bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk attitudes and demand for insurance: micro evidence from Ghana
Authors: Asuming Patrick Opoku , Gaisie Deborah Aba 
Published: June 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to understand how risk attitudes drive demand for different types of insurance amongst Ghanaians.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses data from a nationally representative survey of Ghanaian households (Ghana Living Standards Survey Round 7). Risk aversion is measured following the approach of Holt and Laury (2002) in the use of hypothetical questions about investment. Probit regressions are used to estimate the effect of risk aversion on insurance outcomes.FindingsThe paper finds evidence that supports the theory that risk attitudes influence insurance demand. Specifically, risk aversion is positively related to the uptake of insurance in general and in particular, public health insurance. Unlike previous literature, the authors do not find the sex of the respondent to affect the relationship between risk aversion and insurance demand except for private health insurance. Socio-economic factors such as wealth, age and education were found to strongly predict insurance demand.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings confirm that risk attitude influence the demand for insurance in developing countries but socio-economic factors play a strong role in explaining low insurance penetration in such contexts.Originality/valueTheoretically, attitudes towards risk have been strongly linked with insurance demand. Yet, empirical evidence on this relationship is limited in developing countries where insurance penetration is very low. This study is among the first to document the influence of risk attitude on the demand of a range of insurance products using a large nationally representative sample of individuals in a developing country.
Challenge of hepatitis B testing following intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in patients with autoimmune skin diseases
Authors: Pruessmann Jasper N. , Langan Ewan A. , Rupp Jan , Marquardt Jens , Terheyden Patrick , Zillikens Detlef , Ludwig Ralf J. , Boch Katharina 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIntravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) contains pooled immunoglobulins from the plasma of healthy blood donors. All plasma samples are tested for HIV, hepatitis viruses (A, B, and C), and parvovirus B19. As part of this screening step, nucleic acid amplification technology (NAT) is used and allows the presence of specific antibodies targeting viral structures that are commonly used to test for infection status, such as anti‐hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs) or anti‐hepatitis B virus core (HBc) antibodies. For this reason, manufacturers point to the possibility of false‐positive viral serological test results following IVIg treatment due to the passive transfer of antibodies. IVIg therapy is commonly used to manage patients with severe, treatment‐refractory autoimmune skin diseases. The aim of this cohort study was to retrospectively quantify newly‐discovered positive serological HBV test results after IVIg treatment in patients with autoimmune skin diseases. Between March 2018 and June 2021, 28 patients with autoimmune skin diseases received IVIg therapy, of whom 17 were longitudinally followed‐up. None of the patients had evidence of active HBV infection prior to IVIg therapy. All patients (n = 17) had detectable anti‐HBs antibodies and 12 patients had anti‐HBc antibodies 4 weeks after commencing IVIg treatment. Passive antibody transfer seems the most likely interpretation. Nevertheless, complete serological hepatitis assessment should be performed to exclude a new infection. We recommend hepatitis screening before IVIg therapy to prevent diagnostic confusion which may arise due to passive antibody transfer.
Cold adaptations along a range limit in an obligate symbiosis
Authors: Senula Sarah F. , Scavetta Joseph T. , Mueller Ulrich G. , Seal Jon Nicholas , Kellner Katrin 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSymbionts can have profound effects on host fitness, adaptations and range distributions. Stress‐induced evolution is difficult to show in obligate symbioses; however, adaptive evolution within an obligate symbiosis can be investigated experimentally or by correlating trait variation with stress along an ecological cline (i.e. temperature‐stress gradient).We investigated the cold tolerance of the fungus‐growing antTrachymyrmex septentrionalisby performing cold tolerance assays comparing two populations collected from either the southernmost range of their distribution (Bastrop, Texas) or from a site that is approximately 600 km further north (Norman, Oklahoma). We first compared isolated fungal symbionts grown on artificial media to determine cold tolerance of fungus alone. Subsequently, we conducted cross‐fostering experiments between northern and southern host and symbionts to test for synergisms between the partners in generating adaptations of cold tolerance.Ants of the northern fungal populations were more cold adapted than southern fungal populations. Northern nests were deeper and northern colonies initially rejected fungi from the southern population. The cross‐fostering experiments demonstrated that only one partner must be cold tolerant to confer maximum cold tolerance to the ant–fungus symbiosis, because northern ants growing southern fungus under cold stress performed just as well as northern ants growing northern fungi.Our results suggest that cold stress has been an important selective factor during the migration of this ant–fungus symbiosis into northern latitudes during the last 10,000 years, and that cold tolerance likely is an energetically demanding trait that may be traded off with other aspects of the symbiosis' life history. The symbiosis also appears to have evolved several additional adaptations that increase survival in cold environments, such as building deeper nests that insulate the fungi from cold surface.Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Novel trophic subsidies from recreational angling transform the trophic ecology of freshwater fishes
Authors: Britton J. Robert , Cucherousset Julien , Dominguez Almela Victoria 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Angling is a globally popular leisure activity. There are over 31 million anglers in Europe, many of which target species of the Cyprinidae family in lowland freshwater ecosystems using methods generally involving bait (e.g. groundbaits, seeds and pellets), with large bait inputs possible in periods of high angling activity. While these bait inputs act as novel trophic subsidies (‘angling subsidy’), substantial knowledge gaps remain on their influence on freshwater food webs, including on fish trophic niche size and position.

