Herbivores Research Articles

The power of nostalgic emotion: how Hong Kong traditional tong sui influences generation Z's purchase intentions

PurposeOf the studies covering culinary tourism and traditional culture, Generation Z remains an underexplored group despite being the primary consumers of future tourism. Research into young consumers’ motivations is hoped to clarify, protect, and sustain Hong Kong Tong sui among this generation. As such, this study focuses on Generation Z to understand the types of novel experiences Tong sui can create for them, and it is worth exploring in depth the diet that young people are interested in from the perspective of traditional food.Design/methodology/approachBased on Creswell’s guidelines for quantitative research, we investigated the relationships among multiple elements of Hong Kong Tong sui and Generation Z tourists. A corresponding questionnaire was designed to gather information for statistical analysis and contains five sections. The first part solicited basic respondent information. Sections 2–5 presented several key terms (nostalgic emotion, food authenticity, FCV, and purchase intention) to frame the questionnaire in terms of our hypotheses. Items were scored on 7-point Likert-type scales for ease of processing in SPSS 26.0.FindingsAll hypotheses were supported, with nostalgia having the most significant influence on Generation Z’s purchase intentions. Besides, young generations are willing to buy traditional food when exposed to the restaurants or enterprises have nostalgic elements and inspire nostalgia in consumer. Generation Z’s thoughts about food authenticity notably played a more significant role than FCV in terms of the nostalgia of traditional food. In addition, food authenticity and FCV were found to indirectly mediate the relationship between nostalgic emotion and purchase intention.Research limitations/implicationsExamining these types of campaigns geared toward Generation Z tourists to advertise traditional food has enriched this tactic’s applicability. The approach also constructs a foundation to scrutinize the appeal of traditional dishes among young consumer groups to potentially strengthen such food’s influence.Practical implicationsThis study highlights the importance of leveraging nostalgia and understanding the emotional connection that Generation Z has with traditional cuisine. It suggests that enterprises can develop new products or revive traditional recipes that cater to the nostalgic preferences of Generation Z. Marketing innovations, such as using social media influencers, can also be employed to create awareness and generate interest in traditional food. Traditional food can contribute to tourist destinations' promotion and differentiate them from competitors, boosting the tourism and catering industries and creating employment opportunities.Social implicationsThe promotion and preservation of traditional food can contribute to the preservation of cultural identity and heritage. By engaging local communities in culinary initiatives and fostering community pride, traditional food tourism can strengthen the connection to cultural heritage and encourage the preservation of traditional culinary practices. This engagement can lead to sustainable development by promoting local traditions and ensuring the participation of the local community in tourism activities.Originality/valueThis study offers novel theoretical insights into traditional food consumption and food marketing, thus narrowing gaps in research on young consumers and traditional food. Results enrich the understanding of Generation Z’s intentions to purchase traditional food by highlighting tourists’ preferences. Guidelines are also provided for the operators on creating nostalgic campaigns that appeal to young generations.

Bioaccumulation, transfer, and impacts of microplastics in aquatic food chains

Plastics have become a pervasive global contaminant since the mid-20th century, causing harm to organisms at all levels. Preventative measures to reduce plastic pollution and awareness-raising campaigns about the damaging effects of plastic debris on the environment and its inhabitants are crucial; however, most plastic assessments focus on singular trophic levels. Microplastics, tiny plastic particles ranging from 25 μm to 5 mm, have emerged as a widespread form of pollution found in ecosystems worldwide. They can enter the environment directly or through the breakdown of larger plastic debris and are thought to be mistaken for food by foraging animals. This leads to microplastics circulating through ecosystems via direct and indirect consumption, ultimately impacting even higher-order predators. Here, we assess the impacts of microplastics on Chlorophyll a concentrations, algal community structure, copepod survivorship, and fish behavior in experimental trials, in addition to simulated top-predator foraging success on plastic-exposed fish. Our results indicate that microplastics have detrimental effects on algal growth and copepod survival. We also observed the trophic transmission of small plastic spheres from copepods to fish predators, highlighting a concerning pathway for microplastic pollution within aquatic ecosystems, where fish consumed plastics through direct and indirect means. Primary consumers, like copepods, face dual pressures from top-down forcing, as they are preferred over plastic particles as food sources, and bottom-up resource depletion, as algal food supplies can be limited by microplastic exposure. Our findings demonstrate the system-wide impacts that can occur when microplastics are included in food chains and underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the entry of plastic debris into aquatic ecosystems.

