bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Current breeding distributions and predicted range shifts under climate change in two subspecies of Black‐tailed Godwits in Asia
Authors: Zhu Bing‐Run , Verhoeven Mo A. , Velasco Nicolas , Sanchez‐Aguilar Lisa , Zhang Zhengwang , Piersma Theunis 
Published: June 2022

AbstractHabitat loss and shifts associated with climate change threaten global biodiversity, with impacts likely to be most pronounced at high latitudes. With the disappearance of the tundra breeding habitats, migratory shorebirds that breed at these high latitudes are likely to be even more vulnerable to climate change than those in temperate regions. We examined this idea using new distributional information on two subspecies of Black‐tailed Godwits Limosa limosa in Asia: the northerly, bog‐breeding L. l. bohaii and the more southerly, steppe‐breeding L. l. melanuroides. Based on breeding locations of tagged and molecularly assayed birds, we modelled the current breeding distributions of the two subspecies with species distribution models, tested those models for robustness and then used them to predict climatically suitable breeding ranges in 2070 according to bioclimatic variables and different climate change scenarios. Our models were robust and showed that climate change is expected to push bohaii into the northern rim of the Eurasian continent. Melanuroides is also expected to shift northward, stopping in the Yablonovyy and Stanovoy Ranges, and breeding elevation is expected to increase. Climatically suitable breeding habitat ranges would shrink to 16% and 11% of the currently estimated ranges of bohaii and melanuroides, respectively. Overall, this study provides the first predictions for the future distributions of two little‐known Black‐tailed Godwit subspecies and highlights the importance of factoring in shifts in bird distribution when designing climate‐proof conservation strategies.
Screening accuracy of percentage predicted gait speed for prefrailty/frailty in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Pua Yong‐Hao , Tay Laura , Clark Ross Allan , Thumboo Julian , Tay Ee‐Ling , Mah Shi‐Min , Ng Yee‐Sien 
Published: June 2022

AimIn order to account for the variability in gait speed due to demographic factors, an observed gait speed value can be compared with its predicted value based on age, sex, and body height (observed gait speed divided by predicted gait speed, termed “GS%predicted” henceforth). This study aimed to examine the screening accuracy of an optimal GS%predicted threshold for prefrailty/frailty.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 998 community‐dwelling ambulant participants aged >50 years (mean age = 68 years). Participants completed a multi‐domain geriatric screen and a physical fitness assessment, from which the 10‐m habitual gait speed, GS%predicted, Physical Frailty Phenotype (PFP) index, and 36‐item Frailty Index (FI) were computed.ResultsBased on the FI, ~49% of participants had pre‐frailty or frailty. The optimal threshold of GS%predicted (0.93) had greater screening accuracy than the 1.0 m/s fixed threshold for gait speed (AUC, 0.65 vs. 0.60; DeLong's P < 0.001). Replacing gait speed with GS%predicted in the PFP improved its overall discrimination (AUC, 0.70 vs. 0.67 of original PFP; DeLong's P < 0.001).ConclusionsDefining a “slow” gait speed by a GS%predicted value of <0.93 provided greater screening accuracy than the traditional 1.0 m/s threshold for gait speed. Our results also support the use of GS%predicted‐derived PFP to identify older adults at risk of prefrailty/frailty. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 575–580.
The gendered consequences of the COVID‐19 lockdown on unpaid work in Swiss dual earner couples with children
Authors: Steinmetz Stephanie , Vandecasteele Leen , Lebert Florence , Voorpostel Marieke , Lipps Oliver 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThis article assesses the gendered impact of COVID‐19 measures on changes in time that Swiss dual earner couples spent on unpaid work during the pandemic, focusing on families with children. Overcoming some of the methodological shortcomings of previous studies, high‐quality representative panel data allow us to examine the change in time invested in housework and childcare before and during the pandemic, and test theoretical assumptions as to the mechanisms underlying the observed patterns. Gender inequalities are explained by the couple's work division prior to, and at the onset of, the pandemic and interpreted in the light of key theoretical approaches (economics of the family, bargaining and time availability, doing gender). Our results imply that in particular changes in the time availability of the partner are relevant for changes in time spent on housework, while in case of care work, the own time availability matters more. Moreover, we also found that the respondents' economic bargaining power within the couple matters both for housework and care work. Finally, the implemented COVID‐19 measures neither led to an increase in patriarchal power structures nor did they foster an increase in equality for unpaid work among women and men. Instead, the results show that changes in time availability due to short‐time, remote or overtime working schemes determined changes in time spent on unpaid care to a larger extent than gender alone.