The effects of angling subsidies on the trophic ecology of cyprinid fish populations and their macroinvertebrate prey resources were investigated in field studies comparing waters of high angling activity (‘subsidised fisheries’) versus low angling activity (‘non‐subsidised fisheries’), and complemented by a pond experiment using two cyprinid species in subsidy absence/presence. Methods were based on stable isotope analysis, with angling subsidies being δ13C enriched and, generally, δ15N depleted compared to macroinvertebrate prey resources.

In the subsidised fisheries, while there were minimal influences of the baits on macroinvertebrate stable isotope values, the effects of the subsidies on all fish species were to substantially δ13C enrich and δ15N deplete their isotopic niches. However, patterns of interspecific niche divergence remained similar between the species in subsidy presence.

In the pond experiment, there was strong isotopic association between the two fish species and macroinvertebrate putative prey in subsidy absence. In treatments that then exposed both species to angling subsidies, their stable isotope values shifted to enriched δ13C.

Synthesis and application. Where angling activity is high, angling baits can provide strong trophic subsidies to freshwater fish, but with minimal effects on other trophic levels. Their regular input into freshwaters can provide some substantial benefits for fish (e.g. increased growth rates) and fisheries (e.g. elevated carrying capacity, higher catch rates), but can also increase nutrient enrichment and potentially raise concerns on angling ethics. Thus, in allowing the use of these baits, especially in relatively high quantities, managers must balance the benefits they can deliver to fish and fisheries versus the adverse effects their use can have on freshwater organisms and ecosystem functioning.
Role of the CrcB transporter of Pseudomonas putida in the multi‐level stress response elicited by mineral fluoride
Authors: Calero Patricia , Gurdo Nicolás , Nikel Pablo I. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe presence of mineral fluoride (F−) in the environment has both a geogenic and anthropogenic origin, and the halide has been described to be toxic in virtually all living organisms. While the evidence gathered in different microbial species supports this notion, a systematic exploration of the effects of F− salts on the metabolism and physiology of environmental bacteria remained underexplored thus far. In this work, we studied and characterized tolerance mechanisms deployed by the model soil bacterium Pseudomonas putida KT2440 against NaF. By adopting systems‐level omic approaches, including functional genomics and metabolomics, we gauged the impact of this anion at different regulatory levels under conditions that impair bacterial growth. Several genes involved in halide tolerance were isolated in a genome‐wide Tn‐Seq screening—among which crcB, encoding an F−‐specific exporter, was shown to play the predominant role in detoxification. High‐resolution metabolomics, combined with the assessment of intracellular and extracellular pH values and quantitative physiology experiments, underscored the key nodes in central carbon metabolism affected by the presence of F−. Taken together, our results indicate that P. putida undergoes a general, multi‐level stress response when challenged with NaF that significantly differs from that caused by other saline stressors. While microbial stress responses to saline and oxidative challenges have been extensively studied and described in the literature, very little is known about the impact of fluoride (F−) on bacterial physiology and metabolism. This state of affairs contrasts with the fact that F− is more abundant than other halides in the Earth crust (e.g. in some soils, the F− concentration can reach up to 1 mg gsoil−1). Understanding the global effects of NaF treatment on bacterial physiology is not only relevant to unveil distinct mechanisms of detoxification but it could also guide microbial engineering approaches for the target incorporation of fluorine into value‐added organofluorine molecules. In this regard, the soil bacterium P. putida constitutes an ideal model to explore such scenarios, since this species is particularly known for its high level of stress resistance against a variety of physicochemical perturbations.
