bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
nQuack: An R package for predicting ploidal level from sequence data using site-based heterozygosity
Authors: Gaynor Michelle L. , Landis Jacob B. , O’Connor Timothy K. , Laport Robert G. , Doyle Jeff J. , Soltis Douglas E. , Ponciano José Miguel , Soltis Pamela S.
Published: February 2024

Premise

Traditional methods of ploidal level estimation are tedious; leveraging sequence data for cytotype estimation is an ideal alternative. Multiple statistical approaches to leverage DNA sequence data for ploidy prediction based on site-based heterozygosity have been developed. However, these approaches may require high-coverage sequence data, use improper probability distributions, or have additional statistical shortcomings that limit inference abilities. We introduce nQuack, an open-source R package, that addresses the main shortcomings of current methods.

Methods and Results

nQuack performs model selection for improved ploidy predictions. Here, we implement expected maximization algorithms with normal, beta, and beta-binomial distributions. Using extensive computer simulations that account for variability in sequencing depth, as well as real data sets, we demonstrate the utility and limitations of nQuack.

Conclusion

Inferring ploidal level based on site-based heterozygosity alone is discouraged due to the low accuracy of pattern-based inference.
nanoFeatures:a cross-platform application to characterize nanoparticles from super-resolution microscopy images
Authors: Izquierdo-Lozano Cristina , van Noort Niels , van Veen Stijn , Tholen Marrit M.E. , Grisoni Francesca , Albertazzi Lorenzo
Published: February 2024

Super-resolution microscopy and Single-Molecule Localization Microscopy (SMLM) are a powerful tool to characterize synthetic nanomaterials used for many applications such as drug delivery. In the last decade, imaging techniques like STORM, PALM, and PAINT have been used to study nanoparticle size, structure, and composition. While imaging has progressed significantly, often image analysis did not follow accordingly and many studies are limited to qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis. Therefore, it is imperative to have a robust and accurate method to analyze SMLM images of nanoparticles and extract quantitative features from them. Here we introducenanoFeatures, a cross-platform Matlab-based app for the automatic and quantitative analysis of super-resolution images.nanoFeaturesmakes use of clustering algorithms to identify nanoparticles from the raw data (localization list) and extract quantitative information about size, shape, and molecular abundance at the single-particle and single-molecule levels. Moreover, it applies a series of quality controls, increasing data quality and avoiding artifacts.nanoFeatures, thanks to its intuitive interface is also accessible to non-experts and will facilitate analysis of super-resolution microscopy for materials scientists and nanotechnologies. This easy accessibility to expansive feature characterization at the single particle level will bring us one step closer to understanding the relationship between nanostructure features and their efficiency.https://github.com/n4nlab/nanoFeatures
Monocyte to macrophage differentiation and changes in cellular redox homeostasis promote cell type-specific HIV latency reactivation
Authors: Blanco Alexandra , Coronado Robert A. , Arun Neha , Ma Kelly , Dar Roy D. , Kieffer Collin
Published: February 2024

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) latency regulation in monocytes and macrophages can vary according to signals directing differentiation, polarization, and function. To investigate these processes, we generated an HIV latency model in THP-1 monocytes and showed differential levels of HIV reactivation among clonal populations. Monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation of HIV-infected primary human CD14+ and THP-1 cells induced HIV reactivation and showed that virus production increased concomitant with macrophage differentiation. We applied the HIV-infected THP-1 monocyte-to- macrophage (MLat) model to assess the biological mechanisms regulating HIV latency dynamics during monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation. We pinpointed PKC signaling pathway activation and Cyclin T1 upregulation as inherent differentiation mechanisms that regulate HIV latency reactivation. Macrophage polarization regulated latency, revealing pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages suppressed HIV reactivation while M2 macrophages promoted HIV reactivation. Because macrophages rely on reactive- oxygen species (ROS) to exert numerous cellular functions, we disrupted redox pathways and discovered that inhibitors of the thioredoxin (Trx) system acted as latency promoting agents (LPAs) in T-cells and monocytes, but opposingly acted as latency reversing agents (LRAs) in macrophages. We explored this mechanism with Auranofin, a clinical candidate for reducing HIV reservoirs, and demonstrated Trx reductase (TrxR) inhibition led to ROS induced NF-κB activity, which promoted HIV reactivation in macrophages, but not in T-cells and monocytes. Collectively, cell type-specific differences in HIV latency regulation could pose a barrier to HIV eradication strategies.
Estimating orientation in Natural scenes: A Spiking Neural Network Model of the Insect Central Complex
Authors: Stentiford Rachael , Knight James , Nowotny Thomas , Philippides Andrew , Graham Paul
Published: February 2024

The central complex of insects contains cells, organised as a ring attractor, that encode head direction. The ‘bump’ of activity in the ring can be updated by idiothetic cues and external sensory information. Plasticity at the synapses between these cells and the ring neurons, that are responsible for bringing sensory information into the central complex, has been proposed to form a mapping between visual cues and the heading estimate which allows for more accurate tracking of the current heading, than if only idiothetic information were used.

