Non-CO2 generating energy shares in the world : cross-country differences and polarization.

The aim of this paper is to examine the spatial distribution of non-CO2 generating energy sources in the world for the period 1990–2009, paying special attention to the evolution of cross-country disparities. To this end, after carrying out a classical convergence analysis, a more thorough investigation of the entire distribution is presented by examining its external shape, the intra-distribution dynamics and the long-run equilibrium distribution. This analysis reveals the existence of a weak, rather insignificant, convergence process and that large crosscountry differences are likely to persist in the long-run. Next, as polarization indicators are a proper way of appraising potential conflict in international environmental negotiations, we test whether, or not, the distribution dynamics concurs with the presence of polarization. Our results indicate that two poles can be clearly differentiated, one with high and other with low non-CO2 generating energy shares. In view of these findings, and to ensure a fair transition to a sustainable energy system, the paper calls for the development of an ambitious clean energy agenda, especially in countries with low non-CO2 generating energy shares

Personality in the Cockroach (Diploptera punctate): Evidence for Stability Across Developmental Stages Despite Age Effects on Boldness

Despite a recent surge in the popularity of animal personality studies and their wide-ranging associations with various aspects of behavioural ecology, our understanding of the development of personality over ontogeny remains poorly understood. Stability over time is a central tenet of personality; ecological pressures experienced by an individual at different life stages may, however, vary considerably, which may have a significant effect on behavioural traits. Invertebrates often go through numerous discrete developmental stages and therefore provide a useful model for such research. Here we test for both differential consistency and age effects upon behavioural traits in the gregarious cockroach Diploptera punctata by testing the same behavioural traits in both juveniles and adults. In our sample, we find consistency in boldness, exploration and sociality within adults whilst only boldness was consistent in juveniles. Both boldness and exploration measures, representative of risk-taking behaviour, show significant consistency across discrete juvenile and adult stages. Age effects are, however, apparent in our data; juveniles are significantly bolder than adults, most likely due to differences in the ecological requirements of these life stages. Size also affects risk-taking behaviour since smaller adults are both bolder and more highly explorative. Whilst a behavioural syndrome linking boldness and exploration is evident in nymphs, this disappears by the adult stage, where links between other behavioural traits become apparent. Our results therefore indicate that differential consistency in personality can be maintained across life stages despite age effects on its magnitude, with links between some personality traits changing over ontogeny, demonstrating plasticity in behavioural syndromes

Delayed-enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance imaging detects disease progression in patients with mitral valve disease and atrial fibrillationCentral MessagePerspective

Objectives: The mechanism by which mitral valve (MV) disease leads to atrial fibrillation (AF) remains poorly understood. Delayed-enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (DE-MRI) has been used to assess left atrial (LA) fibrosis in patients with lone AF before catheter ablation; however, few studies have used DE-MRI to assess MV-induced LA fibrosis in patients with or without AF undergoing MV surgery. Methods: Between March 2018 and September 2022, 38 subjects were enrolled; 15 age-matched controls, 14 patients with lone mitral regurgitation (MR), and 9 patients with MR and AF (MR + AF). Indexed LA volume, total LA wall, and regional LA posterior wall (LAPW) enhancement were defined by the DE-MRI. One-way analysis of variance was performed. Results: LA volume and LA enhancement were associated (r = 0.451, P = .004). LA volume differed significantly between controls (37.1 ± 10.6 mL) and patients with lone MR (71.0 ± 35.9, P = .020 and controls and patients with MR + AF (99.3 ± 47.4, P < .001). The difference in LA enhancement was significant between MR + AF (16.7 ± 9.6%) versus controls (8.3 ± 3.9%, P = .006) and MR + AF versus lone MR (8.0 ± 4.8%, P = .004). Similarly, the was significantly more LAPW enhancement in the MR + AF (17.5 ± 8.7%) versus control (9.2 ± 5.1%, P = .011) and MR + AF versus lone MR (9.8 ± 6.0%, P = .020) Conclusions: Patients with MR + AF had significantly more total and LAPW fibrosis compared with both controls and lone MR. Volume and delayed enhancement were associated, but there was no difference between MR and MR + AF