Robust antiviral responses in severe hepatitis flare persist after early retreatment cessation and lead toward hepatitis B surface antigen loss: A proof‐of‐concept study
Authors: Chang Ming‐Ling , Chien Rong‐Nan , Liaw Yun‐Fan 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAimHepatitis B flare has been interpreted as result of immune response against upsurging hepatitis B virus (HBV) and its antigen(s) that may lead to HBV decline/clearance spontaneously. It has been speculated that antiviral therapy could halt the effective immune response with viral persistent as a consequence. A proof‐of‐concept study was conducted to investigate this issue.MethodsSerial biochemical, quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and tumor‐necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) assays were performed in four patients with severe hepatitis flare who had achieved precipitous HBsAg decline within 4 weeks of antiviral therapy.ResultsTNF‐α and IFN‐γ were found to be elevated in parallel to upsurging HBV DNA and HBsAg levels in all patients. Higher levels of TNF‐α and IFN‐γ and levels relative to qHBsAg were observed during and after early termination of therapy within 4 weeks in two patients and were followed by further HBsAg decline to <5 IU/ml and even achieved HBsAg loss in one patient. The patient who had stopped therapy on day 44 showed minimal HBsAg decline afterward and the patient who continued therapy showed a 10‐fold rebound of qHBsAg from its nadir. The subsequent IFN‐γ and TNF‐α activity of these two patients was minimal.ConclusionsThe results suggest that patients with severe hepatitis flare who achieved precipitous HBsAg decline may have robust immune response to clear the virus, and early termination of antiviral therapy may allow the protective immune response to continue and accelerate HBV decline toward HBsAg loss.
Rapid development of a COVID‐19 care planning decision‐aid for family carers of people living with dementia
Authors: West Emily , Nair Pushpa , Aker Narin , Sampson Elizabeth L. , Moore Kirsten , Manthorpe Jill , Rait Greta , Walters Kate , Kupeli Nuriye , Davies Nathan 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIntroductionCOVID‐19 has disproportionately affected people living with dementia and their carers. Its effects on health and social care systems necessitated a rapid‐response approach to care planning and decision‐making in this population, with reflexivity and responsiveness to changing individual and system needs at its core. Considering this, a decision‐aid to help families of persons with dementia was developed.ObjectivesTo coproduce with people living with dementia, and the people who care for them, a decision‐aid for family carers of people living with dementia, to support decisions during the COVID‐19 pandemic and beyond.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were undertaken in 2020 with: (1) staff from two English national end‐of‐life and supportive care organizations; and (2) people living with dementia and family carers. Simultaneously, a rapid review of current evidence on making decisions with older people at the end of life was undertaken. Evidence from these inputs was combined to shape the decision‐aid through a series of workshops with key stakeholders, including our patient and public involvement group, which consisted of a person living with dementia and family carers; a group of clinical and academic experts and a group of policy and charity leads.ResultsThe rapid review of existing evidence highlighted the need to consider both process and outcome elements of decision‐making and their effects on people living with dementia and their families. The qualitative interviews discussed a wide range of topics, including trust, agency and confusion in making decisions in the context of COVID‐19. The decision‐aid primarily focussed on care moves, legal matters, carer wellbeing and help‐seeking.ConclusionsCombining different sources and forms of evidence was a robust and systematic process that proved efficient and valuable in creating a novel decision‐aid for family carers within the context of COVID‐19. The output from this process is an evidence‐based practical decision‐aid coproduced with people living with dementia, family carers, clinical and academic experts and leading national dementia and palliative care organizations.Patient or Public ContributionWe worked with people living with dementia and family carers and other key stakeholders throughout this study, from study development and design to inclusion in stakeholder workshops and dissemination.