The Chinese longsnout catfish genome provides novel insights into the feeding preference and corresponding metabolic strategy of carnivores.

Fish show variation in feeding habits to adapt to complex environments. However, the genetic basis of feeding preference and the corresponding metabolic strategies that differentiate feeding habits remain elusive. Here, by comparing the whole genome of a typical carnivorous fish (Leiocassis longirostris Günther) with that of herbivorous fish, we identify 250 genes through both positive selection and rapid evolution, including taste receptor taste receptor type 1 member 3 (tas1r3) and trypsin We demonstrate that tas1r3 is required for carnivore preference in tas1r3-deficient zebrafish and in a diet-shifted grass carp model. We confirm that trypsin correlates with the metabolic strategies of fish with distinct feeding habits. Furthermore, marked alterations in trypsin activity and metabolic profiles are accompanied by a transition of feeding preference in tas1r3-deficient zebrafish and diet-shifted grass carp. Our results reveal a conserved adaptation between feeding preference and corresponding metabolic strategies in fish, and provide novel insights into the adaptation of feeding habits over the evolution course.

Eksplorasi Mikroflora Alami Cairan Nepenthes mirabilis (Lour) Druce di Kawasan Hutan Penelitian dan Pendidikan Biologi Universitas Andalas

Indonesia is a country that is rich in flora and fauna diversity, one of the unique flora in Indonesia is Nepenthes. This bag serves to trap insects or other small animals, the Biology Education and Research Forest (HPPB) is located in the Andalas Limau Manis University campus area which is classified as lowland tropical rain forest which is the habitat of Nepenthes, in the Biology Education and Research Forest (HPPB) this type of pitcher plant, namely Nepenthes mirabilis. Nepenthes mirabilis is a plant that is able to digest insects trapped in pockets at the ends of its leaf tendrils, so it is classified as a carnivorous plant. Microorganisms play an important role in breaking down organic materials into inorganic ones available to plants. Types of bacteria and bacterial populations greatly determine the decomposition process of animals that have been trapped in the bag as a source of nutrients for Nepenthes plants. This study aims to explore the natural microflora of Nepenthes mirabilis fluids, determine the proportional presence of potential bacteria, and determine the in vitro potential of chitinolytic bacteria from Nepenthes mirabilis fluids. This study used a survey method which was analyzed descriptively. The results showed that Nepenthes mirabilis fluid contained the presence of Fermentative, Amylolytic, Proteolytic, Chitinolytic and Lipolitical bacteria. Nepenthes mirabilis liquid in open bags contained chitinolytic bacteria, the highest presence of chitinolytic bacteria was found in MBB samples (20,104 cfu/ml) and MBA samples (18,104 cfu/ml). .28), fermentative (2.33 and 2.00), amylolytic (1.42 and 1.28), proteolytic (2.00 and 2.00), lipolytic (1.75 and 1.28).

The Effect of Green Intellectual Capital, Good Corporate Governance, and Growth Options on Sustainability Performance

Global climate change, deforestation, plastic pollution, and other environmental issues have made sustainability performance an increasingly researched topic. This study investigates the impact of green intellectual capital, good corporate governance, and growth options on the sustainability performance of primary consumer goods sector companies in Indonesia. Additionally, it examines the moderating role of public ownership. We measure sustainability performance using a composite index based on the sustainability balanced scorecard and the G4 Global Reporting Initiative's sustainability reporting disclosure framework. To our knowledge, this study is the first to employ this specific measurement method. Using a random effects estimator on 144 observations, we estimated our models. The findings indicate that good corporate governance, growth options, and public ownership positively influence sustainability performance, while green intellectual capital does not. Furthermore, the study reveals that public ownership strengthens the effects of green intellectual capital and growth options on sustainability performance. This suggests that in companies with low public ownership, green intellectual capital alone may not sufficiently enhance sustainability performance.

Graph reinforcement learning for flexible job shop scheduling under industrial demand response: A production and energy nexus perspective

Amidst the global energy crisis, the industrial sector is facing unparalleled energy conservation challenges as a primary energy consumer. Industrial demand response (IDR) is a promising strategy to enhance the energy efficiency of manufacturing enterprises. This paper introduces a graph reinforcement learning (GRL)-based method for flexible job shop scheduling under IDR from a production and energy nexus perspective. The scheduling problem is initially formulated as a Markov Decision Process (MDP). On this basis, the scheduling state is represented by a unique heterogeneous disjunctive graph incorporating IDR features, and the reward is constructed through a tailored generalized electricity consumption index (GECI). Moreover, a mixed graph neural network scheduler is designed to tackle this MDP, which integrates the heterogeneous attention mechanism and adaptive greedy sampling strategy. Furthermore, a proximal policy optimization algorithm is employed for training to obtain optimal scheduling schemes. Empirical case studies indicate that the proposed method can reduce GECI by up to 14.44% and 2.22%, respectively, outperforming existing well-known dispatching rules and another scheduling method based on GRL.