In Drosophila, ring neurons have well characterised non-linear receptive fields. In this work we produce synthetic versions of these visual receptive fields using a combination of excitatory inputs and mutual inhibition between ring neurons. We use these receptive fields to bring visual information into a spiking neural network model of the insect central complex based on the recently published Drosophila connectome.

Previous modelling work has focused on how this circuit functions as a ring attractor using the same type of simple visual cues commonly used experimentally. While we initially test the model on these simple stimuli, we then go on to apply the model to complex natural scenes containing multiple conflicting cues. We show that this simple visual filtering provided by the ring neurons is sufficient to form a mapping between heading and visual features and maintain the heading estimate in the absence of angular velocity input. The network is successful at tracking heading even when presented with videos of natural scenes containing conflicting information from environmental changes and translation of the camera.

Author summary

To navigate through the world animals require knowledge of the direction they are facing. Insects keep track of this “head direction” with a population of ‘compass’ neurons. These cells can use internal measures of angular velocity to maintain the heading estimate but this becomes inaccurate over time and needs to be stabilised by environmental cues. In this work we produce a spiking neural network model replicating the connectivity between regions of the insect brain known to be involved in keeping track of heading and the neurons which are responsible for bringing sensory information into the circuit.

We show that the model replicates the dynamics of visual learning from experiments where flies learn simple visual stimuli. Then using panoramic videos of complex natural environments, we show that the learned mapping between the current estimate of heading in the compass neurons and the features of the visual scene can maintain and enforce the correct heading estimate.
Biophysical Fluid Dynamics in a Petri Dish
Authors: Fortune George T. , Lauga Eric , Goldstein Raymond E
Published: February 2024

The humble Petri dish is perhaps the simplest setting in which to examine the locomotion of swimming organisms, particularly those whose body size is tens of microns to millimetres. The fluid layer in such a container has a bottom no-slip surface and a stress-free upper boundary. It is of fundamental interest to understand the flow fields produced by the elementary and composite singularities of Stokes flow in this geometry. Building on the few particular cases that have previously been considered in the literature, we study here the image systems for the primary singularities of Stokes flow subject to such boundary conditions —the stokeslet, rotlet, source, rotlet dipole, source dipole and stresslet —paying particular attention to the far-field behavior. In several key situations, the depth-averaged fluid flow is accurately captured by the solution of an associated Brinkman equation whose screening length is proportional to the depth of the fluid layer. The case of hydrodynamic bound states formed by spinning microswimmers near a no-slip surface, discovered first using the algaVolvox, is reconsidered in the geometry of a Petri dish, where the powerlaw attractive interaction between microswimmers acquires unusual exponentially screened oscillations.
Role of crystal and magnetic structures in the magnetoelectric coupling in
CaMn7O12
Authors: Sannigrahi Jhuma , Khan Md Salman , Numan Mohamad , Das Manjil , Banerjee Anupam , Le Manh Duc , Cibin Giannantonio , Adroja Devashibhai , Majumdar Subham
Published: February 2024

We investigate the magnetoelectric coupling in CaMn7O12 (CMO) through a comprehensive spectroscopic analysis combining inelastic neutron scattering (INS), x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), and synchrotron-based powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD). CMO's intricate interplay between magnetism and ferroelectricity is dissected to uncover its underlying mechanisms. XAS reveals a mixed valency of Mn ions in CMO, reflecting the presence of Mn3+ and Mn4+ ions, which contributes to its magnetoelectric properties. The double structure in Mn-K near-edge absorption spectra reinforces multiple Mn sites as well as the mixed valency of the compound. Synchrotron-based PXRD experiments conducted over a range of temperatures unveil structural distortions near the magnetic transition temperatures of CMO. These distortions coincide with anomalies in lattice parameters and bond lengths, shedding light on the link between structural modulations and magnetoelectric behavior. Furthermore, INS measurements identify specific energy bands (E1, E2, and E3) associated with distinct exchange interactions between Mn ions. This work advances our understanding of magnetoelectric coupling mechanisms and showcases the potential of multifunctional materials for applications in spintronics and related fields.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Temperature dependence of electric-field gradient in Zn and Cd: Replacing the
T3/2
law
Authors: Haas H.
Published: February 2024

