bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breaking the isolation: how influential is co-creation in open and distance learning on the use of new media?
Authors: Chakravarty Rishi , Baruah Apratim , Sarma Nripendra Narayan
Published: December 2024

Purpose

In the open and distance learning (ODL) system, widely scattered learners across various age groups often feel isolated. New-age media-enabled co-creation can help reduce this isolation. However, fostering collaborative academic engagement to break this isolation presents challenges for ODL institutions. Therefore, understanding the perceptions of the ODL teachers and learners on this issue is essential.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted the triangulation method, collecting primary data from 198 learners at Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU). A focus group discussion with members of the academic staff provided qualitative insights. The instrument consisted of 23 statement items and was statistically analyzed using factor analysis, one-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc tests with SPSS version 26.0.

Findings

Collaborative academic engagements were found to be significantly influenced by differences in the perceptions of learners across age groups towards the academic delivery process and new-age media platforms. Various dimensions like learner genuineness and effectiveness of support services also have implications for reducing isolation.

Originality/value

This study opens new avenues in the literature on co-creation and new-age media platforms in the context of ODL. This provides useful insights to educators on breaking isolation among the learners and involves them in the academic processes. The human approach as always will remain enduring.
An epoxy resin-based superhydrophobic coating incorporating pH-responsive functional multiwall carbon nanotubes assembled L-proline for corrosion protection
Authors: Lu Chenshuo , Kang Shumei , Cao Qidong , Sun Dongpeng , Li Jinghao , Chen Hong , Li Xintong
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to improve the corrosion resistance of AH36 carbon steel, an epoxy resin (EP)-based superhydrophobic coating was prepared on the surface of AH36 carbon steel.

Design/methodology/approach

The hydroxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes were used as nanocontainers, and the corrosion inhibitor L-proline was loaded by negative pressure method and then modified it with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, got functionalized hydroxy carbon nanotubes (KH-CNTs@LP). The KH-CNTs@LP was mixed with the EP, and the KH-CNTs@LP/EP superhydrophobic coating was successfully prepared on the surface of the AH36 carbon steel matrix by spraying.

Findings

The results showed that the water contact angle of the KH-CNTs@LP/EP superhydrophobic coating is 155.2° and the rolling angle is 5°. The KH-CNTs@LP/EP superhydrophobic coating had a good corrosion resistance in the pH = 4 corrosion environment, |Z|0.01 Hz was 7.21 × 107 Ω·cm2.

Originality/value

The KH-CNTs@LP/EP superhydrophobic coating is pH-responsive and releases L-proline, which increased the impedance of the coating and can effectively improve the protection efficiency of the coating on the metal. The active protection is provided by loaded L-proline inhibitor from KH-CNTs@LP, whereas the passive protection is achieved through the water rejection of superhydrophobic surfaces.
Tune up or Tune down: does the sound frequency of music influence emotion and behavior in consumer environments?
Authors: Sekeroglu Yavuz
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The aims of this research are (i) to examine the influence of music frequency (high vs low) as an atmospheric element on consumer behavior during a shopping experience and (ii) to investigate the function of emotional arousal in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted a controlled lab experiment where (nonstudent, salary-earning) participants were presented with shopping trials under different music conditions (high vs low sound frequency) while their behavioral responses (product liking and willingness to pay [WTP]) and electrodermal activities were recorded in real-time.

Findings

Analyses revealed that product liking and WTP were higher when participants were exposed to high (vs low) frequency music. This difference was found to be mediated by arousal and occurred without participants’ awareness.

Research limitations/implications

This research presents an explanatory study simulated with a relatively small sample under laboratory conditions; therefore, researchers are encouraged to test further to extend the insights presented.

Practical implications

Music affects emotional and behavioral responses in consumer environments. The design of the music determines whether these responses will be in alignment with varying situational needs and demands. This research suggests a novel perspective for consideration in this design.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to attempt to consider music frequency as a discerning atmospheric element. It also enriches the understanding of contextual effects in consumer environments by revealing the mediating role of arousal (on behavior) through sensitive and unconscious emotional data.
Transitioning to an entrepreneurial career as a process of individuation: a study of graduate entrepreneurs in Ethiopia and the role of their parents
Authors: Bayissa Jebessa Teshome , Hellerstedt Karin , Brundin Ethel , Abtew Mohammed Seid
Published: December 2024

Purpose

In the process of pursuing an entrepreneurial career, the role of the relational institution of the family depends on the economy in which the institutions are embedded. In emerging economies, parents play a more significant role concerning their children’s career in contrast to those in developed ones. In this respect, there is limited knowledge regarding the process of pursuing an entrepreneurial career while simultaneously handling parental relations in a context that does not support entrepreneurship. This paper investigates how parental dynamics influences the process of an individual’s transition to an entrepreneurial career after graduating from a university in a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a longitudinal study of 15 graduate entrepreneurs in Ethiopia who were in the process of transitioning to entrepreneurial careers. Data was collected and analysed during a two and a half year period (2018–2020) drawing on 45 interviews with, and observations of, these entrepreneurs, and six interviews with parents.

