bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitotic spindle orientation and dynamics are fine-tuned by anisotropic tissue stretch via NuMA localisation
Authors: Tarannum Nawseen , Hargreaves Dionn , Ilieva Dessislava , Goddard Georgina K. , Jensen Oliver E. , Woolner Sarah
Published: October 2024

Cell division orientation, which is key to cell fate and shaping tissues, is influenced by mechanical forces. For example, in uniaxially stretched tissue most divisions orient along the stretch axis. This mechanosensitive division orientation can be achieved by distinct mechanisms involving a direct response to force or an indirect response to force via cell shape changes. Cells also generally align divisions along their long axis of interphase shape. Since stretching a tissue elongates cells, uncoupling whether divisions orient in response to force or to cell shape remains challenging. Here, we utilised theXenopus laevisembryonic animal cap tissue and applied a reproducible external stretch to understand mechanosensitive division orientation. We focused on nuclear mitotic apparatus protein (NuMA), which is key to spindle orientation. We show that NuMA is dynamically localised to the cell cortex earlier during mitosis in uniaxially stretched tissues. This temporal cortical recruitment of NuMA coincides with the onset and subsequent stretch-induced amplification of spindle oscillations. Additionally, we show that knockdown of NuMA reduces spindle oscillations and disrupts division orientation according to stretch and cell shape. We also show that divisions dynamically align with cell shape under tissue stretch and this involves a direct response to force via NuMA localisation, rather than an indirect response to force via cell shape changes. Overall, using live tissue imaging, mathematical modelling, and tissue mechanics our results indicate that NuMA fine tunes spindle dynamics and ensures the accurate alignment of divisions with cell shape and anisotropic tension.
Theta dependence in the presence of massless fermions
Authors: Hook Anson , Ristow Clayton
Published: October 2024

We show that, if there are conserved flavor symmetries, then some properties of a monopole can depend on θ, even when a fermion is massless. The quantized nature of global symmetries and the fractional nature of the Witten effect can lead to interesting structure. Seen from another point of view, aside from possibly breaking baryon and lepton flavor symmetries (the Callan-Rubakov effect), monopole boundary conditions can also break the axial symmetry that otherwise could have been used to remove θ from the Lagrangian. As an example, in a toy model, we calculate the θ dependence of the mass of the monopole and properties of the nonzero charge density surrounding the monopole.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Dimension-independent weak value estimation via controlled SWAP operations
Authors: Chiribella Giulio , Simonov Kyrylo , Zhao Xuanqiang
Published: October 2024

Weak values of quantum observables are a powerful tool for investigating quantum phenomena. Some methods for measuring weak values in the laboratory require weak interactions and postselection, while others are deterministic, but require statistics over a number of experiments that grows linearly with the dimension of the measured system in the worst case over all possible observables. Here we propose a deterministic dimension-independent scheme for estimating weak values of arbitrary observables. The scheme is based on controlled operations and associates states and observables in the mathematical expression of the weak value to preparations devices and measurement devices in the experimental setup, respectively. Thanks to this feature, it provides insights into the relation between states of two identical quantum systems at a single moment of time and states of a single quantum system at two moments of time, also known as two-time states. Specifically, our scheme provides an alternative expression for two-time states and establishes a link between two-time states accessible through the controlled- scheme and bipartite quantum states with positive partial transpose.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Strategies and Trade-Offs for Controllability and Memory Time of Ultra-High-Quality Microwave Cavities in Circuit Quantum Electrodynamics
Authors: Pietikäinen Iivari , Černotík Ondřej , Eickbusch Alec , Maiti Aniket , Garmon John W.O. , Filip Radim , Girvin Steven M.
Published: October 2024

Three-dimensional microwave cavity resonators have been shown to reach lifetimes of the order of a second by maximizing the cavity volume relative to its surface, using better materials, and improving surface treatments. Such cavities represent an ideal platform for quantum computing with bosonic qubits, but their efficient control remains an outstanding problem since the large mode volume results in less efficient coupling to nonlinear elements used for their control. Moreover, this coupling induces additional cavity decay via the inverse Purcell effect that can easily destroy the advantage of a long intrinsic lifetime. Here, we discuss conditions on, and protocols for, efficient utilization of these ultra-high-quality microwave cavities as memories for conventional superconducting qubits. We show that, surprisingly, efficient write and read operations with ultra-high-quality cavities do not require similar quality factors for the qubits and other nonlinear elements used to control them. Through a combination of analytical and numerical calculations, we demonstrate that efficient coupling to cavities with second-scale lifetime is possible with state-of-the-art transmon and superconducting nonlinear asymmetric inductive element devices and outline a route towards controlling cavities with even higher quality factors. Our work explores a potentially viable roadmap towards using ultra-high-quality microwave cavity resonators for storing and processing information encoded in bosonic qubits.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Efforts to prevent peatland fires through implementing local community education
Authors: Syahza Almasdi , Astuti Sri , Suarman Suarman , Asmit Brilliant
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This research was conducted to develop a public education model in an effort to prevent peatland fires in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses qualitative and quantitative data obtained through a participatory rural appraisal approach. The approach taken is group-oriented to collect information from local communities. Field surveys were carried out by selecting locations in areas prone to peatland fires, making observations and discussing with informants at the research location.