In vitro evaluation of antiviral activity in carnivorous plant species

Sarracenia purpurea is a carnivorous plant historically used to treat smallpox infections. Our previous data found S. purpurea had broad spectrum antiviral activity in vitro. S. purpurea is one of several hundred identified carnivorous species of plants. Carnivorous plants have evolved through convergent evolution in at least ten independent events, usually in response to harsh environments where nutrition from prey is required for growth. These prey are known vectors of plant viruses that might introduce novel biotic stressors and defense pathways in carnivorous plants. This study evaluated the antiviral activity of several non-carnivorous and carnivorous plants from four evolutionarily distinct clades. Results demonstrated that carnivorous plants have evolved antiviral activity, a trait that is not present in related species of non-carnivorous plants. The antiviral trait may be due to the plant-prey relationship with insect vectors and an evolutionary need for carnivorous plants to have more robust antiviral defense systems.

Do Arabinogalactan Proteins Occur in the Transfer Cells of Utricularia dichotoma?

Species in the genus Utricularia are carnivorous plants that prey on invertebrates using traps of leaf origin. The traps are equipped with numerous different glandular trichomes. Trichomes (quadrifids) produce digestive enzymes and absorb the products of prey digestion. The main aim of this study was to determine whether arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) occur in the cell wall ingrowths in the quadrifid cells. Antibodies (JIM8, JIM13, JIM14, MAC207, and JIM4) that act against various groups of AGPs were used. AGP localization was determined using immunohistochemistry techniques and immunogold labeling. AGPs localized with the JIM13, JIM8, and JIM14 epitopes occurred in wall ingrowths of the pedestal cell, which may be related to the fact that AGPs regulate the formation of wall ingrowths but also, due to the patterning of the cell wall structure, affect symplastic transport. The presence of AGPs in the cell wall of terminal cells may be related to the presence of wall ingrowths, but processes also involve vesicle trafficking and membrane recycling, in which these proteins participate.

Exploration and origin studies of high levels of β-glucosidase in carnivorous fishes spotted knifejaw (Oplegnathus punctatus)

In order to more efficiently utilize the abundant cellulose resources in nature, increase the utilization rate of cellulose in aquaculture, implement precise feeding and save aquaculture costs, we have conducted research on cellulase genes related to the spotted knifejaw (Oplegnathus punctatus). Cellulose, as the most abundant renewable resource, is a cornerstone in the intricate ecological balance of diverse ecosystems. While herbivorous fish are recognized for their utilization of proteins, sugars, and fats, the extent of cellulose utilization by carnivorous and omnivorous fish remains an enigma. Here, through field sampling and behavioural observations, O. punctatus' omnivorous diet has been demonstrated (stomach contents contain approximately several species of algae in the Bacillariophyta (1.12 %), Streptomyces (0.55 %), Chlorophyta (0.35 %), Rhodophyta (0.16 %), and Euglenophyta (0.19 %) phylum). Additionally, the high cellulase activity in the intestine of O. punctatus has been detected first discovery (enzyme activity up to 4800.15 U/g), indicating its ability to digest cellulose. By employing whole-genome scanning and high-throughput sequencing, a single cellulase gene (β-glucosidase) within the genome of O. punctatus, suggesting the absence of a complete cellulose digestive system. However, microbiological analysis revealed the three crucial role of microorganisms, including Actinobacteria (25.80 %), Bacteroidetes (18.93 %), and Firmicutes phylum (0.82 %), were found to play a crucial role in the decomposition of plant cell walls, thereby facilitating plant material digestion to help the host to complete the process of cellulose digestion. Expression patterns and proteomic analysis of the β-glucosidase were notably high in the gonads. In situ hybridization confirmed the expression of the β-glucosidase gene in the intestinal contents and gonads, highlighting its role in supplying energy of gonads. These discoveries shed light on the dietary habits of O. punctatus and its cellulose utilization, offering insights that can inform the development of customized feeding strategies to enhance aquaculture sustainability and minimize resource expenditure.