The existing experimental data for the temperature dependence of the nuclear quadrupole interaction in Zn and Cd have been accounted for by considering reanalyzed data for structure and vibrational amplitude as a function of temperature, in combination with density functional calculations of the electric-field gradient (EFG) variation due to the structure change. For Zn the complex EFG temperature effect, previously unexplained, can be fully reproduced, while for Cd it is shown that the apparent agreement with an earlier proposed universal temperature dependence as proportional to T3/2 is due to a combination of structural and vibrational contributions. It is demonstrated that for Zn, in particular, the resulting EFG at 0 K, including the now directly calculated shift due to zero-point vibrations, and the subsequently obtained nuclear quadrupole moments, can be considerably different when taking the present revised analysis and all experimental data into account. As an additional example also one impurity system, Ge69 in Zn, is tentatively analyzed in this context. The possible extension of the present approach to other noncubic s−p metals is envisioned.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Universal Definition of the Nonconformal Trace Anomaly
Authors: Ferrero Renata , Franchino-Viñas Sebastián A. , Fröb Markus B. , Lima William C. C.
Published: February 2024

We show that there exists a generalized, universal notion of the trace anomaly for theories which are not conformally invariant at the classical level. The definition is suitable for any regularization scheme and clearly states to what extent the classical equations of motion should be used, thus resolving existing controversies surrounding previous proposals. Additionally, we exhibit the link between our definition of the anomaly and the functional Jacobian arising from a Weyl transformation.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
False alarm detection in intensive care unit for monitoring arrhythmia condition using bio-signals
Authors: Swetapadma Aleena , Manna Tishya , Samami Maryam
Published: February 2024

Purpose

A novel method has been proposed to reduce the false alarm rate of arrhythmia patients regarding life-threatening conditions in the intensive care unit. In this purpose, the atrial blood pressure, photoplethysmogram (PLETH), electrocardiogram (ECG) and respiratory (RESP) signals are considered as input signals.

Design/methodology/approach

Three machine learning approaches feed-forward artificial neural network (ANN), ensemble learning method and k-nearest neighbors searching methods are used to detect the false alarm. The proposed method has been implemented using Arduino and MATLAB/SIMULINK for real-time ICU-arrhythmia patients' monitoring data.

Findings

The proposed method detects the false alarm with an accuracy of 99.4 per cent during asystole, 100 per cent during ventricular flutter, 98.5 per cent during ventricular tachycardia, 99.6 per cent during bradycardia and 100 per cent during tachycardia. The proposed framework is adaptive in many scenarios, easy to implement, computationally friendly and highly accurate and robust with overfitting issue.

Originality/value

As ECG signals consisting with PQRST wave, any deviation from the normal pattern may signify some alarming conditions. These deviations can be utilized as input to classifiers for the detection of false alarms; hence, there is no need for other feature extraction techniques. Feed-forward ANN with the Lavenberg–Marquardt algorithm has shown higher rate of convergence than other neural network algorithms which helps provide better accuracy with no overfitting.
Examining perceptions of utilizing augmented reality in hybrid learning environment: instructors and students perspectives
Authors: Ironsi Chinaza Solomon
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the perceptions of language learners and instructors on using augmented reality (AR) in a hybrid learning environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed-method research design was used to elicit information from 62 participants on the study’s objective. Data were collected and analyzed to examine the participants’ views on using AR in language teaching in a hybrid environment.

Findings

This study unveils that while most studies acknowledge AR as an effective instructional delivery, students and instructors perceive some setbacks. Other novel insights provided by this study reveal necessities to consider before implementing AR in classroom settings.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides insights into the widely reported effectiveness of AR in the English language-teaching domain. This study suggests that considering the dispositions of learners and instructors toward digitally enhanced learning, using AR without good teaching practices and approaches may not yield expected learning outcomes.

Originality/value

This study advances scientific knowledge on the use of AR in hybrid learning models by providing empirical evidence to show the perceived effectiveness of AR. It further provides a robust understanding of the pedagogical implications of using AR in classroom settings drawing from diverse lenses. This helps ensure that educational settings that integrate AR consider the novel findings of this study before such implementation.
The effect of breadth of external pressure on leaders in small and medium-sized enterprises: does the firm become more entrepreneurial?
Authors: Williams Chris , You Jacqueline Jing , Spielmann Nathalie
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The study explores the relationship between the breadth of external pressures facing leaders of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the entrepreneurial stance they adopt for their firm, that is, entrepreneurial orientation (EO).

Design/methodology/approach

Blending attention theory with EO literature, we argue that increasing breadth of external pressures will challenge leaders' attentions with implications for how they seek innovation, risk-taking and bold acts. We highlight an inflection point after which a negative relationship between the breadth of external pressure and EO will turn positive. We use data from a survey of 125 small-sized wineries in France to test this and capture a range of 15 external pressures on entrepreneurs.

Findings

The main tests and additional robustness tests provide support. It is the breadth of external pressures – as opposed to intensity of any one specific form of pressure – that plays a fundamental role in shaping leaders' adoption of EO in small enterprises over and above internal characteristics.