Findings

The occurrence of fires in peatlands is caused by intentional and unintentional factors. Intentional factors come from traditional agricultural practices, the low cost of burning peat land, land ownership conflicts and increasing demand for agricultural land. Unintentional factors caused by lack of discipline in the people around the peatlands include throwing cigarette butts carelessly, making campfires and uncontrolled burning of rubbish.

Research limitations/implications

The community played a crucial role in fire prevention through the establishment of the Fire Care Community (Masyarakat Peduli Api or MPA) group. This group adopted a community-based disaster management approach. The community education model consisted of individual and mass approaches. The individual approach comprised direct and indirect communication, technical guidance and face-to-face services to the community. The mass approach included socialization and campaigns, discussion forums, social media content related to fire prevention, restoration actions and incorporating peatland fire mitigation into the local disaster curriculum.

Originality/value

The results of this research provide input for policymakers in efforts to prevent peatland fires in Indonesia. These findings are a model for increasing local community participation through training and guidance.
Influence of HRM practices on innovation in software engineering: the mediating role of developer experience
Authors: Choi Youngkeun
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study examines the influence of developer experience between human resource management (HRM) practices and innovation in software (S/W) engineering. This study uses motivation theory and investigates how HRM practices influence the innovative behaviors of S/W developers by using a mediator of affective developer experience.

Design/methodology/approach

For this, this study used a survey of S/W developers working in Korea. Out of 431 responses collected from 35 companies, 352 responses from 34 companies were usable for analysis and takes structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results show that developmental appraisal, externally or internally equitable reward and comprehensive training increase their affective developer experience affecting innovative behaviors positively in turn. However, selective staffing has no effect.

Originality/value

The results show that S/W developers pursue individual growth rather than success in their organizations. The findings show the context of S/W engineering in Korea and provide universalistic perspective when top managers motivate their S/W engineers by HRM system.
Identification of profiles in educational organizations as a result of the implementation of a quality management system
Authors: Rodríguez-Mantilla Jesús Miguel , Martínez-Zarzuelo Angélica , León-Carrascosa Víctor
Published: October 2024

Purpose

In the current education context, quality management has increasingly become a key element and more educational organizations are deciding to implement a Quality Management System. Because there are so few studies on the impact that implementation has on educational institutions, the main objective of this paper is to profile educational centers on the basis of their implementation of ISO 9001 quality standards.

Design/methodology/approach

Specifically, this was done by taking a sample of 83 educational centers from four regions of Spain (Comunidad de Madrid, Castilla y León, Andalucía and the Comunidad Valenciana) and analyzing assessments made by teachers and members of the center Management Teams (2,132 subjects in total). The first step was to carry out a number of descriptive and differential studies globally, analyzing 8 broad dimensions: Communication System, Management, Support and Recognition, Learning Process, Quality, Climate, Satisfaction, and External Relations. A cluster analysis was then performed to identify center profiles in terms of the degree of impact from their having implemented ISO 9001 standards.

Findings

The results show that the impact of is greater in educational centers in Comunidad Valenciana and Andalucía with 9–11 years of implementation, with internal financial aid or funding, and at charter centers.

Originality/value

The cluster analysis reveals three clearly differentiated profiles (with high, medium, and low degrees of impact) in the different dimensions evaluated in the study.
Tax planning and earnings management: their impact on earnings persistence
Authors: Chen Yong , Niu Flora , Zeng Tao
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the impact of tax planning, both independently and in conjunction with earnings management, on the persistence of earnings and its various components.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, tax planning refers to corporate strategies aimed at minimizing taxes, while earnings management involves manipulating reported earnings through accounting accruals. The analysis uses a dataset of US companies from 1989 to 2016 and includes a series of regression tests.

Findings

The study finds that firms implementing aggressive tax strategies exhibit lower persistence in cash flows from operations and earnings. Furthermore, companies using both aggressive tax planning and earnings management techniques show the lowest persistence in total accruals, cash flows from operations and reported earnings.

Research limitations/implications

Our sample of US firms limits generalizability. Future research could explore the international impacts of tax planning and earnings management on earnings quality and include post-2016 data for insights on the 2018 tax cuts and COVID-19. Investigating other earnings quality measures and their influence on investors and analysts could enhance performance assessment.