Evaluation of acha flour in the production of gluten‐free sourdough cookies
Authors: Olojede Ayoyinka O. , Oahimire Isabel O. , Gbande Joy I. , Osondu‐Igbokwe Agoziwom D. , Thomas Remilekun M. , Olojede Dare S. , Banwo Kolawole 
Published: June 2022

SummaryEmploying biotechnology processing in the manufacturing of baked goods with underutilised gluten‐free cereals is deserving of marked interest to get new niche products. This study aims at determining the influence of sourdough made with starter cultures on the nutritional and sensory characteristics of cookies produced with acha flour. Sourdough containing lactic acid bacteria and yeast starters were added as ingredients for making acha‐based cookies. Sourdough increased the spread ratio of the cookies. Fructilactobacillus fructivorans and Candida tropicalis as mixed starters gave the highest values (6.52 ± 0.06 and 2.21 ± 0.27, respectively) for crude protein and ash. Sourdough addition and the type of starter culture used for the fermentation influenced the mineral composition of cookies (P < 0.05). The most overall acceptable was SBTC, made with only C. tropicalis sourdough. Utilisation of acha with sourdough addition is recommended for making cookies with improved qualities and promoting the locally grown cereal for potential health benefits.
Income protection for self‐employed and non‐standard workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Spasova Slavina , Regazzoni Pietro 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBased on original evidence from the European Social Policy Network (ESPN), the article investigates the extent to which self‐employed and non‐standard workers, who are less protected by “ordinary” social protection, were included in “extraordinary” income protection and job retention schemes during the COVID‐19 pandemic in the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom. When the crisis hit, countries quickly introduced unprecedented emergency income replacement measures for the self‐employed. Nevertheless, most of these schemes provided only basic support through lump sums and were, in some cases, subject to a variety of eligibility conditions. Non‐standard workers were in general included in job retention schemes, but substantial gaps remained in some countries. The article discusses how such gaps were addressed in five EU Member States. The article concludes by highlighting some policy pointers for better and more adequate “extraordinary” income protection for the self‐employed and non‐standard workers in times of crisis.
The financial sustainability of public pensions in Cuba: The impact of ageing, structural reforms and the economic crisis
Authors: Mesa‐Lago Carmelo , Moreno Carla , Kay Stephen J. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThis article analyses Cuba’s pension system from 2006–2021 with respect to its financial and actuarial sustainability and impact on the population. It includes discussion of the ageing population; the sharp cut in social expenditures since 2009; the deficit in pension financing and the impact of the 2008 parametric reform; the devaluation of pensions; structural reforms and the expansion of poverty and the curtailing of social assistance; the impact of the current economic crisis on pensions; and projections of the future financial sustainability of pensions.
Egypt’s reformed social insurance system: How might design change incentivize enrolment?
Authors: Barsoum Ghada , Selwaness Irene N. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn 2019, the Government of Egypt issued a new legal framework for its social insurance system. Aside from providing a unified scheme covering different groups of workers, the new regulation allowed for systemic and parametric reforms that were aimed in large part at addressing the challenge of workers’ low enrolment in social insurance, with an emphasis on informal workers. The reforms reduced the rate of contributions paid by employees and employers, increased the penalties for employers who do not register their workers, and improved the benefits structure. The law also specified provisions to facilitate the enrolment of informal workers by offering to cover the employer’s share of their contributions. However, the law limited such improved access to nine specific categories of informal workers, a decision that fails to recognize the diversity of informal forms of work. Based on the analysis of the characteristics of contributors to the previous system, this article argues that structural barriers pertaining to the large numbers of low‐earners and informal enterprises in the economy will likely hinder the expansion of system enrolment despite the legal reforms.
