Understanding Resource Use Research Articles

Mapping material stocks in buildings and infrastructures across the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei urban agglomeration at high-resolution using multi-source geographical data

Spatial patterns of material stocks in buildings and infrastructures are crucial for understanding resource use, spatial planning and environmental management. So far, spatially explicit stock-driven approaches face substantial data limitations, requiring costly and time-intensive efforts to map stocks at urban micro-scales. Herein, we developed a volume-based framework for material stocks mapping in buildings and infrastructures at a 10 m resolution, applied across the entire Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei urban agglomeration (BTH-UA) in China, a key growth pole for regional economic development. We integrated multi-source remote sensing data, GIS products, crowdsourced data, and material intensity databases, covering ten bulk materials. The findings reveal that the total mass of buildings and infrastructures in BTH-UA amounts to 195,000 Mt, equivalent to 182 t/cap, 2.43 Mt/km2. Material stocks are spatially clustered and correlate with the population size and economic activity of the secondary industry. This research contributes to the quantitative description and detailed mapping of material stocks in built environment.

Healthcare Professional Experiences and Opinions on Depression and Suicide in People With Diabetes.

People with diabetes have an increased risk of depression, intentional self-injury and self-harm (ISI), and suicide compared with the general population. This study aimed to explore experiences and awareness of healthcare professionals (HCPs) regarding depression, ISI, and suicide, and understand resource use and needs among HCPs who care for persons with diabetes (PWD). Healthcare professionals who see children and/or adults with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes anonymously completed an online survey about their experiences, opinions, barriers, and needs surrounding identification and care of PWD with depression, ISI, and suicide. One hundred twenty-nine HCPs participated. The majority were medical doctors (MDs) or advanced practice providers (APPs). Only a quarter of MDs and APPs felt very comfortable asking about ISI or suicidal ideation (SI), whereas 20% felt they had received appropriate training to support those with ISI or SI. The primary needs reported include more training on how to ask, respond, and support those expressing ISI and SI. Healthcare professionals reported wanting better access to resources for PWD. The HCPs tend to underestimate SI in the diabetes population and rates of training were low. Areas to address include providing education and training to HCPs to improve identification and management of ISI and suicide risk. These data can inform the development of mechanisms to improve discussions of depression and suicide and of resources to help HCPs support PWD.

Time-consistent renewable resource management with present bias and regime shifts

We investigate the extraction plan of present-biased decision makers managing a renewable resource stock whose growth is uncertain and which could undergo a rapid and significant change when stock falls below a threshold. We show that the Markov-Nash equilibrium extraction policy is unique, time consistent, and increasing in resource stock. An increase in the threshold leads to increased resource extraction, rather than the precautionary reduction in extraction often observed with exponential discounting. An increase in the degree of present bias also leads to an increase in resource extraction. Our analysis suggests that accounting for and appropriately dealing with resource managers’ present bias may be important to understand resource use sustainability.

A construction classification system database for understanding resource use in building construction

The building sector is a voracious consumer of primary materials. However, the study of building material use and associated impacts is challenged by the paucity of publicly available data in the field and the heterogeneity of data organization and classification between published studies. This paper makes two main contributions. First, we propose and demonstrate a building material data structure adapted from UniFormat and MasterFormat, two widely used construction classification systems in North America. Second, the dataset included provides fine grained material data for 70 buildings in North America. The dataset was developed by collecting design or construction drawings for the studied buildings and performing material takeoffs based on these drawings. The ontology is based on UniFormat and MasterFormat to facilitate interoperability with existing construction management practices, and to suggest a standardized structure for future material intensity studies. The data structure supports investigation into how form and building design are driving material use, opportunities to reduce construction material consumption and better understanding of how materials are used in buildings.

AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIORS AND THEIR EFFECT ON RESOURCE USE BY FEMALE SINCELLA LATERALIS

Studies of aggression and space use are essential to understanding resource use by reptiles, particularly lizards. Research in this area, however, exhibits bias in that the seminal work has been done on (1) species that are highly visible in their habitats (e.g. Iguanians); and (2) males. Studies of secretive species such as skinks and of females are less common. Here, we present results of a lab study of dyadic encounters of adult females of a common North American skink: Scincella lateralis (Little Brown Skink), and compare them to results obtained from an earlier study of adult males of the same species. Female S. lateralis never interacted unless they were within one body length of each other. The most common behavior exhibited was avoidance of one lizard (the subordinate) away from the other lizard (the dominant). As a result, the two lizards spent more time apart than close together and rarely shared the retreat. The larger of the two females was dominant in 9 of 10 trials. Compared to adult males, adult females showed far fewer aggressive behaviors such as lunging or chasing, and never bit each other. Unlike males, however, subordinate female S. lateralis exhibited tail twitching significantly more often than did dominants, suggesting this behavior may be a social signal for females, though the data suggest there may be other possible functions. Despite differences in the frequency of behaviors exhibited, patterns of space use and retreat use were the same in females as they were in males.

Intra-annual Spatiotemporal Dynamics of the Monarch Butterfly (Lepidoptera: Danaidae), Regal Fritillary (Lepidoptera: Heliconiinae), and Their Floral Resources in North Dakota, United States

AbstractMany butterflies in the United States, along with their nectar resources, are declining. Large-scale conservation planning can be challenging, however, when butterflies and their nectar sources exhibit disparate spatiotemporal dynamics. We initiated a multi-year survey on monarchs (Danaus plexippus), regal fritillaries (Speyeria idalia), and floral resources across North Dakota from 2017 to 2019 to understand resource use through space and time. We surveyed three sites in each county in North Dakota, twice a year for 3 yr, for a total of 954 site visits. Our objectives were to 1) identify important floral resources for monarchs and regal fritillaries, 2) determine intra-annual spatial and temporal distributions of the butterflies and their nectar sources, and 3) quantify how floral resources influenced butterfly abundance and interacted with spatiotemporal factors (latitude, longitude, and flight season). Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.), native thistles (Cirsium spp.), and blazing stars (Liatris spp.) were identified as particularly important nectar resources for monarchs and regal fritillaries; all plant and butterfly species exhibited unique spatiotemporal distributions. Monarch abundance at a site was positively related to the availability of flowering milkweeds, and regal fritillary abundance was positively related to the floral availability of native thistles and coneflowers (Echinacea spp.). These relationships were consistent across the spatial and temporal extent of our study, indicating that the butterfly–flower relationships we detected are maintained and relatively consistent across our study region and years. By accounting for spatiotemporal dynamics, we can help elucidate the persistence of butterfly-flower species interactions at large scales and inform conservation efforts for these threatened species.

Demographic characteristics, acute care resource use and mortality by age and sex in patients with COVID-19 in Ontario, Canada: a descriptive analysis.

Background:Understanding resource use for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is critical. We conducted a descriptive analysis using public health data to describe age- and sex-specific acute care use, length of stay (LOS) and mortality associated with COVID-19.Methods:We conducted a descriptive analysis using Ontario’s Case and Contact Management Plus database of individuals who tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Ontario from Mar. 1 to Sept. 30, 2020, to determine age- and sex-specific hospital admissions, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, use of invasive mechanical ventilation, LOS and mortality. We stratified analyses by month of infection to study temporal trends and conducted subgroup analyses by long-term care residency.Results:During the observation period, 56 476 individuals testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 were reported; 41 049 (72.7%) of these were younger than 60 years, and 29 196 (51.7%) were female. Proportion of cases shifted from older populations (> 60 yr) to younger populations (10–39 yr) over time. Overall, 5383 (9.5%) of individuals were admitted to hospital; of these, 1183 (22.0%) were admitted to the ICU, and 712 (60.2%) of these received invasive mechanical ventilation. Mean LOS for individuals in the ward, ICU without invasive mechanical ventilation and ICU with invasive mechanical ventilation was 12.8 (standard deviation [SD] 15.4), 8.5 (SD 7.8) and 20.5 (SD 18.1) days, respectively. Among patients receiving care in the ward, ICU without invasive mechanical ventilation and ICU with invasive mechanical ventilation, 911/3834 (23.8%), 124/418 (29.7%) and 287/635 (45.2%) died, respectively. All outcomes varied by age and decreased over time, overall and within age groups.Interpretation:This descriptive study shows use of acute care and mortality varying by age and decreasing between March and September 2020 in Ontario. Improvements in clinical practice and changing risk distributions among those infected may contribute to fewer severe outcomes.