Trouble with autonomy in behavioral insurance
Authors: Tanninen Maiju , Lehtonen Turo‐Kimmo , Ruckenstein Minna 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn this article, we study how people define, negotiate, and perform autonomy in relation to digital technologies, specifically in connection with behavioral insurance policies that involve forms of data tracking and health services. The article builds on focus group discussions, which we treat as a dynamic site of ethico‐political deliberation to test ideas, talk about boundaries of acceptable control, and envision future scenarios. The ethico‐political deliberations assess the legitimacy and usability of new behavioral tools. Concern over the nature and limits of autonomy is activated when people discuss how wellbeing‐related decisions are delegated to algorithmically controlled systems. We argue for appreciating autonomy as a relational and ambiguous notion that is sensed and enacted in collaborations with devices in the form of distributed autonomy. Moreover, as reflected by the experiences of the insured, “autonomy” cannot be analyzed solely in the form transmitted by the liberal tradition; that is, as a clear‐cut entity that can simply be “had”, “exerted”, or “controlled”. Consequently, research, ethical considerations, and governance initiatives should pay attention to how values are “done” in the affect‐laden technologically mediated relations and practices.
Analytical strategies for the determination of biogenic amines in dairy products
Authors: Moniente Marta , Botello‐Morte Laura , García‐Gonzalo Diego , Pagán Rafael , Ontañón Ignacio 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBiogenic amines (BA) are mainly produced by the decarboxylation of amino acids by enzymes from microorganisms that emerge during food fermentation or due to incorrectly applied preservation processes. The presence of these compounds in food can lead to a series of negative effects on human health. To prevent the ingestion of high amounts of BA, their concentration in certain foods needs to be controlled. Although maximum legal levels have not yet been established for dairy products, potential adverse effects have given rise to a substantial number of analytical and microbiological studies: they report concentrations ranging from a few mg/kg to several g/kg. This article provides an overview of the analytical methods for the determination of biogenic amines in dairy products, with particular focus on the most recent and/or most promising advances in this field. We not only provide a summary of analytical techniques but also list the required sample pretreatments. Since high performance liquid chromatography with derivatization is the most widely used method, we describe it in greater detail, including a comparison of derivatizing agents. Further alternative techniques for the determination of BA are likewise described. The use of biosensors for BA in dairy products is emerging, and current results are promising; this paper thus also features a section on the subject. This review can serve as a helpful guideline for choosing the best option to determine BA in dairy products, especially for beginners in the field.
Identification of Milankovitch Cycles and Calculation of Net Primary Productivity of Paleo‐peatlands using Geophysical Logs of Coal Seams
Authors: SHAO Longyi , WEN He , GAO Xiangyu , SPIRO Baruch , WANG Xuetian , YAN Zhiming , LARGE David J. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIndividual coal seams formed in paleo‐peatlands represent sustained periods of terrestrial carbon accumulation and a key environmental indicator attributed to this record is the rate of carbon accumulation. Determining the rate of carbon accumulation requires a measure of time contained within the coal. This study aimed to determine this rate via the identification of Milankovitch orbital cycles in the coals. The geophysical log is an ideal paleoclimate proxy and has been widely used in the study of sedimentary records using spectral analysis. Spectral analyses of geophysical log from thick coal seams can be used to identify the Milankovitch cycles and to calculate the period of the coal deposition. By considering the carbon loss during coalification, the long‐term average carbon accumulation rate and net primary productivity (NPP) of paleo‐peatlands in coal seams can be obtained. This review paper presents the procedures of analysis, assessment of results and interpretation of geophysical logs in determining the NPP of paleo‐peatlands.
Spain: Political Developments and Data in 2021
Authors: SOTILLOS IRENE DELGADO , FERNÁNDEZ‐PASARÍN ANA MAR , BOHIGUES ASBEL 
Published: June 2022

AbstractDuring 2021, Spain faced problems arising from the COVID‐19 pandemic, including high‐risk public health situations in some regions. A vaccination campaign was carried out for the entire Spanish population, constrained by the arrival of doses and their distribution among regions. Several precepts of the legislation framing the COVID‐19 state of alarm were declared unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court. The Cabinet underwent successive reshuffles prompted by the regional electoral processes held in Catalonia and Madrid, and by the balance of power between the two parties that formed the coalition government. In 2021, the labour market began to improve thanks to the arrival of European funds aimed at implementing programmes to mitigate the economic and social damage of the pandemic.