The Moderating Role Of Intellectual Capital In The Relationship Between Tax Avoidance And Firm Value

This research examines the relationship between tax avoidance and firm value by placing intellectual capital as a moderating variable. The research was conducted on companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) operating in the primary consumer goods sector, especially those in the food and beverage industry for 2019-2022. The method uses multiple linear regression panel data analysis to test the hypothesis. There were 68 samples used in testing after purposive sampling was carried out. The research results show that tax avoidance does not affect firm value. The presence of intellectual capital also cannot moderate the relationship between these two variables. It is hoped that this research can add to the literature for further research regarding the relationship between tax avoidance and firm value by including intellectual capital as a moderating factor. This research also contributes to investors making investment decisions related to tax planning policies in companies in the primary consumer sector, especially those in the food and beverage industry.

Factors Affecting Stock Price and Firm Value as Intervening Variable: The Case of Consumer Sector Firm-Listed at Indonesian Stock Exchange

The object of this research is primary consumer sector companies registered on the IDX, where the data is in the form of financial reports for the 2019-2023 period. The research method that is appropriate for this research is associative research because the author wants to know the influence of the Current Ratio, debt-to-asset ratio, and Net Profit Margin variables on stock prices with company value as an intervening variable. In this research, the operational variable is the stock price. (Z) as the dependent variable, company value (Y) as the intervening variable, while the independent variables are Current Ratio (X1), Debt to Asset Ratio (X2), and Net Profit Margin (X3). The indicators for share prices are closing prices; company value is price to book value; current ratio is current assets and current liabilities; debt to asset ratio is total debt and total assets; net profit is profit after taxes and sales. Based on the criteria for determining the sample size, 59 primary consumer sector companies meet these criteria. The following conclusions can be obtained: 1. The Current Ratio and net profit margin have a negative and insignificant effect on company value; 2. The Debt-to-Asset Ratio positively and significantly affects company value; 3. Net Profit Margin has a negative and insignificant effect on company value; 4. The Current Ratio has a positive but insignificant effect on share prices; 5. The Debt-to-Asset Ratio negatively and significantly affects share prices; 6. Net Profit Margin has a negative and insignificant effect on share prices, 7. Company value has a positive and significant effect on share prices

The comparative toxicity of biobased, modified biobased, biodegradable, and petrochemical-based microplastics on the brackish water flea Diaphanosoma celebensis

The escalating production and improper disposal of petrochemical-based plastics have led to a global pollution issue with microplastics (MPs), which pose a significant ecological threat. Biobased and biodegradable plastics are believed to mitigate plastic pollution. However, their environmental fate and toxicity remain poorly understood. This study compares the in vivo effects of different types of MPs, poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) as a biodegradable plastic, polylactic acid (PLA) as a biobased plastic, β-cyclodextrin-grafted PLA as a modified biobased plastic, and low density polyethylene as the reference petrochemical-based plastic, on the key aquatic primary consumer Diaphanosoma celebensis. Exposure to MPs resulted in significant reproductive decline, with comparable effects observed irrespective of MP type or concentration. Exposure to MPs induced distinct responses in redox stress, with transcriptional profiling revealing differential gene expression patterns that indicate varied cellular responses to different types of MPs. ATP-binding cassette transporter activity assays demonstrated altered efflux activity, mainly in response to modified biobased and biodegradable MPs. Overall, this study highlights the comparable in vivo and in vitro effects of biobased, biodegradable, and petrochemical-based MPs on aquatic primary consumers, highlighting their potential ecological implications.

A survey of pesticide use in horticulturally-grown carnivorous plants, with a review of arthropod pests

Arthropod pests are sometimes reported from horticulturally-grown carnivorous plants. While it is broadly known which pest groups are involved, little work has been done to characterize them specifically, which can be important when implementing control strategies. Pesticide recommendations are available through books and other media, but pesticides have not been systematically tested for phytotoxic effects in carnivorous plants so growers may worry about using them. In response to these issues, we conducted a survey of carnivorous plant growers to understand what pests they encounter, which pesticides they use, and if any of those pesticides have caused issues to the plants, the results of which are reported herein. We also provide a summary of different arthropod pests recorded from carnivorous plants in order to provide context for these pests and their control, and to encourage growers to document pests they encounter to fill in knowledge gaps.

Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Nsp9 ssDNA-Binding Activity and Cytotoxic Effects on H838, H1975, and A549 Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells: Exploring the Potential of Nepenthes miranda Leaf Extract for Pulmonary Disease Treatment.