Findings

The paper identifies patterns of how entrepreneurs embedded with or dis-embedded themselves from their parental relations as they developed their ventures. The findings show that there were shifts in the entrepreneur–parent relational dynamics from the pre-startup phase to the up and running phase. Drawing on these findings, the paper develops a theoretical framework of graduates’ transitioning to entrepreneurship as a process of individuation from parental relations. Further, we find that parents are both the context and the agents in the entrepreneurial process and that the graduates’ pursuit of entrepreneurial careers is instrumental for their individuation process. The findings contribute to the literature on family embeddedness in entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship career literature and individuation theory.

Originality/value

Answering the call for research on family embeddedness in entrepreneurship, this paper explores the role of parental dynamics when a family member transitions to an entrepreneurial career after graduating from a university. The study proposes and shows how individuation theory is a relevant perspective for understanding graduates’ transition to entrepreneurial careers.
Digital and analogical discretion: an exploratory study of Italian street-level bureaucrats
Authors: Paraciani Rebecca , Rizza Roberto
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The article examines how street-level bureaucrats (SLBs) manage the digital bureaucratic relationship in dealing with customer needs and the technological innovations introduced into organisations (digital tools). The topic of technological transformations from a street-level perspective has garnered limited interest so far, especially in Italy. The research question underlying the article is as follows: how does the discretion of SLBs change with the introduction of digital tools within the public administration? We expect that the characteristics of clients on the one hand, and the degree of institutionalisation of the digital tool in question on the other, will change the way in which SLBs exercise their discretion.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from two separate research projects in which the authors were involved: (1) the first was a doctoral research project concerning labour inspectors tasked with investigating labour irregularities reported by workers; (2) the second was a research project regarding the relationship between the elderly and public service caseworkers. Information gathered through a series of semi-structured interviews was analysed, with a focus on the digitalisation process. The interviewees included 15 labour inspectors, and 12 long-term care caseworkers. With regard to the interviews conducted with labour inspectors, we examined the online request for action submitted by workers reporting irregularities in their employment relationships. As regards the interviews with caseworkers involved in services for the elderly, the discussion revolved around the option introduced during the pandemic period in 2020, to request access to the services in question through submission of an online form rather than requesting such services in person.

Findings

What emerges is that while the introduction of digitalised policies allows SLBs to obtain more information with which to assess the situation of individuals, the discretionary power exercised by front-line workers only results in the partial use of the digital tool, whilst favouring the traditional relationship between bureaucrats and their clients.

Originality/value

We introduce the concepts of “digital discretion” and “analogic discretion” in an attempt to understand how SLBs use their decision-making powers, which may prove to be useful analytical tools for studying the ways in which the discretion of SLBs is realised through new digital practices.
Exploring pedagogies, opportunities and challenges of teaching and learning programming in business school
Authors: Luo Xiaojun , Adelopo Ismail
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to develops an interdisciplinary business and computer science pedagogy for teaching and learning computer programming in business schools at higher education institutions and explores its associated benefits, challenges and improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a body of theories, an interdisciplinary pedagogy is developed and tested for programming education in a business context. Meanwhile, based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, the authors used observation study and thematic analysis to explore opportunities, challenges and future improvements associated with this interdisciplinary pedagogy.

Findings

The developed pedagogy includes integrating humanism and construction theory, problem-based learning, cognitive development, active instructional strategies, synergy of individual and group programming tasks and creating an encouraging and inclusive learning environment. This study shows that business students perceive this novel pedagogy as highly valuable because it enhances their logical thinking and problem-solving abilities while giving them a sense of accomplishment. Although students face challenges in data preprocessing, error handling and translating theoretical knowledge, they find it useful to review teaching materials, seek peer support and learn independently through online resources. Further improvements in pedagogy include incorporating collaborative code reviews, using shared documents for troubleshooting and grouping students based on their prior programming experience.