Conflict of Resource Use Among Different Livelihood Group in Coastal Villages of South-Western Bengal Delta, Bangladesh

People, ecosystems and resources are three crucial components for understanding resource use conflicts. This study examines resource use conflicts in two coastal villages of south-western Bangladesh, where access to resources are essential to rural livelihoods. Resource utilization conflicts can emerge when interests and needs of different users groups are incompatible or denied by each other. Considering these issues, this study has taken as an effort to explore the issues, reasons, stage, scale and impact of conflicts. Relevant data were collected through questionnaire survey, Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and Key Informant Interview (KII). The study found that rapid encroachment of crop land into shrimp farming, contrasting dynamic occupational practices, human made over use or overstrain of natural resources combined with environmental degradation and climate change, pose serious threat to human security. These rapid, and mostly unexpected changes provoke conflicts among the dominant resource user groups. Moreover, driver of conflicts and typological classification were addressed to make them comparable in the sense which one requires the most attention according to the predicted scale and urgency of impact. Conflict management strategies were discussed by four building blocks which might be a remarkable part of conflict prevention in the study area.

New insights into the trophic ecology of blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus) from a subtropical estuary in the western Gulf of Mexico.

As environmental change persists, understanding resource use patterns is of value to predict the consequences of shifting trophic structures. While many sharks are opportunistic predators, some exhibit prey selectivity, putting them at higher risk compared to species with greater trophic plasticity. In the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), Clupeids and Sciaenids comprise 69% of blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) diets, which is consequential considering potential responses of these prey groups to disturbance and over harvesting. We assessed if blacktips exhibit selectivity for Clupeids and Sciaenids in the western GOM based on stomach contents from sharks in coastal Texas. Clupeids comprised <2% of diets, while striped mullet (Mugil cephalus) and red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) comprised >70% of identifiable prey. Ontogenetic shifts from smaller (Clupeids, small Sciaenids) to larger, higher trophic level (Ariidae, Elasmobranchii) prey fits our understanding of foraging among coastal sharks, and suggests our regional understanding of blacktip trophic ecology may be limited by the sizes of sampled sharks. Observed increases in blacktip densities coupled with declines in prey (Mugilids, Sciaenids) is concerning if blacktips have limited diet plasticity. Yet GOM blacktips may be more generalized than previously thought, which is promising for conservation and management.

Journey of the Patient With Melanoma: Understanding Resource Use and Bridging the Gap Between Dermatologist, Surgeon, and Oncologist in Different Health Care Systems.

PURPOSENew scientific evidence has led to modifications in the clinical practice of handling melanoma. In health care systems, there is currently a wide variety of clinical procedures to treat cancer, and the various routes have different effects on the survival of patients with cancer. Thus, this article aimed to evaluate the journey of patients with melanoma in the public and private health care systems in Brazil from the viewpoint of different medical professionals involved in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. The study also considers the resources used for the complete delivery cycle of health care at different stages of the evolution of melanoma.METHODSWe conducted a behavioral study by applying a questionnaire to a group of medical professionals. A nonprobabilistic sampling method for convenience was used, justified by the heterogeneous national incidence and the limited availability of medical professionals who diagnose and treat melanoma.RESULTSThe questionnaire was answered by 138 doctors, including doctors from the Brazilian states with the highest concentration of medical specialists and regions with a higher melanoma incidence. The results of this study have the potential to enrich our understanding of the reality of Brazilian health care systems and, at the same time, allow us to discuss the multiple ways in which professionals from diverse specialist fields understand and explain decision making in health care.CONCLUSIONHealth care decision making is complex and, among other factors, depends on the diversity of available health resources and the knowledge of which treatments provide the greatest benefit to patients and greatest value to the system as a whole. This work can inform debates and reflection that are applicable not only in Brazil, but also in various other countries with similar realities.