Carnivorous pitcher plants from the genus Nepenthes are renowned for their ethnobotanical uses. This research explores the therapeutic potential of Nepenthes miranda leaf extract against nonstructural protein 9 (Nsp9) of SARS-CoV-2 and in treating human non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cell lines. Nsp9, essential for SARS-CoV-2 RNA replication, was expressed and purified, and its interaction with ssDNA was assessed. Initial tests with myricetin and oridonin, known for targeting ssDNA-binding proteins and Nsp9, respectively, did not inhibit the ssDNA-binding activity of Nsp9. Subsequent screenings of various N. miranda extracts identified those using acetone, methanol, and ethanol as particularly effective in disrupting Nsp9's ssDNA-binding activity, as evidenced by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Molecular docking studies highlighted stigmast-5-en-3-ol and lupenone, major components in the leaf extract of N. miranda, as potential inhibitors. The cytotoxic properties of N. miranda leaf extract were examined across NSCLC lines H1975, A549, and H838, focusing on cell survival, apoptosis, and migration. Results showed a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect in the following order: H1975 > A549 > H838 cells, indicating specificity. Enhanced anticancer effects were observed when the extract was combined with afatinib, suggesting synergistic interactions. Flow cytometry indicated that N. miranda leaf extract could induce G2 cell cycle arrest in H1975 cells, potentially inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) enabled the tentative identification of the 19 most abundant compounds in the leaf extract of N. miranda. These outcomes underscore the dual utility of N. miranda leaf extract in potentially managing SARS-CoV-2 infection through Nsp9 inhibition and offering anticancer benefits against lung carcinoma. These results significantly broaden the potential medical applications of N. miranda leaf extract, suggesting its use not only in traditional remedies but also as a prospective treatment for pulmonary diseases. Overall, our findings position the leaf extract of N. miranda as a promising source of natural compounds for anticancer therapeutics and antiviral therapies, warranting further investigation into its molecular mechanisms and potential clinical applications.

Biogeographical diet variation within and between the rabbitfishes Siganus corallinus, Siganus doliatus, Siganus trispilos and Siganus virgatus.

Feeding habits of herbivorous fishes play an important role in shaping the form and function of coastal marine ecosystems. Rabbitfishes (Siganidae) are important consumers of macroalgae on Indo-West Pacific coral reefs. However, it is unclear how their diet varies among and within species at biogeographical scales, casting doubt on their precise functional roles across different regions. The present study assessed the inter- and intra-specific diet variation of four rabbitfishes (Siganus trispilos, Siganus corallinus, Siganus virgatus and Siganus doliatus) factored by morphological relatedness among populations from Ningaloo Reef (western Australia), the Great Barrier Reef (GBR, eastern Australia) and the Yaeyama Islands (Okinawa Prefecture, Japan). Results showed that the region had a strong effect on diet, effectively reducing the expected effect of morphologic similitude. While intra-specific differences were only significant when populations inhabited different regions; interspecific differences were not as predicted, with different morphotypes having similar diets when populations inhabited the same regions. Rabbitfishes consumed more corticated and filamentous macroalgae on the GBR, more foliose and membranous macroalgae at the Yaeyama Islands, and more leathery macroalgae at Ningaloo Reef. The findings indicate that rabbitfishes have high diet plasticity, and hence their functional role as mediators of competition between macroalgae and corals can change across biogeographic regions. Local context is therefore important when assessing the diet and functional role of herbivorous fishes. As climate change unfolds, shifts in the distribution, trophic behaviour and function of species are expected, making the study of trophic plasticity more important.

New cultivars

Two new carnivorous plant cultivars are named and described: Sarracenia purpurea subsp. venosa 'Cilum' and Sarracenia 'Brooks Garcia'.

Seabird transported contaminants are dispersed in island ecosystems

Seabirds are long-range transporters of nutrients and contaminants, linking marine feeding areas with terrestrial breeding and roosting sites. By depositing nutrient-rich guano, which acts as a fertiliser, seabirds can substantially influence the terrestrial environment in which they reside. However, increasing pollution of the marine environment has resulted in guano becoming similarly polluted. Here, we determined metal and metalloid concentrations (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb) in Flesh-footed Shearwater (Ardenna carneipes) guano, soil, terrestrial flora, and primary consumers and used an ecological approach to assess whether the trace elements in guano were bioaccumulating and contaminating the surrounding environment. Concentrations in guano were higher than those of other Procellariiformes documented in the literature, which may be influenced by the high amounts of plastics that this species of shearwater ingests. Soil samples from shearwater colonies had significantly higher concentrations of all metals, except for Pb, than soils from control sites and formerly occupied areas. Concentrations in terrestrial primary producers and primary consumers were not as marked, and for many contaminants there was no significant difference observed across levels of ornithogenic input. We conclude that Flesh-footed Shearwaters are transporters of marine derived contaminants to the Lord Howe Island terrestrial environment.