Practical implications

This research identifies key factors influencing the interpretation of financial statements, offering valuable insights for regulators, auditors, tax authorities, financial analysts and other users with significant practical and social implications.

Originality/value

This study contributes to prior research by highlighting the need to investigate the real effects of tax avoidance and extends prior research by examining the impact of high levels of tax planning, along with aggressive earnings management, on earnings persistence.
A cross-cultural longitudinal analysis of the effect of corporate social performance on corporate financial performance: an Asian perspective
Authors: Almashayekhi Abdullah
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between Corporate Social Performance (CSP) and Corporate Financial Performance (CFP) across various cultural contexts in Asia and to explore the moderating effects of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a longitudinal dataset of 16,392 firm-year observations from 23 Asian countries over a span of 10 years, from 2013 to 2022, this research uses hierarchical linear modeling to assess the CSP–CFP relationship under different cultural influences.

Findings

This study reveals a nuanced interplay between CSP, CFP and cultural dimensions, with individualism and uncertainty avoidance showing significant positive moderating effects, contrary to motivation and long-term orientation.

Research limitations/implications

The results underscore the importance of aligning CSR initiatives with the cultural values of the region in which a company operates. However, using Hofstede’s robust dimensions may oversimplify complex cultural dynamics.

Practical implications

The findings offer multinational corporations’ insights into tailoring CSR strategies to diverse cultural contexts, emphasizing the need for cultural sensitivity.

Originality/value

This research extends the corporate social responsibility (CSR) literature by incorporating cultural dimensions into the CSP–CFP analysis, providing a new perspective on CSR’s effectiveness in diverse cultural settings.
The evolution of an American MBA program for Germany-based students in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Krieger Kevin , Brode Melissa
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide guidance to universities revisiting their international partnerships involving travel by relaying the experiences, which saw marked changes via the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper compares the mechanics, costs, preferences and performances of students in a Germany-based MBA program, partnered with the AACSB-accredited US institution, after increased reliance on a blended program model.

Findings

A preference emerged for less international travel by students and fewer face-to-face meetings with instructors’ traveling internationally. Student performance with the revised model of the program improved in regard to grade point average, but major field test performance remained similar. At the same time, students report a bit better satisfaction with the structure of the program while travel cost savings were realized.

Originality/value

This case study describes the specific experiences, which may suggest program development for other, similar partnerships.
Bank charter value and market discipline: evidence from emerging markets
Authors: Nguyen Dat T , Le Tu
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the interrelationships between charter value and market discipline in five Southeast Asian countries (ASEAN-5).

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a simultaneous equations model with a three-stage least squares estimator for a sample of 79 listed banks from 2006 to 2019.

Findings

The findings show a negative two-way relationship between charter value and market discipline. More specifically, charter value can reduce market discipline. Meanwhile, a negative relationship between market discipline and charter value reemphasizes the significance of market discipline in the banking system to enhance bank charter value. Similar results still hold when using several robustness checks (e.g. subsamples, considering the global financial crisis, governance indicators and market structure).

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first attempt to investigate the bidirectional relationship between bank risk and charter value in ASEAN-5. Therefore, this study would provide significant recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.
Library instruction and information literacy 2023
Authors: Caffrey Carolyn , Perry Katie , Withorn Tessa , Lee Hannah , Philo Thomas , Clarke Maggie , Eslami Jillian , Galoozis Elizabeth , Kohn Katie Paris , Ospina Dana , Chesebro Kimberly , Clawson Hallie , Dowell Laura
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to present recently published resources on library instruction and information literacy (IL). It provides an introductory overview and a selected annotated bibliography of publications organized thematically and detailing study populations, results and research contexts. The selected bibliography is useful to efficiently keep up with trends in library instruction for academic library practitioners, library science students and researchers wishing to learn about IL in other contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper annotates 374 English-language periodical articles, dissertations, theses and reports on library instruction and IL published in 2023. The sources were selected from the EBSCO platform for Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts (LISTA), Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), Elsevier SCOPUS and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Sources selected were published in 2023 and included the terms “information literacy,” “library instruction” or “information fluency” in the title, subject terms or author-supplied keywords. The sources were organized in Zotero. Annotations were made summarizing the source, focusing on the findings or implications. Each source was then thematically categorized and organized for academic librarians to be able to skim and use the annotated bibliography adeptly.

Findings

The paper provides a brief description of 374 sources from 159 unique publications and highlights publications that contain unique or significant scholarly contributions. Further analysis of the sources and authorship are provided such as country affiliation and institutional Carnegie classification.

Originality/value

The information is primarily of use to academic librarians, researchers and anyone interested as a convenient and comprehensive reference to literature on library instruction and IL published within 2023.
Dryland state transitions alter trophic interactions in a predator–prey system
Authors: Wagnon Casey J. , Bestelmeyer Brandon T. , Schooley Robert L.
Published: October 2024

Environmental change is expected to alter trophic interactions and food web dynamics with consequences for ecosystem structure, function and stability. However, the mechanisms by which environmental change influences top‐down and bottom‐up processes are poorly documented.