Functional biogeography of dietary strategies in birds

AbstractAimDiet is key to understanding resource use by species, their relationships with their environment and biotic interactions. We aimed to identify the major strategies that shape the diet space of birds and to investigate their spatial distributions in association with biogeographical, bioclimatic and anthropogenic drivers.LocationGlobal.Time periodCurrent.Major taxa studiedBirds.MethodsWe analysed score‐based assessments of eight diet categories for 8,937 out of 10,964 extant bird species. We constructed a multivariate diet space by ordinating these data in a principal coordinates analysis and assessed its dimensionality as a balance between the representation of original diet scores and parsimony. We averaged the positions of species along each dimension for 12,705 species assemblages and used quantile regressions to infer the relative contributions of species richness, climate, primary productivity, topography and human footprint to the spatial distribution of the diet space at a global scale.ResultsThe diet space of birds was structured by four dimensions ordinating species along continua ranging from insectivory to plant‐based strategies, granivory to frugivory, common to rare diets, and nectarivory to carnivory and piscivory. Although orthogonal at the species level, these dimensions were correlated among species assemblages, with regional variation consistent with past climatic and tectonic events. Human footprint packed bird assemblages in the diet space, whereas warm climate, high productivity and high topographic variability were associated with high variability in the prevalence of dietary strategies among assemblages.Main conclusionsThe tremendous variability in bird diets can be explained by a few basic ecological continua sustained by morphological and ecophysiological differences among species. Strong biogeographical legacies on top of bioclimatic drivers distribute this diet space in species assemblages through environmental filtering and niche packing. However, these patterns are altered at macroecological scales by human‐mediated functional homogenization, which might, in turn, affect the global distribution of bird functions and services.

Unveiling community patterns and trophic niches of tropical and temperate ants using an integrative framework of field data, stable isotopes and fatty acids.

BackgroundThe use and partitioning of trophic resources is a central aspect of community function. On the ground of tropical forests, dozens of ant species may be found together and ecological mechanisms should act to allow such coexistence. One hypothesis states that niche specialization is higher in the tropics, compared to temperate regions. However, trophic niches of most species are virtually unknown. Several techniques might be combined to study trophic niche, such as field observations, fatty acid analysis (FAA) and stable isotope analysis (SIA). In this work, we combine these three techniques to unveil partitioning of trophic resources in a tropical and a temperate community. We describe patterns of resource use, compare them between communities, and test correlation and complementarity of methods to unveil both community patterns and species’ niches.MethodsResource use was assessed with seven kinds of bait representing natural resources available to ants. Neutral lipid fatty acid (NLFA) profiles, and δ15N and δ13C isotope signatures of the species were also obtained. Community patterns and comparisons were analyzed with clustering, correlations, multivariate analyses and interaction networks.ResultsResource use structure was similar in both communities. Niche breadths (H′) and network metrics (Q and H2′) indicated similar levels of generalization between communities. A few species presented more specialized niches, such as Wasmannia auropunctata and Lasius fuliginosus. Stable isotope signatures and NLFA profiles also indicated high generalization, although the latter differed between communities, with temperate species having higher amounts of fat and proportions of C18:1n9. Bait use and NLFA profile similarities were correlated, as well as species’ specialization indices (d′) for the two methods. Similarities in δ15N and bait use, and in δ13C and NLFA profiles, were also correlated.DiscussionOur results agree with the recent view that specialization levels do not change with latitude or species richness. Partition of trophic resources alone does not explain species coexistence in these communities, and might act together with behavioral and environmental mechanisms. Temperate species presented NLFA patterns distinct from tropical ones, which may be related to environmental factors. All methods corresponded in their characterization of species’ niches to some extent, and were robust enough to detect differences even in highly generalized communities. However, their combination provides a more comprehensive picture of resource use, and it is particularly important to understand individual niches of species. FAA was applied here for the first time in ant ecology, and proved to be a valuable tool due to its combination of specificity and temporal representativeness. We propose that a framework combining field observations with chemical analysis is valuable to understand resource use in ant communities.