Research limitations/implications

While the results may be context-dependent, they provide support for an attention-based view of entrepreneurial responses by leaders of SMEs under pressure.

Practical implications

SME leaders and entrepreneurs should be aware of how their attention is challenged by breadth of pressures from external sources, as this can influence the EO they adopt for their SME.

Originality/value

This nonlinear perspective on external pressures influencing the EO of small firms has not been taken in the EO literature to date, despite some recent work that considers only a small range of external pressures.
Sky-Worker: a heterogeneous dual-arm robot with dynamic authority assignment for live-line working
Authors: Li Yanghong , Wang Yahao , Chen Yutao , Rong X.W. , Zhao Yuliang , Wu Shaolei , Dong Erbao
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The current difficulties of distribution network working robots are mainly in the performance and operation mode. On the one hand, high-altitude power operation tasks require high load-carrying capacity and dexterity of the robot; on the other hand, the fully autonomous mode is uncontrollable and the teleoperation mode has a high failure rate. Therefore, this study aims to design a distribution network operation robot named Sky-Worker to solve the above two problems.

Design/methodology/approach

The heterogeneous arms of Sky-Worker are driven by hydraulics and electric motors to solve the contradiction between high load-carrying capacity and high flexibility. A human–robot collaborative shared control architecture is built to realize real-time human intervention during autonomous operation, and control weights are dynamically assigned based on energy optimization.

Findings

Simulations and tests show that Sky-Worker has good dexterity while having a high load capacity. Based on Sky-Worker, multiuser tests and practical application experiments show that the designed shared-control mode effectively improves the success rate and efficiency of operations compared with other current operation modes.

Practical implications

The designed heterogeneous dual-arm distribution robot aims to better serve distribution line operation tasks.

Originality/value

For the first time, the integration of hydraulic and motor drives into a distribution network operation robot has achieved better overall performance. A human–robot cooperative shared control framework is proposed for remote live-line working robots, which provides better operation results than other current operation modes.
Transactive memory systems in superteams: the effect of an intelligent assistant in virtual teams
Authors: McWilliams Denise J. , Randolph Adriane B.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Researchers explore the impact of an intelligent assistant in virtual teams by applying the theoretical lens of a transactive memory system (TMS) to understand the relationships between trust in a specific technology, knowledge sharing and knowledge application.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was administered to a Qualtrics-curated panel of individual, US-based virtual team members utilizing an intelligent assistant with team collaboration software. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was utilized to examine the hypothesized relationships of interest.

Findings

Results suggest that knowledge application is strongly influenced by trust in a specific technology and knowledge sharing. Additionally, a transactive memory system positively increases trust in the intelligent assistant, and similarly, trust in the intelligent assistant has a significant positive relationship with knowledge sharing.

Originality/value

The research model contributes to our understanding of the impact of an intelligent assistant in virtual teams. Although the transactive memory system construct has been explored in various contexts and models, few have explored the impact of an intelligent assistant and trust in a specific technology.
Readiness for green transformation process in healthcare organizations
Authors: Thomas Albi , Suresh M.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Green transformation is more than simply a trend; it is a way of life, a set of habits, a field of knowledge and a dedication to resource conservation. Going green is surely a creative and transformative process for both individuals and organizations. This paper aims to “identify,” “analyse” and “categorise” the readiness factors for green transformation process in health care using total interpretive structural modelling (TISM) and neutrosophic-MICMAC.

Design/methodology/approach

To address the study objectives, the study used TISM and neutrosophic-MICMAC analysis. To identify the readiness factors, a literature study was conducted, and the factors were face-validated by the healthcare experts. The factors influence on one another were captured by using a scheduled interview with a closed ended questionnaire. The TISM addressed the identification and analysing of factors and the categorization and ranking the readiness factors is addressed by using neutrosophic-MICMAC analysis.

Findings

This study identified 11 green transformation process readiness factors for healthcare organizations. The study states that the key factors or driving factors are awareness of green governance principle, environment leadership and management, green gap analysis, information and communication technology and innovation dynamics.

Research limitations/implications

The factor ranking is sensitive to the respondents’ ratings. The study relied on the past literature and experts’ opinion may result in the subjective biases. The complex nature of healthcare ecosystem challenges to capture all the factors. The study focussed on Indian hospitals.

Practical implications

Study significantly impacts the healthcare practitioners, academicians and policymakers by providing critical insights into the readiness factors required for the healthcare green transformation process. The study offers a better understanding of the crucial or key or driving factors that aid in embracing green and sustainable practices.