Practical implications

This interdisciplinary pedagogy can guide business schools to improve the quality of programming-related modules, enhance students’ performance and prepare them for future careers.

Originality/value

This is the first interdisciplinary study investigating teaching programming in a business context.
Travel patterns and factors explaining green space use for outdoor learning among school and preschool children
Authors: Korkou Maria , Montalvan Castilla Johana Evelyn , Tarigan Ari K.M. , Sageidet Barbara Maria
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine travel patterns and factors that explain children’s use of green space for outdoor learning. This knowledge will be valuable for urban planners and policymakers to plan, design, develop and maintain green spaces that consider children’s interests.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis consists of three steps. First, this paper performed a mapping analysis to explain the accessibility and services of green spaces in supporting children’s education. Second, using data from a survey distributed to school teachers, this paper explored factors affecting trip frequency, travel distance and walking when visiting green spaces. Third, this paper interviewed teachers and conducted observations and conversations with children to gain additional insights.

Findings

The quantitative analyses found that size, path network linkages, path length, use for nature observation, play features, path density, walking and biking may influence children’s preference for using green spaces. This study identified five factors (playing, socialising, exploring, biodiversity and accessibility) that drive children to visit green spaces.

Originality/value

There is limited knowledge of the links between green space and children’s travel patterns and factors explaining the use of green spaces. To the ebst of the authors’ knowledge, this study seems to be the first attempt to introduce a mix of methods containing mapping, qualitative and quantitative analyses to explain children’s use towards green spaces.
EU corporate sustainability performance and qualified audit opinion: the role of audit committee independence
Authors: Dimitropoulos Panagiotis
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of corporate sustainability performance on the quality of financial reporting, proxied via the probability of external auditors, to offer a qualified audit opinion. Moreover, the impact of audit committee (AC) independence is considered as a mediating factor affecting the quality of sustainability performance and the opinion of external financial auditors.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a sample of listed firms from 24 EU countries over the period 2003–2019, summing up to 144,317 firm-year observations. Panel logistic regression models were estimated.

Findings

Results indicated that firms with increased sustainability performance were less probable to receive a qualified audit opinion, suggesting that sustainability performance complements the quality of financial reporting. In addition, this negative association was significant for firms with above-average AC independence, verifying the mediating impact of firms’ governance structure on the quality of financial reporting.

Originality/value

This study quantifies a broader data set of sustainability information and uses a multi-country framework (24 EU countries), thus providing more concrete evidence on the issue, extending the study by Tuo et al. (2023). Also, this study responds to calls for more research on the mediating role of ACs made by Velte (2023) and Stuart et al. (2023) on the impact of sustainability performance on qualified audit opinion.
Outcomes of Postpartum Preeclampsia: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 1.3 Million Pregnancies
Authors: Amar Sam , Potter Brian J. , Paradis Gilles , Lewin Antoine , Maniraho Amanda , Brousseau Émilie , Auger Nathalie
Published: December 2024

Objective

We assessed the association between postpartum preeclampsia and the risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Evidence suggests that postpartum preeclampsia is initiated antenatally, but the impact on birth outcomes is unclear.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

All deliveries in hospitals of Quebec, Canada.

Population

1 317 181 pregnancies between 2006 and 2022.

Methods

We identified patients who developed preeclampsia in the postpartum period. Using log‐binomial regression models, we estimated adjusted risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association of postpartum or antepartum preeclampsia with adverse pregnancy outcomes relative to no preeclampsia.

Main Outcome Measures

Preterm birth, placental abruption, severe maternal morbidity and recurrent preeclampsia.

Results

Postpartum preeclampsia was less frequent than antepartum preeclampsia (n = 4123 [0.3%] vs. 51 269 [3.9%]). Postpartum preeclampsia was associated with preterm birth (RR 1.45, 95% CI 1.34–1.57), placental abruption (RR 1.36, 95% CI 1.16–1.59) and severe maternal morbidity (RR 6.48, 95% CI 5.87–7.16) compared with no preeclampsia. Antepartum preeclampsia was also associated with these outcomes. Moreover, patients with postpartum preeclampsia in a first pregnancy were at risk of adverse outcomes in a subsequent pregnancy, particularly recurrent preeclampsia (RR 7.77, 95% CI 6.54–9.23).