Melanoma Patient Journey: Understanding Resource Use and Bridging the Gap between Dermatologist, Surgeon and Oncologist in Different Healthcare Systems

New scientific evidence has led to modifications in the clinical practice of handling melanoma. In healthcare systems, a wide variety of clinical procedures is currently predominant, and the various routes have a different effect on cancer patient survival. In this sense, the purpose of this article is to evaluate the journey of melanoma patients in the public and private healthcare systems in Brazil from viewpoint of different medical professionals involved in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease and the resources used for the complete delivery cycle of healthcare at different stages of the evolution of melanoma. To achieve this goal, we conducted a behavioral study by applying a questionnaire to a group of medical professionals involved in diagnosing and treating the disease. This study differs from previous publications in four general aspects: (i) while most studies evaluate the patient's journey from the viewpoint of the patients themselves, this study evaluates the opinion of the three medical specialists involved in diagnosing and treating melanoma; (ii) the results of this study have the potential to enrich our understanding of the Brazilian reality and at the same time allow us to discuss the multiple ways in which professionals from diverse specialist fields understand and explain decision-making in healthcare; (iii) this study demonstrates the complexity and diversity of diagnostic and therapeutic options in the journey of melanoma patients in Brazil, and at the same time highlights the common goal of different specialties regarding the use of the appropriate resources available in the constant fight against melanoma; (iv) finally, the results described in this work open up space for debates and reflection that are applicable not only in Brazil but in various other countries with similar realities. Funding Statement: I would like to express my gratitude to CAPES (Brazilian Federal Agency for the Improvement of Higher Education) for their financial support. Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: The Regional Committee for Medical Research Ethics of the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Minas Gerais State approved the study protocol (project number 2.569.884), and written, informed consent was obtained from the of all Physicians participants. The study was performed in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations.

Deer in an arid habitat: dental microwear textures track feeding adaptability

Teeth constitute a bridge between an organism and its environment. Dental wear is a good proxy for (paleo) ecologists to better comprehend the ecology and habitat of modern and extinct species. In this study, we showed Dental Microwear Texture Analysis to be a useful tool, integrating not only specific plant selection but also dietary quality and digestibility in order to understand resource use. Resource-partitioning, seasonal and sexual variations in the diet of two deer species on a Spanish game estate are explored here through Dental Microwear Texture Analysis. This Mediterranean area is on the fringes of the average European environments in terms of constraints and diet for extant red and fallow deer, resulting in an opportunity to understand their ability to live in harsh conditions and the feeding strategies they developed. These two taxa already experienced harsh living conditions during the Pleistocene. Dental microwear texture shows both deer feeding differently on the herbaceous layer in a context where it is the main resource consumed annually. These differences are linked to body mass. With its smaller incisor arcade, Dama dama is able to be more selective, hence focusing on less fibrous parts of forages. Cervus elaphus is more plastic, with dietary variations corresponding to seasonal plant availability and the physiological requirements of stags and does. In general, C. elaphus consumes a more fibrous and less digestible vegetable material than D. dama . This study brings light on the feeding behavior of the two game species under constraint conditions. The results of this study are discussed in terms of realized vs potential ecological niche.

Macroalgal foraging preferences of juvenile green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in a warm temperate/subtropical transition zone