Originality/value

Identifying a gap in conceptual and theoretical frameworks for green transformation readiness factors in healthcare organizations and in Indian context. The study addresses this gap by aiming to create a thorough theoretical framework and highlighted by its focus on Indian hospitals.
Do balanced budget practices of U.S. states make sense? Alternatives from the Eurozone
Authors: Douglas James W. , Raudla Ringa
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to challenge the balanced budget practices of U.S. state governments and offer alternatives that may lead to better fiscal, economic and policy outcomes. We contend that the norm of balance may be leading U.S. states to make fiscal decisions that result in less-than-ideal outcomes, especially during economic downturns.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a normative article. We examine the scholarly evidence regarding balanced budget practices to assess the appropriateness of balanced budget norms. We also examine the fiscal rules followed by Eurozone countries to draw potential lessons for U.S. states.

Findings

We conclude that state governments should move away from strict norms of budget balance and seek more flexible approaches. We suggest that instead of following strict rules and norms of balance, U.S. states should consider implementing escape clauses, debt and deficit ceilings, and fiscal councils. We also suggest that the Federal Reserve be open to lending directly to states during fiscal crises to ensure that states have access to affordable credit.

Originality/value

The balanced budget norm has become ingrained in U.S. state budgeting practices, so much so that public officials and scholars alike rarely question it. The novel contribution of our article is to question this practice in a systematic way and propose alternative approaches.
Serving customers through chatbots: positive and negative effects on customer experience
Authors: Ranieri Angelo , Di Bernardo Irene , Mele Cristina
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Service research offering a view of both the dark and bright sides of smart technology remains scarce. This paper embraces a critical perspective and examines the conflicting outcomes of smart services on the customer experience (CX), with a specific focus on chatbots.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses empirical research methods to examine a single case study where an online retail service provider implemented a chatbot for customer service. Using discourse analysis, we analysed 7,167 conversations between customers and the chatbot over a two-year period.

Findings

The analysis identifies seven general themes related to the effects of the chatbot on CX: interaction quality, information gathering, procedure literacy, task achievement, digital trust, shopping stress and shopping journey. We illuminate both positive (i.e. having a pleasant interaction, providing information, knowing procedures, improving tasks, increasing trust, reducing stress and completing the journey) and negative outcomes (i.e. having an unpleasant interaction, increasing confusion, ignoring procedures, worsening tasks, reducing trust, increasing stress and abandoning the journey).

Originality/value

The paper develops a comprehensive framework to offer a clearer view of chatbots as smart services in customer care. It delves into the conflicting effects of chatbots on CX by examining them through relational, cognitive, affective and behavioural dimensions.
A systematic literature review on transformative practices and well-being outcomes in healthcare service
Authors: Ungaro Veronica , Di Pietro Laura , Guglielmetti Mugion Roberta , Renzi Maria Francesca
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The paper aims to investigate the practices facilitating the transformation of healthcare services, understanding the resulting outcomes in terms of well-being and uplifting changes. a systematic literature review (SLR) focusing on analyzing the healthcare sector under the transformative service research (TSR) theoretical domain is conducted to achieve this goal.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a structured SLR developed based on the PRISMA protocol (Pickering and Byrne, 2014; Pickering et al., 2015) and using Scopus and WoS databases, the study identifies and analyzes 49 papers published between 2021 and 2022. Content analysis is used to classify and analyze the papers.

Findings

The SLR reveals four transformative practices (how) within the healthcare sector under the TSR domain, each linked to specific well-being outcomes (what). The analysis shows that both practices and outcomes are mainly patient-related. An integrative framework for transformative healthcare service is presented and critically examined to identify research gaps and define the trajectory for the future development of TSR in healthcare. In addition, managerial implications are provided to guide practitioners.

Originality/value

This research is among the first to analyze TSR literature in the context of healthcare. The study critically examines the TSR’s impact on the sector’s transformation, providing insights for future research and offering a roadmap for healthcare practitioners to facilitate uplifting changes.
Automating hyperparameter optimization in geophysics with Optuna: A comparative study
Authors: Almarzooq Hussain , bin Waheed Umair
Published: February 2024

Deep learning has gained attraction amongst geophysicists for solving complex longstanding problems. Nevertheless, proper hyperparameter optimization methodologies remain critically underexplored in geophysical deep learning research. This paper attempts to first highlight the importance of hyperparameter optimization and then showcase two geophysics‐related deep learning examples where a grid search and Optuna framework (an automated optimization approach) were used for hyperparameter optimization. We consider two geophysical problems related to denoising seismic traces and the inversion of seismic traces for velocity information. In both cases, models created based on Optuna hyperparameter optimization were able to perform better than those created through grid search. The most significant advantage of Optuna, however, is having quantifiable results to justify the choice of a neural network architecture, depth and other hyperparameters rather than relying on inefficient methods of exploring the hyperparameter space such as a trial‐and‐error or grid search. This study aims to stimulate further exploration and adoption of these frameworks, pushing the boundaries of current deep learning based geophysical problem‐solving methodologies towards full automation.
Imaging the shallow velocity structure of the slow‐spreading ridge of the South China Sea with downward continued multichannel seismic data
Authors: Jiang Wenbin , Zhang Heng , Li Fuyuan , Zhang Ruwei , Zhang Baojin , Gu Yuan , Wang Lijie
Published: February 2024