Conclusions

Postpartum preeclampsia is associated with adverse outcomes at delivery, despite being detected only postnatally. Our findings suggest that patients with adverse birth outcomes may benefit from blood pressure measurements up to 6 weeks following delivery.
Climate, crops, and postharvest conflict
Authors: Ubilava David
Published: December 2024

I present new evidence of the effects of climate shocks on conflict. Focusing on political violence in Africa, I find that El Niño Southern Oscillation shocks during the crop‐growing season affect harvest‐related conflict in croplands exposed to this climate phenomenon. Specifically, a 1°C warming of sea surface temperature in the tropical Pacific Ocean, a proxy for a moderate‐strength El Niño event, reduces political violence in exposed locations with crop agriculture, relative to other areas, by approximately 3%, during the early postharvest season. This effect attenuates toward zero as the crop year progresses. This effect can reach as much as 15% after a strong El Niño event, such as that of 1997 or 2015, in highly exposed croplands, such as parts of Southern Africa and the Sahel. Conversely, a La Niña event, which is a counterpart of an El Niño event, has the opposite effect and thus increases conflict in the exposed croplands during the early postharvest season. Because these events can be predicted several months in advance, the findings of this research can contribute to creating a platform for early warnings about transitory spatiotemporal shifts in political violence in predominantly agrarian societies.
Single and Joint Associations Between Blood Cell‐Based Inflammatory Indicator in Early Pregnancy and Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM): A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Xiao Yanling , Zhang Haonan , An Songlin , Yu Rui , Yang Jing , Zheng Xingting , Wu Nian , Tao Lin , Liao Dengqing , Deng Mingyu , Hu Zhongmei , Liu Yijun , Chen Qing , Zhou Yuanzhong
Published: December 2024

Problem

This study aims to introduce the Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model to explore the single and joint associations between exposure to blood cell‐based inflammatory in early pregnant women and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Method of Study

The study included 536 singleton pregnant women from the Zunyi Birth Cohort. Logistic regression, restricted cubic spline regression, and BKMR were used to investigate single, nonlinear, and combined associations.

Results

In this study, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil (NEUT), monocyte (MONO), platelet (PLT), neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and systemic immune inflammation index (SII) were 2.20 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.43–3.37), 2.27 (95% CI: 1.48–3.48), 1.67 (95% CI: 1.09–2.57), 1.66 (95% CI: 1.07–2.58), 1.65 (95% CI: 1.08–2.54), and 1.89 (95% CI: 1.23–2.91), respectively. Nonlinear associations of WBC (cutoff level: 7.91 × 109/L) and NEUT (cutoff level: 5.52 × 109/L) with GDM were also observed. Furthermore, BKMR analysis showed that the risk of GDM was linked with increased levels of blood cell‐based inflammatory indicators.

Conclusion

In early pregnancy, multiple blood cell‐based inflammatory indicators are significantly positively correlated with the risk of GDM. Specifically, WBC and NEUT counts exhibit the most prominent association with GDM risk. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the inflammation levels of early pregnant women.
A Constant Error, Revisited: A New Explanation of the Halo Effect
Authors: Westbury Chris , King Daniel
Published: December 2024

Judgments of character traits tend to be overcorrelated, a bias known as the halo effect. We conducted two studies to test an explanation of the effect based on shared lexical context and connotation. Study 1 tested whether the context similarity of trait names could explain 39 participants’ ratings of the probability that two traits would co‐occur. Over 126 trait pairs, cosine similarity between the word2vec vectors of the two words was a reliable predictor of the human judgments of trait co‐occurrence probability (cross‐validated r2 = .19, p < .001). Two measures related to word similarity increased the variation accounted for in the human judgments to 45%, cross‐validated (p < .001). In Experiment 2, 40 different participants judged similarity of word meaning within the pairs, confirming that the word pairs were not simply synonymous (Average [SD] = 40.8/100 [13.1/100]). Shared lexical context and word connotation play a role in shaping the halo effect.
Task and Timing Effects in Argument Role Sensitivity: Evidence From Production, EEG, and Computational Modeling
Authors: Nakamura Masato , Momma Shota , Sakai Hiromu , Phillips Colin
Published: December 2024