Factors that foster and challenge the sustainability of departmental health insurance units in Senegal
Authors: Ridde Valéry , Ba Mouhamadou Faly , Guyot Marion , Kane Babacar , Mbow Ndeye Bineta , Senghor Ibrahima , Faye Adama 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn an effort to establish universal health coverage (UHC), Senegal set up two departmental health insurance units (UDAM) to scale‐up health insurance to rural communities. Part of this innovation meant that health insurance was no longer managed by volunteers, but by professionals. Several years after the conclusion of the project in 2017 that supported their initial development, both UDAMs still operate successfully. This mixed methods research aims to understand the factors that have contributed to the sustainability of both UDAMs, as well as discuss the remaining challenges. The factors deemed favourable to sustainability are actions undertaken to ensure financial stability and organizational risk taking. However, the mobilization of the population, relationships with health professionals and the role of the State have been more difficult to organize. Challenges concern the payment of subsidies and the supply of medicines by the State and partnership with the health care system, the maintenance of contributions, the digitalization of administration, as well as fraud and abuse.
Ablation behavior of (Hf–Ta–Zr–Nb–Ti)C high‐entropy carbide and (Hf–Ta–Zr–Nb–Ti)C–xSiC composites
Authors: Wang Yichen , Yu Duo , Yin Jie , Zhang Buhao , Zhang Hangfeng , Liu Xuejian , An Yulong , Reece Michael J. , Huang Zhengren 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe ablation behavior of (Hf–Ta–Zr–Nb–Ti)C high‐entropy carbide (HEC‐0) was investigated using a plasma flame in air for different times (60, 90, and 120 s) at about 2100°C. The effect of SiC content on the ablation resistance of HEC–xSiC composites (x = 10 and 20 vol%) was also studied. The linear ablation rate of HEC‐0 decreases with increasing ablation time, showing the positive role of the oxide layer with a complex composition. The linear ablation rate of HEC–10 vol% SiC (0.3 µm s−1) is only a 10th of that of HEC‐0, showing a significant improvement in ablation resistance, probably due to the formation of a protective oxide layer containing melted SiO2 and refractory Hf–Zr–Si–O oxides.
Dynamics of domain walls in ferroelectrics and relaxors
Authors: Otonicar Mojca , Dragomir Mirela , Rojac Tadej 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe dynamic contribution of domain walls (DWs) to application‐relevant dielectric and piezoelectric properties of ferroelectrics and relaxor‐based oxide ceramics has been in the focus since the earliest studies on these complex multifunctional materials. Despite the vital importance of DWs in the material design for targeted applications, the understanding of these interfaces has been significantly advanced only recently owing to the concurrent development of analytical methodologies probing the structure of samples in situ and at different length scales. In this contribution, we present two recent cases that have raised particular attention and controversy. The first is on the electrically conductive DWs in BiFeO3(BFO), whereas the second is on low‐angle DWs characteristic for relaxor ferroelectric Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3−xPbTiO3(PMN–PT). Using nonlinear piezoelectric measurements with the support from multiscale structural analysis, we illustrate with the two case studies how, on one hand, the local electrical conductivity in BFO and, on the other hand, the structural disorder inherent to PMN–PT affect DW dynamics, leading to emerging macroscopic effects. By clarifying some of the aspects of these particular interfaces, we hope that the presented results will provide guidance to analytical approaches for identifying the key microscopic mechanisms contributing to macroscopic functional properties of ferroelectric and related materials.
Laccase production from Bacillus aestuarii KSK using Borassus flabellifer empty fruit bunch waste as a substrate and assessing their malachite green dye degradation
Authors: Selvam Kandasamy , Ameen Fuad , Amirul Islam Mohammad , Sudhakar Chinnappan , Selvankumar Thangaswamy 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Aims
The lignocellulosic waste, Borassus flabellifer empty fruit bunch waste (BFEFBW), was employed to produce laccase using Bacillus aestuarii KSK under solid-state fermentation (SSF) conditions and to assess the efficiency of malachite green (MG) dye decolourization.