High‐resolution shallow oceanic crust velocity models provide crucial information on the tectonothermal history of the oceanic crust. The ocean bottom seismometers record wide‐angle seismic reflection and refraction data to image deeper structures compared with streamer data set. However, most ocean bottom seismometers experiments produce low‐resolution velocity models with limited shallow crustal structure due to sparse ocean bottom seismometers spacing. Multichannel seismic data recorded by towed streamers provide complementary seismic images of the oceanic crust but yield little information on subseafloor velocity because most subseafloor refractions are masked by seafloor reflections. Therefore, it is difficult to obtain fine‐scale velocity structure of shallow upper oceanic crust with both ocean bottom seismometers and multichannel seismic data. Downward continuation technique redatumed the shots and receivers to the seafloor to collapse the seafloor reflections to the zero offset and extract refractions as first arrivals from nearly zero offset, enabling dense ray coverage at the shallow crust. We applied the downward continuation and traveltime tomography methods to two synthetic models, Marmousi and SEAM Phase I Salt models, to demonstrate the performance of the strategy in the situations of flat seafloor and rough seafloor topography. We conducted the first‐arrival traveltime tomography on downward continued towed‐streamer multichannel seismic data across a slow‐spreading ridge of the South China Sea, providing unprecedented details of shallow velocity structure in the sediments. The low velocity sediments revealed by traveltime tomography match well with the prestack depth migration profile.
Spatial prey availability and pulsed reproductive tactics: Encounter risk in a canid–ungulate system
Authors: Brunet Mitchell J. , Huggler Katey S. , Holbrook Joseph D. , Burke Patrick W. , Zornes Mark , Lionberger Patrick , Monteith Kevin L.
Published: February 2024

Predation risk is a function of spatiotemporal overlap between predator and prey, as well as behavioural responses during encounters. Dynamic factors (e.g. group size, prey availability and animal movement or state) affect risk, but rarely are integrated in risk assessments. Our work targets a system where predation risk is fundamentally linked to temporal patterns in prey abundance and behaviour. For neonatal ungulate prey, risk is defined within a short temporal window during which the pulse in parturition, increasing movement capacity with age and antipredation tactics have the potential to mediate risk.

In our coyote–mule deer (Canis latrans–Odocoileus hemionus) system, leveraging GPS data collected from both predator and prey, we tested expectations of shared enemy and reproductive risk hypotheses. We asked two questions regarding risk: (A) How does primary and alternative prey habitat, predator and prey activity, and reproductive tactics (e.g. birth synchrony and maternal defence) influence the vulnerability of a neonate encountering a predator? (B) How do the same factors affect behaviour by predators relative to the time before and after an encounter?

Despite increased selection for mule deer and intensified search behaviour by coyotes during the peak in mule deer parturition, mule deer were afforded protection from predation via predator swamping, experiencing reduced per‐capita encounter risk when most neonates were born. Mule deer occupying rabbit habitat (Sylvilagus spp.; coyote's primary prey) experienced the greatest risk of encounter but the availability of rabbit habitat did not affect predator behaviour during encounters. Encounter risk increased in areas with greater availability of mule deer habitat: coyotes shifted their behaviour relative to deer habitat, and the pulse in mule deer parturition and movement of neonatal deer during encounters elicited increased speed and tortuosity by coyotes.

In addition to the spatial distribution of prey, temporal patterns in prey availability and animal behavioural state were fundamental in defining risk. Our work reveals the nuanced consequences of pulsed availability on predation risk for alternative prey, whereby responses by predators to sudden resource availability, the lasting effects of diversionary prey and inherent antipredation tactics ultimately dictate risk.
Explaining the gap: Why do Swedish‐speaking minority youth have higher political self‐efficacy than Finnish‐speaking majority youth?
Authors: Hannuksela Venla
Published: February 2024

Although political self‐efficacy is one of the most important determinants of political participation, little is known about the factors that boost its development or reduce structural differences between different social groups. This study tests three perspectives—socioeconomic background, social capital and supporting school environment—to explain why youth belonging to the Swedish‐speaking minority in Finland have significantly higher political self‐efficacy than those belonging to the Finnish‐speaking majority, despite their minority status. Using the data of 5274 15–16‐year‐old students in a multilevel OLS design, this study indicates that a more open classroom climate in minority schools is an important predictor of the higher political self‐efficacy of the minority youth. The results demonstrate the value of promoting classroom environments where students are encouraged to express their opinions and discuss political issues openly.
The aetiology of maxillofacial trauma in Australia: A scoping review
Authors: Pabbati SSR , Thomson P , Sharma D , Bhandari S
Published: February 2024

Background

The oral and maxillofacial complex is subject to a range of traumas. Injuries to the region are devastating and have a great impact on social health outcomes. This review intends to investigate the aetiologies of maxillofacial trauma across Australia.