Comprehenders generate expectations about upcoming lexical items in language processing using various types of contextual information. However, a number of studies have shown that argument roles do not impact neural and behavioral prediction measures. Despite these robust findings, some prior studies have suggested that lexical prediction might be sensitive to argument roles in production tasks such as the cloze task or in comprehension tasks when additional time is available for prediction. This study demonstrates that both the task and additional time for prediction independently influence lexical prediction using argument roles, via evidence from closely matched electroencephalogram (EEG) and speeded cloze experiments. In order to investigate the timing effect, our EEG experiment used maximally simple Japanese stimuli such as Bee‐nom/acc sting, and it manipulated the time for prediction by changing the temporal interval between the context noun and the target verb without adding any further linguistic content. In order to investigate the task effect, we conducted a speeded cloze study that was matched with our EEG study both in terms of stimuli and the time available for prediction. We found that both the EEG study with additional time for prediction and the speeded cloze study with matched timing showed clear sensitivity to argument roles, while the EEG conditions with less time for prediction replicated the standard pattern of argument role insensitivity. Based on these findings, we propose that lexical prediction is initially insensitive to argument roles but a monitoring mechanism serially inhibits role‐inappropriate candidates. This monitoring process operates quickly in production tasks, where it is important to quickly select a single candidate to produce, whereas it may operate more slowly in comprehension tasks, where multiple candidates can be maintained until a continuation is perceived. Computational simulations demonstrate that this mechanism can successfully explain the task and timing effects observed in our experiments.
Ferroptosis in Osteoarthritis: Towards Novel Therapeutic Strategy
Authors: Zhang Yiming , Li Jing , Liu Jiane , Gao Yan , Li Kehan , Zhao Xinyu , Liu Yufeng , Wang Daijie , Hu Xiao , Wang Zheng
Published: December 2024

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, degenerative joint disease primarily characterised by damage to the articular cartilage, synovitis and persistent pain, and has become one of the most common diseases worldwide. In OA cartilage, various forms of cell death have been identified, including apoptosis, necroptosis and autophagic cell death. Ever‐growing observations indicate that ferroptosis, a newly‐discovered iron‐dependent form of regulated cell death, is detrimental to OA occurrence and progression. In this review, we first analyse the pathogenetic mechanisms of OA by which iron overload, inflammatory response and mechanical stress contribute to ferroptosis. We then discuss how ferroptosis exacerbates OA progression, focusing on its impact on chondrocyte viability, synoviocyte populations and extracellular matrix integrity. Finally, we highlight several potential therapeutic strategies targeting ferroptosis that could be explored for the treatment of OA.
Attitudes Toward Use of an APOL1 Genetic Testing Chatbot in Living Kidney Donor Evaluation: A Focus Group Study
Authors: Rogers James L. , Gacki‐Smith Jessica , Yacat Rochell , Wicklund Catherine , Duquette Debra , Friedewald John , Cooper Matthew , Gilbert Alexander , Agrawal Akansha , Gordon Elisa J.
Published: December 2024

Background

Living kidney donor (LKD) candidates of African ancestry are increasingly asked to undergo Apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) genetic testing during the donor evaluation process to better understand their risk of kidney disease. LKD candidates’ attitudes about using a clinical chatbot on APOL1 remain unknown. This study builds on prior work to culturally adapt the Gia® (Genetic Information Assistant) chatbot on APOL1 by assessing donor, recipient, and community member attitudes about the Gia chatbot for enhancing the integration of APOL1 testing into the LKD clinical evaluation workflow.

Methods

This study involved focus groups and a post‐focus group survey in two US cities about the APOL1 Gia chatbot. Qualitative data were analyzed via thematic analysis, and descriptive statistics were used for demographic data.

Results

We conducted 10 focus groups including 54 participants (25 LKDs, 23 community members, and 6 living donor kidney transplant recipients of African ancestry). Five themes emerged: (1) participants supported LKD candidates using the Gia chatbot before the nephrologist clinic visit, (2) participants were interested in undergoing APOL1 testing after using Gia, (3) APOL1 testing costs may influence LKD candidates’ willingness to get tested, (4) patients of African ancestry may hold varying preferences for using chatbots in the healthcare setting, and (5) individual‐level barriers may limit the use of Gia in the healthcare setting.

Conclusions

Individuals of African ancestry were highly receptive to integrating the APOL1 chatbot into LKD candidate clinical evaluation, which bodes well for integrating chatbots into the APOL1 clinical genetic testing process.
Suspected Iatrogenic Aortic Dissection During Cardiopulmonary Bypass and Veno‐Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Challenging Dilemma
Authors: De Fazio Ludovica , Pergolini Amedeo , Cacioli Giulio , Saitto Guglielmo , Centonze Alessandro , Contento Carlo , Sbaraglia Fabio , D'Avino Emilio , Ranocchi Federico
Published: December 2024