Here, we examined how environmental change caused by shrub encroachment affects trophic interactions in a dryland. The predator–prey system included an apex canid predator (coyote; Canis latrans), an intermediate canid predator (kit fox; Vulpes macrotis), and two herbivorous lagomorph prey (black‐tailed jackrabbit, Lepus californicus; and desert cottontail, Sylvilagus audubonii) in the Chihuahuan Desert of New Mexico, USA.

We evaluated alternative hypotheses for how shrub encroachment could affect habitat use and trophic interactions, including (i) modifying bottom‐up processes by reducing herbaceous forage, (ii) modifying top‐down processes by changing canid space use or the landscape of fear experienced by lagomorph prey and (iii) altering intraguild interactions between the dominant coyote and the intermediate kit fox. We used 7 years of camera trap data collected across grassland‐to‐shrubland gradients under variable precipitation to test our a priori hypotheses within a structural equation modelling framework.

Lagomorph prey responded strongly to bottom‐up pulses during years of high summer precipitation, but only at sites with moderate to high shrub cover. This outcome is inconsistent with the hypothesis that bottom‐up effects should be strongest in grasslands because of greater herbaceous food resources. Instead, this interaction likely reflects changes in the landscape of fear because perceived predation risk in lagomorphs is reduced in shrub‐dominated habitats. Shrub encroachment did not directly affect predation pressure on lagomorphs by changing canid site use intensity. However, site use intensity of both canid species was positively associated with jackrabbits, indicating additional bottom‐up effects. Finally, we detected interactions between predators in which coyotes restricted space use of kit foxes, but these intraguild interactions also depended on shrub encroachment.

Our findings demonstrate how environmental change can affect trophic interactions beyond traditional top‐down and bottom‐up processes by altering perceived predation risk in prey. These results have implications for understanding spatial patterns of herbivory and the feedbacks that reinforce shrubland states in drylands worldwide.
Pupil referral units (PRUs) and alternative education provision; a think piece on making a case for parental choice for children with SEND
Authors: Enow Linda O. , Kapcia Sophia
Published: October 2024

Parental choice remains a central theme in education policy in England. Parents have the right to choose how their children are educated. For some families this choice is surrendered, with volition and intention, to their local authority which allocates school places after parents, statutory guardians and families have made their decisions. Where applicable, after parents have selected mainstream education for children with SEND, their child might be evaluated, and a recommendation made for their child to undergo a managed move; typically to join a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) or Alternative Provision (AP). In this think piece, we advocate for PRUs and APs to sit alongside mainstream and special education schools to offer a more balanced first choice for parents. This means PRUs and APs are not ‘othered’ in this choice offer for parents. There are academic, psycho‐social, emotional, well‐being and self‐affirming complexities which could, and quite frankly, tend to result in the pupils and students accessing settings such as these which appear to be othered in this way.
Post‐legalization shifts in cannabis use among young adults in Georgia—A nationally representative study
Authors: Nadareishvili Ilia , Rao Sowmya R. , Otiashvili David , Gnatienko Natalia , Samet Jeffrey H. , Lunze Karsten , Kirtadze Irma
Published: October 2024

Background and aim

In 2018, the country of Georgia legalized cannabis for recreational use and decriminalized limited possession. This study aimed to assess whether cannabis use increased among young adults (ages 18–29 years) in Georgia after national policy changes and to evaluate whether perceived access became easier after legalization and current risk factors of young adult cannabis use.

Methods

We used data from the Georgian nationally representative survey administered in 2015 (n = 1308) and 2022 (n = 758), before and after decriminalization. We performed appropriate bivariate analyses and multivariable linear and logistic regressions to assess the following: legalization's impact on cannabis use; perceived difficulty to obtain cannabis; age of first use; differences in use between females and males; and factors associated with current use.

Findings

Among young adults lifetime prevalence of cannabis use was similar in 2015 (17.3%) and 2022 (18.1%) [Odds Ratio (95% confidence interval) = 1.1 [0.7, 1.6], P = 0.726). Annual prevalence (7% in 2015 vs 7.7% in 2022) was also similar (1.1 [0.7, 2.0], P = 0.650). In 2022 it was less difficult to obtain cannabis than in 2015 (0.5 [0.4, 0.8], P = 0.021). The age of first use increased statistically significantly (18.1 years in 2015 vs 19.1 in 2022, P = 0.003).