Methods and Results
Abiotic factors such as pH (5.0–9.0), temperature (25–45°C) and incubation time (24–96 h) were optimized using Response surface methodology-Box-Behenan Design (RSM-BBD) to exploit the laccase production. The anticipated model revealed that the highest laccase activity of 437 U/ml shows after 60 h of incubation at 35°C at pH 7.0. The bacterial laccase was used to remove 89% of the MG dye in less time.

Conclusion
The laccase from B. aestuarii KSK decolorizes the MG and thereby making it a suitable choice for wastewater treatment from industrial effluents.

Significance and Impact of the Study
This study is the first report on the production of laccase from B. flabellifer empty fruit bunch waste as a substrate. Bacillus aestuarii KSK was isolated from the soil sample and used to produce laccase under SSF conditions. The bacterial laccase has the potential for industrial application in textile waste dye treatment.
Genetic divergence among threespine stickleback that differ in nuptial coloration
Authors: Jenck Clara S. , Lehto Whitley R. , Hunnicutt Kelsie E. , Murphy Shannon M. , Quinn Thomas W. , Larson Erica L. , Tinghitella Robin M. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSexual signals are shaped by their intended and unintended receivers as well as the signalling environment. This interplay between sexual and natural selection can lead to divergence in signals in heterogeneous environments. Yet, the extent to which gene flow is restricted when signalling phenotypes vary across environments and over what spatial scales remains an outstanding question. In this study, we quantify gene flow between two colour morphs, red and black, of freshwater threespine stickleback fish (Gasterosteus aculeatus). We capitalize on the very recent divergence of signalling phenotypes in this system to characterize within‐species and among‐morph genetic variation and to test for levels of gene flow between colour morphs in Oregon and Washington. Despite limited evidence for assortative mating between allopatric red and black populations, we found that black populations are genetically distinct from nearby red populations and that the black morph appears to have evolved independently at least twice in Oregon and Washington. Surprisingly, we uncovered a group of stickleback in one small coastal stream, Connor Creek, which is genetically and morphologically distinct from the red and black colour morphs and from marine stickleback. Historically, both colour morphs have coexisted in this location and sometimes hybridized, raising new questions about the origins and history of these fish, which were first described as anadromous‐black hybrids >50 years ago. Understanding how genetic variation is currently partitioned within and among populations and colour morphs in this system should prompt future studies to assess the relative roles of habitat, ecological and pre‐ and post‐reproductive barriers in the genetic divergence and phenotypic patterns we observe in nature.
Sex chromosome systems in Neotropical Primates: What have we learnt so far from cytogenetics and genomics?
Authors: Steinberg Eliana Ruth , Bressa María José , Mudry Marta Dolores 
Published: June 2022

AbstractNeotropical Primates (Platyrrhini) show great diversity in their life histories, ecology, behaviour and genetics. This diversity extends to their chromosome complements, both to autosomes and to sex chromosomes. In this contribution, we will review what is currently known about sex chromosomes in this group, both from cytogenetic and from genomic evidence. The X and Y chromosomes in Neotropical Primates, also known as New World Monkeys, have striking structural differences compared with Old World Monkeys when Catarrhini sex chromosomes are considered. The XY bivalent displays a different meiotic behaviour in prophase I, and their Y chromosome shows extensive genomic differences. Even though the most widespread sex chromosome system is the XX/XY and thus considered the ancestral one for Platyrrhini, modifications of this sexual system are observed within this group. Multiple sex chromosome systems originated from Y‐autosome translocations were described in several genera (Aotus,CallimicoandAlouatta). In the howler monkeys, genusAlouatta, an independent origin of the sexual systems in South American and Mesoamerican species was postulated. All the above‐mentioned evidence suggests that the Y chromosome of Platyrrhini has a different evolutionary history compared with the Catarrhini Y. There is still much to understand regarding their sex chromosome systems.