Iatrogenic aortic dissection (IAD) is a life‐threatening condition, primarily caused by arterial cannulation during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in cardiac surgeries. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is the first‐line diagnostic tool in the acute setting, but the presence of several artifacts can easily lead to misinterpretation. A 55‐year‐old man underwent coronary artery bypass grafting and implantation of central veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V‐A ECMO). TEE revealed what appeared to be an intimal dissection flap in the aortic arch and descending thoracic aorta, raising concerns for an IAD, which was not confirmed by computed tomographic angiography. This case highlights the pitfalls and limitations of echocardiography in the diagnosis of IAD, especially in settings with complex flow patterns such as during CPB or V‐A ECMO.
How do ecologists estimate occupancy in practice?
Authors: Goldstein Benjamin R. , Keller Abigail G. , Calhoun Kendall L. , Barker Kristin J. , Montealegre-Mora Felipe , Serota Mitchell W. , Van Scoyoc Amy , Parker-Shames Phoebe , Andreozzi Chelsea L. , de Valpine Perry
Published: December 2024

Over 20 years ago, ecologists were introduced to the site occupancy model (SOM) for estimating occupancy rates from detection‐nondetection data. In the ensuing decades, the SOM and its hierarchical modeling extensions have become mainstays of quantitative ecology, and estimating occupancy rates has become one of the most common applications of ecological field data. Here, we review 364 peer‐reviewed articles published between 2019–2021 that estimated occupancy. We first document broad patterns in study design and statistical methods to provide educators, developers of methodology and software, and ecologists with a clear picture of the landscape of methodologies used to estimate animal occupancy. Second, we conduct a focused review of a subset of 98 papers that applied the hierarchical SOM, drawing from methodological literature to identify discrepancies between SOM applications and methodological best practices. We discuss limits to statistical power, issues with model checking and model selection procedures, potential problems arising from unmodeled non‐independence, and reproducibility. We highlight areas of rapid advancement in interpreting animal occupancy related to animal movement, imperfect detection, and the occupancy–density relationship. We aim to help readers understand the landscape of methods available, motivate shifts toward robust and reproducible science, and inspire new software and methodological research.
Living on the edge – physiological tolerance to frost and drought explains range limits of 35 European tree species
Authors: Baranger Anne , Cordonnier Thomas , Charrier Guillaume , Delzon Sylvain , Larter Maximilian , Martin-StPaul Nicolas K. , Kunstler Georges
Published: December 2024

Species distribution models are key to evaluate how climate change threatens European forests and tree species distributions. However, current models struggle to integrate ecophysiological processes. Mechanistic models are complex and have high parameter requirements. Some correlative species distribution models have tried to include traits but so far have struggled to directly connect to ecophysiological processes. Here, we propose a new strategy in which species distributions are based on safety margins which represent species' proximity to their physiological thresholds. We derived frost and drought safety margins for 38 European tree species as the difference between physiological tolerance traits and local maximum stress. We used LT50 and Ψ50 as tolerance traits for frost and drought, respectively, and local minimum temperature and minimum soil water potential as maximum stress. We integrated these safety margins into a species distribution model, which tests if the probability of species presence declines rapidly when the safety margin reaches zero, when physiological stress exceeds the species' tolerance traits. Our results showed thaet 35 of the 38 studied species had their distribution explained by one or both safety margins. We demonstrated that safety‐margins‐based model can be efficiently transferred to species for which occurrence data are not available. The probability of presence dropped dramatically when the frost safety margin reached zero, whereas it was less sensitive to the drought safety margin. This differential sensitivity may be due to the more complex regulation of drought stress, especially as water is a shared resource, whereas frost is not. Our analysis provides a new approach to link species distributions to their physiological limits and shows that, in Europe, frost and drought safety margins are important determinants of species distributions.
Impact of Clinical Video Scenarios Used for a Summative Exam to Facilitate Learning
Authors: Botelho Michael George , Boubaker Bochra
Published: December 2024

Introduction

This article explores the use of clinical vicarious learning dialogue videos as a learning resource for a written summative assessment.

Method

A prescribed list of 42 clinical vicarious learning dialogue videos was disseminated to students, and they were informed that these would form the scope of a prosthodontics question in their final year summative exam. The videos captured the learning dialogue between a teacher and student during diagnosis, problem‐solving or clinical decision‐making in relation to prosthodontic patient interactions. Exam questions were created from screen capture images from the videos based on and around the video content. After the exam, video analytics was captured, and students were invited for an interview using a question guide which was recorded and transcribed and a thematic analysis was performed using a deductive inductive approach.