In 2022, annual prevalence of use was lower among females (1.9% vs 13.1%; OR = 0.1 [0.0, 0.3], P < 0.0001) and higher among those who gambled (11.7% vs 4.4%; OR = 3.2 [1.5, 6.8], P < 0.003). Males initiated cannabis use at an earlier age (19.1 years vs 20.6 for females, P = 0.03), and could obtain cannabis easier than females (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

There was a minimal shift of cannabis use in young adults following implementation of recreational cannabis use legalization in Georgia. Males and people who gambled were at higher risk of cannabis use.
Drug overdose deaths among homeless veterans in the United States Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system
Authors: Tsai Jack , Szymkowiak Dorota , Beydoun Hind A.
Published: October 2024

Background and Aims

With an epidemic of drug overdoses, contemporary research is needed to examine drug overdose deaths among homeless populations. This study measured rates, types and correlates of drug overdose deaths occurring over a 5‐year study period among veterans experiencing homelessness (VEH) and non‐homeless veterans (NHV) in the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

USA.

Participants

A total of 6 128 921 veterans. We followed 399 125 VEH and 5 729 796 NHV between 2017 and 2021 using linked administrative VA and National Death Index data.

Measurements

Multivariable Cox regression models were constructed to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for homelessness as a predictor of time‐to‐occurrence of overdose deaths with 95% confidence interval (CIs), sequentially controlling for demographic, medical, substance use and mental health characteristics.

Findings

Among overdose deaths, 8653 [93.7%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 93.2–94.2%] were unintentional and 5378 (57.8%, 95% CI = 56.8–58.8%) involved opioids. The overdose‐specific mortality rate (per 100 000 person‐years) was 227.3 among VEH and 23.2 among NHV (HR = 9.76, 95% CI = 9.36, 10.16), with rates 7–14 times higher among VEH than NHV, depending on the drug involved. In fully adjusted models, homelessness was associated with greater risk of drug overdose death (HR = 3.33, 95% CI = 3.18, 3.49), with the greatest risk involving psychostimulants (HR = 4.19), followed by antiepileptic/sedative/hypnotic drugs (HR = 3.69), synthetic opioids (HR = 3.50) and natural and semi‐synthetic opioids (HR = 2.79).

Conclusions

US veterans experiencing homelessness appear to have three times the risk for drug overdose deaths than non‐homeless veterans. There may be specific risks associated with psychostimulant, antiepileptic, sedative and hypnotic drugs in this population that deserve greater attention.
Epithelial barrier dysfunction and associated diseases in companion animals: Differences and similarities between humans and animals and research needs
Authors: Ardicli Sena , Ardicli Ozge , Yazici Duygu , Pat Yagiz , Babayev Huseyn , Xiong Peng , Zeyneloglu Can , Garcia‐Sanchez Asuncion , Shi Li‐Li , Viscardi Oliva Giannelli , Skolnick Stephen , Ogulur Ismail , Dhir Raja , Jutel Marek , Agache Ioana , Janda Jozef , Pali‐Schöll Isabella , Nadeau Kari C. , Akdis Mubeccel , Akdis Cezmi A.
Published: October 2024

Since the 1960s, more than 350,000 new chemicals have been introduced into the lives of humans and domestic animals. Many of them have become part of modern life and some are affecting nature as pollutants. Yet, our comprehension of their potential health risks for both humans and animals remains partial. The “epithelial barrier theory” suggests that genetic predisposition and exposure to diverse factors damaging the epithelial barriers contribute to the emergence of allergic and autoimmune conditions. Impaired epithelial barriers, microbial dysbiosis, and tissue inflammation have been observed in a high number of mucosal inflammatory, autoimmune and neuropsychiatric diseases, many of which showed increased prevalence in the last decades. Pets, especially cats and dogs, share living spaces with humans and are exposed to household cleaners, personal care products, air pollutants, and microplastics. The utilisation of cosmetic products and food additives for pets is on the rise, unfortunately, accompanied by less rigorous safety regulations than those governing human products. In this review, we explore the implications of disruptions in epithelial barriers on the well‐being of companion animals, drawing comparisons with humans, and endeavour to elucidate the spectrum of diseases that afflict them. In addition, future research areas with the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental well‐being are highlighted in line with the “One Health” concept.
Editorial: Viral hepatitis elimination: Still a big challenge: Care is not only for C
Authors: Papadopoulos Nikolaos , Deutsch Melanie
Published: October 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Vargas‐Accarino et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18227.
Effects of cage type and the light–dark cycle on the behavior of hens subjected to forced molting
Authors: Onbaşılar Esin Ebru , Erdem Evren
Published: October 2024