Cell Wall Microdomains in the External Glands of Utricularia dichotoma Traps.

The genus Utricularia (bladderworts) species are carnivorous plants that prey on invertebrates using traps with a high-speed suction mechanism. The outer trap surface is lined by dome-shaped glands responsible for secreting water in active traps. In terminal cells of these glands, the outer wall is differentiated into several layers, and even cell wall ingrowths are covered by new cell wall layers. Due to changes in the cell wall, these glands are excellent models for studying the specialization of cell walls (microdomains). The main aim of this study was to check if different cell wall layers have a different composition. Antibodies against arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) were used, including JIM8, JIM13, JIM14, MAC207, and JIM4. The localization of the examined compounds was determined using immunohistochemistry techniques and immunogold labeling. Differences in composition were found between the primary cell wall and the cell secondary wall in terminal gland cells. The outermost layer of the cell wall of the terminal cell, which was cuticularized, was devoid of AGPs (JIM8, JIM14). In contrast, the secondary cell wall in terminal cells was rich in AGPs. AGPs localized with the JIM13, JIM8, and JIM14 epitopes occurred in wall ingrowths of pedestal cells. Our research supports the hypothesis of water secretion by the external glands.

Analysis of communities, with an historical reconstruction from a deep submarine seamount in an oligotrophic area (Valencia Seamount, Balearic Basin, Western Mediterranean)

Seamounts can have strong influence on the dynamics and production of waters surrounding them, sometimes creating a kind of oasis effect. To assess to what depths and under what conditions this effect may persist on seamounts, we analysed the fauna and recent history of the Valencia Seamount (VS), a deep, small seamount (summit depth: 1056 m) from an oligotrophic zone of the Mediterranean Sea. The (living) epibenthic fauna of the VS summit (up to 1300 m) was composed of filter feeders, surface deposit feeders and carnivores (63 species), structured in a trophic chain as indicated by the high positive relationship (r2 0.502) between the δN15and δC13 of the fauna analysed. This trophic linearisation (compared with Catalan and NW Mallorca slope sites at similar depths) may optimise the energy flux reaching the seamount, with rather high %TOC (0.93–1.19%) and C/N (5.0–5.5) in July. The Valencia Seamount can also act as a reservoir zone for fish (grenadiers: Nezumia aequalis, and Hymenocephalus italicus) and shrimps (Plesionika martia), which are distributed at shallower depths on adjacent slopes, where they are exploited. The specimens caught were mainly juveniles, suggesting that these species may rather form pseudopopulations. Tuna and cetaceans were regularly sighted on the surface of VS during a specific period of the year (June–July). Reconstructing the recent history of Valencia Seamount (MC2 sediment core taken at 1151 m in 2021) we evidenced a decline of zooplankton pteropods (primary consumers) since ca. the 1960s (MC2 dating after 210Pb, metals and microplastic analyses), linked to a decline of Si in sediments suggesting a decrease in primary production due to a decrease in rainfall and river runoff. An increase of vorticity (ω+ values), i.e. of cyclonic gyres, and currents after the 1970s over the summit probably increased resuspension of organic matter, which in turn may enhance zooplankton aggegations at VS summit. We hypothesise that this would explain the parallel increase in mesopelagic myctophids in MC2 (from otolith records). Sediments of the Valencia seamount recorded several historical changes. Reconstruction studies carried out in oceanic areas can therefore help to understand the history and improve the management of fragile systems such as seamounts.

THE DETERMINANTS OF CASH HOLDING

The aim of this research was to empirically prove the influence of profitability, leverage, sales growth, and capital expenditure on cash holding. The sample selection method used purposive sampling. The research sample was 63 primary consumer sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange with a research period of three years and were processed by multiple regression analysis of panel data using the Eviews. The research results showed that there was only one variable, namely leverage, which had a negative impact on cash holding. Profitability did not have a positive impact on cash holding, while sales growth and capital expenditure did not have a negative impact on cash holding.