Results

Fourteen students were interviewed, and from these three domains and 10 key themes were identified: learning: learning strategy, learning new skills and knowledge, learning clinical skills, application of learnt skills and engagement; assessment: exam scope and stress, clinical relevance, motivation, generalisable; and video as a learning medium: enjoyable, affordance. Students reported that using these videos facilitated and supported their exam preparations, stimulated learning new content as well as higher‐order thinking skills. Students reported they had applied skills learnt from the videos and broadened their cognitive skills and practical experience. The format of the assessment was described as enjoyable and reduced stress. All students reported they watched ‘all’ the videos which appeared to be supported by the analytics.

Conclusion

Clinical vicarious learning dialogue videos were found to help learning, assessment literacy, clinical cognitive skills, stress and motivation for learning.
Pharmacological targeting of dopamine D1 or D2 receptors evokes a rapid‐onset parkinsonian motor phenotype in mice
Authors: del Agua Villa Christian , Atudorei Mihai , Siebner Hartwig Roman , Rickhag Mattias
Published: December 2024

Dopaminergic nigrostriatal denervation in Parkinson's disease (PD) disrupts the functional balance between striatal projecting neurons, leading to aberrant activity in the cortico‐basal ganglia circuit and characteristic motor symptoms. While genetic and toxin‐based animal models are commonly used to mimic PD pathology and behaviour, they have limitations when combined with circuit manipulation tools. This highlights the need for complementary approaches, particularly when combined with viral‐based circuit targeting of specific neuronal subpopulations involved in PD circuit dysfunction. Here, we pursue a pharmacological approach targeting dopamine D1 or D2 receptors to induce dopamine deprivation and to replicate key motor symptoms in PD. We demonstrate a clear dose‐dependent induction of parkinsonian motor behaviour by both a dopamine D1 receptor antagonist (SCH23390) and a D2 receptor antagonist (haloperidol). The motor phenotype is evaluated by considering relevant motor metrics in an open‐field maze platform. The proposed parkinsonian pharmacological model constitutes an acute, flexible approach, which allows parallel brain circuit manipulations.
Density Dependence Shapes Life‐History Trade‐Offs in a Food‐Limited Population
Authors: Jaggi Harman , Zuo Wenyun , Kentie Rosemarie , Gaillard Jean‐Michel , Coulson Tim , Tuljapurkar Shripad
Published: December 2024

Quantifying trade‐offs within populations is important in life‐history theory. However, most studies focusing on life‐history trade‐offs focus on two traits and assume trade‐offs to be static. Our work provides a framework for understanding covariation among multiple traits and how population density influences the traits. Using detailed individual‐based data for Soay sheep, we find density strongly shapes life‐history trade‐offs and distribution of lifetime reproductive success (LRS). At low density, a trade‐off between juvenile survival and growth structures life‐history variation, whereas at equilibrium density, trade‐off between reproduction and juvenile survival is the major structuring axes. Contrary to Lomnicki's prediction, we find that at high density, there is little variation in the LRS over the sizes (large juveniles and adults) that contribute to reproduction. Our results advance an understanding of dynamic nature of trade‐offs offer insights into how high‐density limits diversity of individual life histories and have implications for evolution via density‐dependent selection.
Reconciling Pollen Limitation Theories: Insights From Temperate Oak Masting
Authors: Fleurot Emilie , Keurinck Léa , Boulanger Vincent , Debias François , Delpierre Nicolas , Delzon Sylvain , Lobry Jean R. , Mermet‐Bouvier Camille , Bel‐Venner Marie‐Claude , Venner Samuel
Published: December 2024

Pollen limitation has a considerable influence on forest masting, the highly variable and synchronised seed production, on which forest regeneration and ecosystem dynamics largely rely. Depending on the various mechanisms possibly involved in pollen limitation, the consequences of climate change on masting could be very different. These mechanisms were investigated in 10 oak populations along a climatic gradient using surveys of airborne pollen and fruiting rate as a proxy of pollen limitation. We found no support for the widely accepted hypothesis of the intra‐annual synchrony of flower phenology when considered in isolation. Instead, the fruiting rate was largely explained by a combination of intra‐annual flower phenology synchrony, annual investment in flowering and the effects of weather on pollen maturation and diffusion. These findings highlight the need for a cohesive theoretical framework for pollen limitation to accurately predict the impact of climate change on oak‐dominated ecosystems.
A Functional Basis for the Assembly of Australian Subtropical Rainforest Tree Communities
Authors: Radford‐Smith Julian , Lai Hao Ran , Weeren Ella Cathcart‐van , Dwyer John M.
Published: December 2024