Methods

This review was written in accordance with the PRISMA‐ScR. Comprehensive searches of CINAHL, MEDLINE, Ovid, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were conducted to identify potentially relevant literature. Quantitative observational epidemiological studies were sought and were required to include at least one aetiology to the maxillofacial region in their data set. A total of 31 eligible studies were included.

Results

The greatest recorded causes of maxillofacial injuries included inter‐personal violence (34.98%) falls (20.87%), sports (15.62%), and motor‐vehicle accidents (14.31%). These four aetiologies cumulatively accounted for more than 85% of maxillofacial injuries. From all sustained injuries (n = 7661), the orbit was the most prevalent site of fracture (31.85%), followed by the zygoma (22.01%), mandible (21%), nasal bone (12.45%), maxilla (10.04%), dentoalveolus (1.84%), antrum (<1%), and frontal bone (<1%).

Conclusion

Violence was an unprecedented cause of trauma—additional research is recommended to further characterize the correlation between the two variables. Research is also recommended specifically in regional/rural communities, where data was particularly limited. © 2024 Australian Dental Association.
The case for open research in entomology: Reducing harm, refining reproducibility and advancing insect science
Authors: Cuff Jordan P. , Barrett Meghan , Gray Helen , Fox Charles , Watt Allan , Aimé Emilie
Published: February 2024

Open research is an increasingly developed and crucial framework for the advancement of science and has seen successful adoption across a broad range of disciplines. Entomology has, however, been slow to adopt these practices compared to many adjacent fields despite ethical and practical imperatives to do so.

The grand challenges facing entomology in the 21st century require the synthesis of evidence at global scales, necessitating open sharing of data and research at a pace and scale incompatible with the slow adoption of open research practices. Open science also plays a vital role in fostering trust in research and maximizing use of research outputs, which is ethically crucial for reducing harms to insects.

We outline these imperatives and how open research practices can enhance entomological research across a range of contexts. We also highlight the holistic nature of open science across the full research lifecycle through several specific examples of open research practices, which can be adopted easily by individual entomologists.

We do, however, argue that the responsibility of promoting, integrating and encouraging open research is most crucially held by publishers, including scholarly societies, which have leveraged widespread adoption in adjacent fields. Entomology must advance quickly to become a leading discipline in the open research transition.
Distribution parameters of large mammals and conservation management in an Afrotropical forest landscape and biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Kupsch Denis , Bobo Kadiri Serge
Published: February 2024

Though there is consent that poaching is an important driver of wildlife declines in many African forests, we lack a deeper understanding of the factors behind population patterns in Afrotropical landscapes to inform conservation management. We surveyed line transects in four Cameroonian sites of different protection status in 2013/2014, namely Korup National Park, Banyang Mbo Wildlife Reserve, one timber concession and a section of an unprotected agroforestry matrix, and used data from 2007 for trend assessment. We used GLMs to identify predictors for mammal distribution based on a set of variables. While species compositions showed complex trend patterns, it is noteworthy that chimpanzee and elephant abundances declined significantly in the Banyang Mbo Wildlife Reserve. Although landscape management type affected the distribution of most mammal species, anthropogenic or environmental variables were strong predictors. Chimpanzee, elephant and drill abundances were higher at a larger distance to settlements. Vegetation density positively affected a number of species, including chimpanzee and red colobus. Several species were more abundant in rough terrain, probably because of reduced poaching. Our results suggest that protected areas in Southwest Cameroon had a mitigating effect on wildlife declines, mainly due to their remoteness and habitat quality, rather than management interventions.
The use of immunomodulation therapy in women with recurrent implantation failure undergoing assisted conception: A multicentre cohort study
Authors: Khairy Mohammed , Harb Hoda , Eapen Abey , Melo Pedro , Kazem Rahnuma , Rajkhowa Madhurima , Ndukuwe George , Coomarasamy Arri
Published: February 2024

Problem

Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) after multiple embryo transfers remains a vexing problem and immunomodulators have been used with conflicting results. This study aims to assess the effect of immunomodulation therapy on live birth rate (LBR) in women with RIF undergoing assisted reproduction treatment (ART).

Method of study design

This is a retrospective cohort study in multicentre network of private assisted conception units in the UK. The study included women who had at least two failed attempts of embryo transfers at CARE fertility network in the period from 1997 to 2018. Women in the treatment group had immunomodulator drugs in the form of corticosteroids, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), and intravenous intralipid (IVIL) infusions, either separately or in combination, after immunological testing, in addition to standard ART whilst women in the control group had only ART without immunomodulators. The primary outcome was LBR per cycle. Secondary outcomes included the rates of clinical pregnancy (CPR), cumulative live birth (CLBR), and miscarriage.