In this study, the effects of cage type and the light–dark cycle on the behavior of hens before, during, and after forced molting were determined. For this purpose, 73‐week‐old hens were placed in the two different cage types used in the experiment. The barley method was used to induce molting at 75 weeks of age. The molting period lasted 35 days in total. The frequencies of walking, feeding, comforting, and preening behaviors were affected by the forced molting period. The addition of enrichment materials to the cage did not cause any changes in hen behavior. The light–dark cycle was important for the frequency of all examined behaviors except fighting behavior. No interaction was found among forced molting period, cage type, and light–dark cycle regarding behaviors. It is thought that there is a decrease in welfare‐related behaviors at the end of the laying period and this decrease does not increase with forced molting using barley; on the contrary, appropriate forced molting applied to hens during this period will increase welfare. It was observed that cage type did not cause a significant difference in hen behavior during the forced molting period.
Llanimation: Llama Driven Gesture Animation
Authors: Windle J. , Matthews I. , Taylor S.
Published: October 2024

Co‐speech gesturing is an important modality in conversation, providing context and social cues. In character animation, appropriate and synchronised gestures add realism, and can make interactive agents more engaging. Historically, methods for automatically generating gestures were predominantly audio‐driven, exploiting the prosodic and speech‐related content that is encoded in the audio signal. In this paper we instead experiment with using Large‐Language Model (LLM) features for gesture generation that are extracted from text using Llama2. We compare against audio features, and explore combining the two modalities in both objective tests and a user study. Surprisingly, our results show that Llama2 features on their own perform significantly better than audio features and that including both modalities yields no significant difference to using Llama2 features in isolation. We demonstrate that the Llama2 based model can generate both beat and semantic gestures without any audio input, suggesting LLMs can provide rich encodings that are well suited for gesture generation.
ADAPT: AI‐Driven Artefact Purging Technique for IMU Based Motion Capture
Authors: Schreiner P. , Netterstrøm R. , Yin H. , Darkner S. , Erleben K.
Published: October 2024

While IMU based motion capture offers a cost‐effective alternative to premium camera‐based systems, it often falls short in matching the latter's realism. Common distortions, such as self‐penetrating body parts, foot skating, and floating, limit the usability of these systems, particularly for high‐end users. To address this, we employed reinforcement learning to train an AI agent that mimics erroneous sample motion. Since our agent operates within a simulated environment, it inherently avoids generating these distortions since it must adhere to the laws of physics. Impressively, the agent manages to mimic the sample motions while preserving their distinctive characteristics. We assessed our method's efficacy across various types of input data, showcasing an ideal blend of artefact‐laden IMU‐based data with high‐grade optical motion capture data. Furthermore, we compared the configuration of observation and action spaces with other implementations, pinpointing the most suitable configuration for our purposes. All our models underwent rigorous evaluation using a spectrum of quantitative metrics complemented by a qualitative review. These evaluations were performed using a benchmark dataset of IMU‐based motion data from actors not included in the training data.
Role of low‐impact‐factor journals in conservation implementation
Authors: Choi Jonathan J. , Gaskins Leo C. , Morton Joseph P. , Bingham Julia A. , Blawas Ashley M. , Hayes Christine , Hoyt Carmen , Halpin Patrick N. , Silliman Brian
Published: October 2024

Academic review, promotion, and tenure processes place a premium on frequent publication in high‐impact factor (IF) journals. However, conservation often relies on species‐specific information that is unlikely to have the broad appeal needed for high‐IF journals. Instead, this information is often distributed in low‐IF, taxa‐ and region‐specific journals. This suggests a potential mismatch between the incentives for academic researchers and the scientific needs of conservation implementation. To explore this mismatch, we looked at federal implementation of the United States Endangered Species Act (ESA), which requires the use of the “best available science” to list a species as endangered or threatened and thus receive powerful legal protections. In assessing the relationship between academic sources of this “best available science” and ESA implementation, we looked at the 13,292 sources (e.g., academic journals, books, reports, regulations, personal communications, etc.) cited by the second Obama administration (2012–2016) across all ESA listings. We compared the IFs of all 785 journals that published peer‐reviewed papers cited in these listings against their citation frequency in ESA listings to determine whether a journal's IF varied in proportion with its contribution to federal conservation. Most of the peer‐reviewed academic articles referenced in ESA listings came from low‐IF or no‐IF journals that tended to focus on specific taxa or regions. Although we support continued attention to cutting‐edge, multidisciplinary science for its ability to chart new pathways and paradigms, our findings stress the need to value and fund the taxa‐ and region‐specific science that underpins actionable conservation laws.
Challenges in assessing the effects of environmental governance systems on conservation outcomes
Authors: Ayambire Raphael A. , Rytwinski Trina , Taylor Jessica J. , Luizza Matthew W. , Muir Matthew J. , Cadet Cynthia , Armitage Derek , Bennett Nathan J. , Brooks Jeremy , Cheng Samantha H. , Martinez Jenny , Nagendran Meenakshi , Öckerman Siri , Rivera Shannon N. , Savage Anne , Wilkie David S. , Cooke Steven J. , Bennett Joseph R.
Published: October 2024