Understanding resource use and foraging requirements is important for the recovery of threatened and endangered marine turtles. Throughout their range, an increasing number of juvenile green turtles (Chelonia mydas) has been observed foraging and sheltering within man-made structures. These “artificial habitats” are ecologically important as they support the growth of attached macroalgae, a primary food resource of juvenile green turtles. A population of juvenile green turtles in the Trident Basin at Port Canaveral, Florida, USA (28.41°N, 80.59°W), has historically exhibited strong site fidelity. The purpose of this study was to compare the foraging of juvenile green turtles with the availability of macroalgal resources. Foraging (lavage) samples from 94 juvenile green turtles during a 2-year study period from September 2008 through April 2010 were analyzed with the data from two previous studies (1997 and 2002) to determine the patterns of foraging habits through time. Turtles predominantly foraged on species of red (Rhodophyta) and green (Chlorophyta) macroalgae; however, opportunistic foraging on flotsam and invertebrates was common. Selection for certain rhodophytes (i.e., Gelidiopsis planicaulis, Grateloupia filicina, and Hypnea spinella) and chlorophytes (i.e., Cladophora liniformis, Ulva flexuosa, U. lactuca, and U. prolifera) varied by sampling period. Temperature-driven changes in the macroalgal species composition drove inter-annual differences in foraging content between 2002 and 2010. In addition, after an extended cold event, foraging samples from several turtles contained macroalgae not present in the Basin which suggested that turtles moved out of the Basin to forage during this time or newly emigrated. Establishing baseline resource utilization is instrumental for identifying the quality and function of natural and artificial habitats supporting juvenile green turtles, as their populations continue to recover around the globe.

Depth gradient in the resource use of a fish community from a semi‐enclosed sea

AbstractDepth is one of the environmental variables influencing the structure of marine food webs by directly or indirectly influencing benthic‐pelagic coupling and predator‐prey relationships. In shallow waters, the high degree of connectivity between pelagic and benthic networks results in complex systems with multiple interactions. Digestive tract (DT) and stable isotope (SI) analyses were used to investigate depth‐related changes in feeding patterns for 33 fish species (eastern English Channel [EEC]) collected between 5 m and 80 m depth. Fish species were first arranged into functional groups based upon trophic and habitat similarities. DTs were used to determine the general topology of the food web and SIs were used to estimate the contributions of different sources to fish diets. At the scale of the aggregated EEC food web, the main food sources for all groups were of benthic origin (&gt; 50%). The aggregated food web was then used as a template to explore the influence of depth on resource use by predatory fish. Mixing models including depth as a continuous covariate successfully untangled and identified different feeding strategies among functional groups. In shallow waters, fish species benefited from both pelagic and benthic prey whereas, in deeper waters, they fed predominantly on either benthic or pelagic sources depending on their habitat preferences. Our results support the hypothesis of a stronger benthic‐pelagic coupling in shallow waters, notably through fish diet, and highlight the importance of including environmental factors such as depth as proxies of habitat variation to fully understand resource use and food web structure in epicontinental seas.

Cumulative number of hospital bed days among older adults in the last year of life: A retrospective cohort study

To determine whether age, proximity to death and long-term care insurance certification are related to receiving hospital inpatient care; the number of hospital bed days (HBD) among older Japanese adults in the last year of life; and to estimate the total number of HBD. Using health insurance claims and death certificate data, the present retrospective cohort study examined the HBD of city residents aged ≥65 years who died between September 2006 and October 2009 in Soma City, Japan. Using a two-part model, factors associated with receiving hospital inpatient care and the total number of HBD in each quarter in the last year of life were examined. The total number of HBD in the last year of life varied widely; 13% had no admission, and 27% stayed ≥90 days. Younger age, approaching death and having long-term care insurance certification were significantly associated with being more likely to receive hospital inpatient care during each quarterly period in the last year of life. In contrast, having long-term care insurance certification and the last 3-month period before death, compared with the first 3-month period, were significantly associated with a fewer number of HBD. The present study showed that older age was associated with being less likely to receive hospital inpatient care. The findings regarding the risk of inpatient care and total number of HBD in the last year of life help to understand resource use among older dying adults, and to develop evidence-based healthcare policies within aging societies. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 737-743.

