AbstractApplication of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in general and e‐commerce development in particular are increasingly becoming one of the important driving forces of transforming rural economy in China. Based on two sets of household survey datasets in 2015–2019, this study documents the overall trends of major ICTs’ and e‐commerce adoption in rural China and farmers’ selling fruits online in more developed e‐commerce villages in two provinces, and examines the enabling and constraining factors for farmers adopting ICTs and using e‐commerce to sell products. The results show that, although the increase has been impressive, there is still plenty of room for the diffusion of ICTs and e‐commerce. Empirical analyses suggest that human capital, social networks, resource endowments, ICT infrastructure and location are the main determinants of a household's or an individual's adoption of ICTs, and the producer's selling his/her fruits through e‐commerce. Moreover, this study provides new and strong evidence of intergenerational support for older and less educated farmers from their children to engage in online sales. However, this study also points out that a new digital divide on the spread of ICTs and e‐commerce has emerged across regions and among farmers in rural China. The article concludes with several policy implications for fostering rapid and inclusive ICT application and e‐commerce development in rural areas in the coming digital era.
Endometriosis and inflammatory immune responses: Indian experience
Authors: Gajbhiye Rahul K 
Published: June 2022

AbstractEndometriosis is a public health disorder affecting ∼ 247 million women globally and ∼ 42 million women in India. Women with endometriosis suffer from dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, dyschezia, fatigue, depression, and infertility leading to significant socioeconomic impact and morbidity. The etiology of endometriosis is not understood well even after 100 years of research. Currently, there is no permanent cure for endometriosis. The inflammatory immune response is one of the important features of etiopathogenesis of endometriosis and therefore understanding the inflammatory immune response would lead to a better understanding of this enigmatic disorder and may also lead to biomarker discovery for diagnosis of endometriosis. We investigated the autoimmune etiology of endometriosis in the Indian population. Using the proteomics approach, anti‐endometrial antibodies (AEAs) were detected in Indian women with endometriosis [anti‐endometrial antibodies ‐ tropomyosin 3 (TPM3), stomatin‐like protein2 (SLP‐2), and tropomodulin 3 (TMOD3)]. The studies on AEAs provided a better understanding of autoimmune mechanisms in endometriosis. All three subtypes of endometriosis; superficial peritoneal, ovarian endometrioma, and deep infiltrating endometriosis were reported in Indian women. In this review, we discuss our experiences of the inflammatory immune response, autoimmunity, comorbidities, and clinical phenotypes in women with endometriosis in India.