Effective governance is crucial for the success of conservation projects aimed at protecting wildlife populations and supporting human well‐being. However, few large‐scale, comprehensive syntheses have been conducted on the effects of different environmental governance types on conservation outcomes (i.e., biological and ecological effectiveness or effects of conservation on human well‐being), and clarity on the quantity and quality of evidence remains dispersed and ambiguous. We attempted a systematic map of the evidence on the effectiveness of different governance types to meet desired conservation outcomes in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. However, early in this effort, we observed a general lack of empirical research on the links between governance and conservation outcomes. To fill observed data gaps in the evidence base, we tried triangulating governance data from alternative sources (Protected Planet database) and pooling evidence from research conducted within the same conservation areas. Limited data were contained in the Protected Planet database, and governance types in conservation areas and landscapes were complex, making it difficult to use these approaches to assign governance types to conservation areas. To illustrate our observations from the failed systematic map attempt, we prepared a rapid evidence map that outlines a subset of the evidence base of articles linking governance types and governance principles with conservation outcomes. Only 3.2% (34 of 1067) of the articles we screened directly related conservation outcomes to governance type, and even fewer related governance principles to conservation outcomes. Based on our findings, we recommend improving the evidence base by supporting empirical research and increasing the availability and quality of governance data in freely accessible databases. These recommendations are critical for enhancing understanding of the role of governance in conservation projects and improving conservation outcomes.
Conservation priorities for functionally unique and specialized terrestrial vertebrates threatened by biological invasions
Authors: Marino Clara , Soares Filipa Coutinho , Bellard Céline
Published: October 2024

Invasive non‐native species (INS) continue to pose a significant threat to biodiversity, including native population declines, which can ultimately disrupt ecosystem processes. Although there is growing evidence of the impacts of INS on functional diversity, most of the existing approaches to prioritization of species for conservation still focus on taxonomic diversity, neglecting the ecological role of species. We developed the functionally unique, specialized, and endangered by invasive non‐native species (FUSE INS) score to fill this gap by combining functional irreplaceability (i.e., uniqueness and specialization) of species with their extinction risk due to INS. We calculated this score for 3642 terrestrial vertebrates exposed to INS by assessing how INS affected them based on the IUCN Red List and by evaluating their specialization and uniqueness in a multidimensional functional space. Thirty‐eight percent of native species were both at high extinction risk because of INS and functionally unique and specialized, making them priority species for INS impact mitigation. Priority species of amphibians concentrated in Central America and Madagascar and of lizards in the Caribbean islands, northern Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia. Priority bird and mammal species were more widespread (birds, mostly in coastal areas, on Pacific islands, and in northern India and New Zealand; mammals, in southwestern Europe, Central Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, and eastern Australia). Seventy‐eight species were also highly irreplaceable but not yet threatened by INS, suggesting that preventive conservation measures may help protect these species. For the 50 birds of the highest priority, 64% required conservation actions to mitigate the INS threat. The FUSE INS score can be used to help prioritize indigenous species representing large amounts of functional diversity. Incorporating functional diversity into the conservation prioritization of species and associated areas is key to accurately reducing and mitigating the impacts of INS on native biodiversity.
Improving the application of Important Plant Areas to conserve threatened habitats: A case study of Uganda
Authors: Richards Sophie L. , Kalema James , Ojelel Samuel , Williams Jenny , Darbyshire Iain
Published: October 2024

Important Plant Areas (IPAs) are a successful method of identifying priority areas for plant conservation. Assessment of IPAs, however, often relies on criteria related to species, while incorporation of habitats has been less consistent. Using Uganda as a case study, we test the application of the threatened habitat criterion—criterion C. We identified nationally threatened habitats using Red List of Ecosystems criteria and assess, for the first time, how differing application of thresholds under IPA criterion C can influence IPA network outcomes. Eleven threatened habitats were identified, with declines switching from predominantly forest to savanna types after the mid‐20th century. Significantly, we found current IPA guidance on use of criterion C needlessly limits the number of sites that qualify as IPAs. The “five best sites” IPA threshold is reserved for countries where quantitative data is unavailable; however, the application of the relevant percentage‐based thresholds to quantitative data largely generated fewer than five IPAs, comparably limiting conservation opportunities identified. We recommend, therefore, that the “five best” threshold is available for application on both qualitative and quantitative data. This will bolster the value of IPAs in conserving and restoring threatened and ecologically important habitats under the Kunming‐Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Evaluation of an oral small‐molecule glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist, lotiglipron, for type 2 diabetes and obesity: A dose‐ranging, phase 2, randomized, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Amin Neeta B. , Frederich Robert , Tsamandouras Nikolaos , Haggag Amina Z. , Schuster Tilman , Zmuda Witold , Palmer Alexandra , Vasas Szilard , Buckley Gina , Smith Timothy R. , DuBrava Sarah J. , Zhu Qi , Johnson Margot
Published: October 2024

Aim

The aim was to investigate the effects of lotiglipron, a once‐daily, oral small‐molecule glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonist, in participants with type 2 diabetes (T2D) or obesity.