Potential mechanisms of coexistence between two globally important Pseudo-nitzschia (Bacillariophyta) species

To understand the mechanisms leading to coexistence and exclusion, it is essential to establish information on the nutritional needs of species. We focused on the frequently coexisting Pseudo-nitzschia species, P. delicatissima and P. galaxiae, capable of forming blooms and producing domoic acid. We employed monoculture experiments to determine growth kinetic parameters important for understanding resource use (i.e. maximum specific growth rate, half-saturation coefficients for growth and cell quotas), and we coupled mixed-culture experiments and numerical modelling to explore the role of resource competition relative to unknown factors, such as allelopathy. Experimental results showed that both species had a high requirement for nitrogen (N) and low requirement for phosphorus (P), consistent with field observations of Pseudo-nitzschia blooms in N-rich conditions. The model accurately predicted the outcome of competition; P. galaxiae outcompeted P. delicatissima when considering only resource competition, but the population trajectories were better predicted when allelopathic effects were added. Since the competitive exclusion of P. delicatissima by P. galaxiae in our laboratory experiments is not consistent with observations of coexistence in the natural environment, the model was further modified to explore realistic ranges of population loss factors, such as sinking, demonstrating how coexistence is possible when these are considered.

Patient reported burden of asthma on resource use and productivity across 11 countries in Europe.

IntroductionAsthma affects 30 million people in Western Europe, leading to substantial burden on healthcare systems and economies. REcognise Asthma and LInk to Symptoms and Experience (REALISE™) was a large European survey across 11 countries assessing patient attitudes and behaviors towards their asthma. The present study utilizes REALISE™ data to understand resource use and absenteeism in asthma.MethodsData were collected on absenteeism and healthcare resource use from 8000 asthma patients (aged 18–50 years) across the 11 countries. All data were patient reported. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated against the country with the lowest proportion of respondents for hospitalization (as a proxy for lowest resource use).ResultsPatient characteristics were broadly similar across countries. However, self-reported asthma control status varied. More than 50% of respondents in most countries considered primary healthcare professionals (HCPs), i.e., general practitioners and nurses, the main HCP they see about their asthma. However, in some countries, specialists or nurses were considered the main HCP. Hospitalization was lowest amongst patients in the Netherlands. Resource use and productivity loss varied widely across the countries; ORs for hospitalization ranged from 1 in Sweden to 4 in Norway and for productivity loss from 0.6 in Sweden to 2.6 in Italy, compared with the Netherlands.ConclusionThis study quantified utilization of healthcare resources in asthma (number of visits of HCPs, hospitalization, and accident and emergency visits) as well as absenteeism and showed that differences exist across countries. The differences in primary care and specialist use suggest a possible difference in healthcare delivery across countries.FundingMundipharma International Limited, Cambridge, UK.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12325-015-0204-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Trophic niche partitioning among sympatric baleen whale species following the collapse of groundfish stocks in the Northwest Atlantic

Ecologically similar species may coexist when resource partitioning over time and space reduces interspecific competition. Understanding resource use within these species assem- blages may help predict how species relative abundance might influence ecosystem functioning. In the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada, 4 species of rorqual whales (blue Balaenoptera musculus, fin B. physalus, minke B. acutorostrata and humpback Megaptera novaeangliae) coexist during the summer feeding period. They can be observed within hundreds of meters of one another, suggest- ing an overlap in ecological niches; yet fine-scale habitat use analyses suggest some resource par- titioning. While major ecological changes have been observed in marine ecosystems, including the Gulf of St. Lawrence, we have little understanding of how the removal of predatory fish might cascade through ecosystems. Here, we take advantage of a 19 yr tissue collection subsequent to a fishery collapse (which occurred in 1992) to investigate trophic niche partitioning within a guild of rorqual whales following the loss of a key ecosystem component, groundfish. We analyzed stable isotope ratios for 626 rorqual individuals sampled between 1992 and 2010. Using Bayesian iso- topic mixing models, we demonstrated that the 4 rorqual species segregated trophically by consuming different proportions of shared prey. An overall increase in δ 15 N values over the study period (post groundfish collapse), particularly for fin and humpback whales, suggested a progres- sive use of higher-trophic level prey, such as small pelagic fish, whereas the stability of blue whale diet over time confirmed their specialized feeding behaviour. This study provides the first long- term assessment of trophic ecology among rorqual populations on this Northwest Atlantic feeding ground, and evidence for differential resource use among large marine predators following ecosystem change.