Results

A total of 27 163 ART cycles fulfilled the inclusion criteria, of which 5083 had immunomodulation treatment in addition to standard ART treatment, and 22 080 had standard ART treatment alone. Women in the treatment group were significantly older (mean age 38.5 vs. 37.1 years, p < .001), and had a higher number of previous failed ART cycles (mean 4.3 vs. 3.8, p < .01). There was a higher LBR in women who received immunomodulation therapy when compared with the control group (20.9% vs. 15.8%, odds ratio [OR] 1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29–1.53, p < .001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that immunomodulation treatment was a significant independent predictor of live birth after adjusting for other confounders (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.33, 95% CI 1.15–1.54, p < .001). Survival analysis showed a higher CLBR in the treatment group (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.78, 95% CI 1.62–1.94, p < .001).

Conclusion(s)

This study provides evidence of a potential beneficial effect of immunomodulation therapy in women with RIF after immunological testing. There remains a need for high quality, adequately powered multicentre RCTs to robustly address the role of immunomodulation in women with RIF. There is also an urgent need for standardised screening tests for immune disorders that could preclude implantation.
Perinatal outcomes after regional analgesia during labour
Authors: Lawson Janna , Amaratunge Lahiru , Goh Melody , Selvaratnam Roshan J.
Published: February 2024

Background

Regional analgesia is a common and effective form of in‐labour analgesia. However, there are concerns whether it is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Aims

To examine the association between regional analgesia and maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective population‐based cohort study of singleton term births in Victoria, Australia, between 2014 and 2020. Women who received regional analgesia were compared with women who did not. Multivariable logistic and linear regressions were used.

Results

There were 107 013 women who received regional analgesia and 214 416 women who did not. Compared to women who did not receive regional analgesia, regional analgesia was associated with an increased risk of instrumental birth (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.59, 95% CI: 3.52–3.67), caesarean section (aOR = 2.30, 95% CI: 2.24–2.35), longer duration of the second stage of labour (β coefficient = 26.6 min, 95% CI: 26.3–27.0), Apgar score below seven at five minutes (aOR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.21–1.39), need for neonatal resuscitation (aOR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.40–1.48), need for formula in hospital (aOR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.65–1.72), and the last feed before discharge not exclusively from the breast (aOR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.56–1.62).

Conclusion

Regional analgesia use in labour was associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. These findings may add to the risk–benefit discussion regarding regional analgesia for pain relief and highlight the importance of shared decision‐making. Further large prospective studies and randomised controlled trials will be useful.
Editorial: How often can we get the right diagnosis after bone marrow transplant in patients with abnormal liver function tests?
Authors: Gaume C. , Moluçon Chabrot C. , Chabrot P. , Abergel A.
Published: February 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Dezan et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17756 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17870
Editorial: Enhancing frailty assessment in liver transplantation candidates—The role of the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) in predicting mortality and guiding prehabilitation. Authors' reply
Authors: Armstrong Matthew J. , Williams Felicity R.
Published: February 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Williams et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17834 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17860
Letter: The multifaceted role of Escherichia coli in influencing disorders of the industrial populations—Authors' reply
Authors: Gerasimidis Konstantinos , Faqerah Nojoud , Walker Daniel
Published: February 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Faqerah et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17720 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17865
Impact of COVID‐19 pandemic on sleep parameters and characteristics in individuals living with overweight and obesity
Authors: Glazer Stephen A. , Vallis Michael
Published: February 2024

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has been very challenging for those living with overweight and obesity. The magnitude of this impact on sleep requires further attention to optimise patient care and outcomes. This study assessed the impact of the COVID‐19 lockdown on sleep duration and quality as well as identify predictors of poor sleep quality in individuals with reported diagnoses of obstructive sleep apnoea and those without sleep apnoea. An online survey (June–October 2020) was conducted with two samples; one representative of Canadians living with overweight and obesity (n = 1089) and a second of individuals recruited through obesity clinical services or patient organisations (n = 980). While overall sleep duration did not decline much, there were identifiable groups with reduced or increased sleep. Those with changed sleep habits, especially reduced sleep, had much poorer sleep quality, were younger, gained more weight and were more likely to be female. Poor sleep quality was associated with medical, social and eating concerns as well as mood disturbance. Those with sleep apnoea had poorer quality sleep although this was offset to some degree by use of CPAP. Sleep quality and quantity has been significantly impacted during the early part of the COVID‐19 pandemic in those living with overweight and obesity. Predictors of poor sleep and the impact of sleep apnoea with and without CPAP therapy on sleep parameters has been evaluated. Identifying those at increased risk of sleep alterations and its impact requires further clinical consideration.