Materials and Methods

A phase 2, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, dose‐ranging study investigated the efficacy and safety of lotiglipron. The study was terminated early for safety reasons after routine data and monitoring review. The planned analyses for the end points were modified prior to unblinding the study.

Results

In total, 901 participants were treated with at least one dose of the study drug (T2D cohort: n = 512, obesity cohort: n = 389). Although the majority of participants who were randomly assigned to higher doses did not reach their target maintenance dose, statistically significant changes in HbA1c and body weight were observed. In the T2D cohort, reductions in HbA1c were observed across all lotiglipron doses at week 16 (p < 0.0001), with least squares mean decreases up to −1.44% (90% confidence interval [CI]: −1.63, −1.26) (lotiglipron 80 mg), versus placebo, −0.07% (90% CI: −0.25, 0.11). In the obesity cohort, decreases in body weight were observed across all lotiglipron doses at week 20 (p < 0.01), up to −7.47% (90% CI: −8.50, −6.43) (lotiglipron 200 mg, five‐step titration), versus placebo, −1.84% (90% CI: −2.85, −0.83). Across cohorts, the most frequently reported treatment‐emergent adverse events were gastrointestinal related (most mild to moderate severity), with nausea being the most common (ranging from 4% [placebo] to 28.8% [80 mg] in the T2D cohort and 12.5% [placebo] to 60.6% [200 mg, four‐step titration] in the obesity cohort). Transaminase elevations were observed in a subset of participants (6.6% and 6.0% of participants on lotiglipron in the T2D and obesity cohorts, respectively, compared with 1.6% on placebo in the obesity cohort).

Conclusions

The efficacy (HbA1c and/or body weight) of a range of lotiglipron doses was demonstrated in T2D and obesity cohorts. The safety profile was largely consistent with what has been previously known about the mechanism of action. Our results are unique in reporting elevations in liver transaminases in a subset of participants treated with lotiglipron, with attempts to identify the at‐risk population unsuccessful and therefore clinical development of lotiglipron terminated.

ClinicalTrials.gov

NCT05579977.
Association of non‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol/high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio with cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: Evidence from the ACCORD cohort
Authors: Liu Maojun , Pei Junyu , Zeng Cheng , Xin Ying , Zhang Yifeng , Tang Peiqi , Deng Simin , Hu Xinqun
Published: October 2024

Aim

To explore the association between the non‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C)/HDL‐C ratio (NHHR) and the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and overall mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Materials and Methods

NHHR, calculated as (total cholesterol – HDL‐C)/HDL‐C, was evaluated in 10,188 participants. Cox proportional hazard regression models were employed to assess the association of NHHR with future risk of MACEs and overall mortality. Restricted cubic spline analysis, smooth curve fitting and piecewise regression models were utilized to explore the non‐linear correlation and establish the threshold. Subgroup and interaction analyses verified the robustness of the findings. The area under the receiver operating characteristic area under the curve assessed the additional predictive value of NHHR beyond conventional risk factors.

Results

After adjusting for confounding factors, each 1‐unit increase in NHHR was associated with a 12% increased risk of MACEs (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07–1.16; p < 0.0001), a 5% increase in overall mortality (HR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01–1.10; p = 0.0256), a 10% increase in cardiovascular disease mortality (HR 1.10, 95% CI: 1.03–1.18; p = 0.0074), an 12% increase in non‐fatal myocardial infarction (HR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.05–1.18; p = 0.0002), and an 11% increase in non‐fatal stroke (HR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.02–1.20; p = 0.0123). Analyses showed a non‐linear relationship between NHHR and MACEs in patients with T2DM (non‐linearity p < 0.001). A two‐stage linear regression model identified a threshold for MACEs at 6.28. Integration NHHR into the conventional model significantly enhanced predictive accuracy for MACEs.

Conclusions

NHHR is a predictor of the risk of developing MACEs and overall mortality in patients with T2DM, with higher NHHR values independently associated with increased future MACE risks after full adjustment for confounders.
A Case of Invasive Thymoma Complicated by Multiple Metastases
Authors: An Yuqiong , Nie Fang
Published: October 2024

Thymoma is a relatively uncommon thoracic solid tumor, and considered to possess malignant potential. Usually, the lung, pleura, and mediastinum are the most frequently affected sites for metastasis in thymoma. However, the thymoma presenting simultaneous intrathoracic and extrathoracic metastases are exceedingly rare. Herein, we present an exceptionally uncommon case of invasive thymoma with multiple metastases. Furthermore, our case underscores the indispensable role of multimodality imaging in confirming the primary diagnosis and guiding treatment decisions.