Disparities in the emergency department management of pediatric migraine by race, ethnicity, and language preference
Authors: Hartford Emily A. , Blume Heidi , Barry Dwight , Hauser Chatterjee Jessica , Law Emily 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundThere are disparities in pain management for children presenting to the emergency department (ED) according to their racial and ethnic backgrounds. It is not known if there are differences in the treatment of pain associated with pediatric migraines by race, ethnicity, and language for care (REaL).MethodsWe analyzed treatment patterns and outcomes in our ED for acute migraine in pediatric patients by REaL. Retrospective data on treatments, length of stay (LOS), and charges were collected from the electronic medical record for pediatric patients on the ED migraine pathway from October 2016 to February 2020. Patient race/ethnicity and language for care were self‐reported at registration. We analyzed two treatment groups: receipt of oral (PO) or intranasal (IN) medications only or intravenous (IV) ± IN/PO medications. A total of 833 patients (median age 14.8 years, interquartile range [IQR] 12.3–16.5 years; 67% female, 51% non‐Hispanic White (nHW), 23% Hispanic, 8.3% Black or African American, 4.3% Asian) were included. A total of 287 received PO/IN medications only and 546 received IV medications.ResultsInitial pain scores in the two groups were similar. Patients who were Asian, Black or African American, and Hispanic or had a language for care other than English (LOE) had significantly lower odds of receiving IV treatment, while patients who were nHW and preferred English had higher odds of receiving IV treatment. The IV treatment group had longer LOS and ED charges. Pediatric ED patients with migraine who were Black, Asian, and Hispanic or had a LOE had a decreased likelihood of receiving IV therapies while patients who were nHW were more likely to receive IV treatments, despite similar initial pain scores.ConclusionsThese data align with previous studies on pain management disparities and highlight another area where we must improve equity for patients in the ED.
Why language matters in alcohol research: Reducing stigma
Authors: Shi Hannah D. , McKee Sherry A. , Cosgrove Kelly P. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe use of pejorative or stigmatizing language to describe individuals with alcohol and drug use disorders adversely affects treatment seeking, quality of care, and treatment outcomes. In 2015, the International Society of Addiction Journal Editors released terminology guidelines that recommended against the use of words that contribute to stigma against individuals with an addictive disorder. This study examined the use of stigmatizing language in National Institutes of Health (NIH)‐funded research and reviews published by the journal, Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research (ACER) from 2010 to 2020, with the goal of sharing the results with the alcohol research community to enhance awareness.MethodsThe search for stigmatizing language in ACER was limited to NIH‐funded articles made publicly available on PubMed Central (PMC). Though ACER is not an open‐access journal, original research and reviews directly funded by NIH are published to PMC for open access to the public as required by the conditions of NIH funding. ACER articles published on PMC were searched from 2010 to 2020 with specific queries for individual terms of interest including those considered pejorative (“alcoholic,” “addict,” and “abuser”) and outdated (“alcohol dependent,” “alcohol abuse,” and “alcoholism”). The number of articles containing a term of interest for a given year was divided by the total number of articles published in that year to determine the percent use of each term per year.ResultsOur search of research and reviews (n = 1903) published in ACER on PMC determined that although the use of pejorative and outdated terminology has decreased over time, there is continued use of the term “alcoholic” over the last decade. Specifically, in 2020, over 40% of articles searched for in PMC still included “alcoholic.” The results of a separate manual search (n = 110) on the Wiley Online Database showed that approximately 30% of articles used the term “alcoholic” in a stigmatizing manner.ConclusionsStigmatizing language can perpetuate negative biases against people with alcohol use disorder. We encourage researchers to shift away from language that maintains discriminatory conceptions of alcohol use disorder. Reducing stigma has the potential to increase rates of treatment seeking and improve treatment outcomes for individuals with alcohol use disorder.
The c.612A>G mutation of MC4R affects constitutive activity and signaling in domestic goats
Authors: Yan Yinan , Chi Shaxuan , Liu Guiqiong , Huang Yongjie , Pan Dongmei , Jiang Xunping 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAs a key gene for balancing energy and regulating feeding behavior, MC4R is relevant to the growth of ruminants. In this presentation, a highly conserved c.612A>G site in the coding sequence (CDS) of MC4R has been selected during a selective sweep analysis of 35 Yiling goats and 20 other wild goats. This site mutation results in an amino acid change from Ile to Met. The genotyping analysis of the c.612A>G site revealed that the A allele was the dominant allele in the domestic goat populations, while the wild goat individuals only had the G allele. For a better understanding of the biological significance of this site, we examined the protein localization and signal detection to explain the function of the two MC4R receptors. The results showed that both the M204 and I204 receptors can normally localize on the membrane. When stimulating the M204 type without α‐MSH, it was defective at the level of basal cAMP and decreased significantly against the I204 type. In contrast, the signaling capacity of the M204 receptor was also lower than that of I204 under the stimulation of α‐MSH. In the ERK1/2 pathway, stimulating MC4R with NDP‐α‐MSH, both the M204 and I204 receptors had normal pERK1/2 levels. These results indicate that the p.I204M mutation may change the function by damaging the constitutive activity and signaling, and thus may regulate goats’ appetite. This study has potential application for rearing domestic goats.