Understanding the role of climate in the assembly of rainforest tree communities is informative for predicting how future climates will impact species and communities. We surveyed rainforest tree communities across the Australian subtropics (spanning 600 to 2500 mm rainfall year−1) and measured functional traits on 285 (91%) of all recorded species. We used principal component analysis to create axes approximating species' hydraulic strategies, leaf economics and stature and included these as predictors in joint species distribution models, along with traits describing dispersal ability and leaf phenology. Hydraulic strategy and leaf phenology strongly modulated species' occurrence trends along the moisture availability gradient, while stature and leaf economics modulated species' responses to minimum temperature and soil variables, respectively. Overall, we quantify the occurrence trends of almost half of Australia's subtropical rainforest tree species based on their functional traits, providing a general foundation for prediction under ongoing climate change.
Macroecology of Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Woody Plants of the Northern Hemisphere: Tolerance Biomes and Polytolerance Hotspots
Authors: Pavanetto Nicola , Niinemets Ülo , Rueda Marta , Puglielli Giacomo
Published: December 2024

Understanding the main ecological constraints on plants' adaptive strategies to tolerate multiple abiotic stresses is a central topic in plant ecology. We aimed to uncover such constraints by analysing how the interactions between climate, soil features and species functional traits co‐determine the distribution and diversity of stress tolerance strategies to drought, shade, cold and waterlogging in woody plants of the Northern Hemisphere. Functional traits and soil fertility predominantly determined drought and waterlogging/cold tolerance strategies, while climatic factors strongly influenced shade tolerance. We describe the observed patterns by defining ‘stress tolerance biomes’ and ‘polytolerance hotspots’, that is, geographic regions where woody plant assemblages have converged to specific tolerance strategies and where the coexistence of multiple tolerance strategies is frequent. The depiction of these regions provides the first macroecological overview of the main environmental and functional requirements underlying the ecological limits to the diversity of abiotic stress tolerance strategies in woody plants.
Realised Thermal Niches in Marine Ectotherms Are Shaped by Ontogeny and Trophic Interactions
Authors: Morell Alaia , Shin Yunne‐Jai , Barrier Nicolas , Travers‐Trolet Morgane , Ernande Bruno
Published: December 2024

Understanding the response of marine organisms to temperature is crucial for predicting climate change impacts. Fundamental physiological thermal performance curves (TPCs), determined under controlled conditions, are commonly used to project future species spatial distributions or physiological performances. Yet, real‐world performances may deviate due to extrinsic factors covarying with temperature (food, oxygen, etc.). Using a bioenergetic marine ecosystem model, we evaluate the differences between fundamental and realised TPCs for fish species with contrasted ecology and thermal preferences. Food limitation is the primary cause of differences, decreasing throughout ontogeny and across trophic levels due to spatio‐temporal variability of low‐trophic level prey availability with temperature. Deoxygenation has moderate impact, despite increasing during ontogeny. This highlights the lower sensitivity of early life stages to hypoxia, which is mechanistically explained by lower mass‐specific ingestion at older stages. Understanding the emergence of realised thermal niches offers crucial insights to better determine population's persistence under climate warming.
Avian Dispersal Ability Shapes Species–Area Relationships on Islands Worldwide
Authors: Baldwin J. W. , Myers Jonathan A.
Published: December 2024

Island biogeography theory provides key insights into biodiversity patterns across islands, species–area relationships and conservation. However, classical island biogeography theory assumes that species are ecologically equivalent in terms of their dispersal ability. We evaluated the role of a key trait (hand‐wing index, a proxy for dispersal ability in birds) in shaping species‐area relationships of avifauna spanning 6706 species on 3894 islands. High community‐weighted mean (CWM) dispersal ability in regional species pools had widespread but context‐dependent effects on island species‐area relationships. Among island archipelagos at smaller spatial extents, high CWM dispersal ability was associated with steeper species‐area relationships. Among zoogeographical realms at larger spatial extents high CWM dispersal ability was associated with shallower species‐area relationships and higher local species richness on small islands. Our study reveals that geographic variation in species' dispersal traits has strong effects on island species‐area relationships and likely plays an important role in non‐neutral community assembly.
Unveiling Lung Diseases in CT Scan Images With a Hybrid Bio‐Inspired Mutated Spider‐Monkey and Crow Search Algorithm
Authors: Kumar Anupam , Ahmad Faiyaz , Alam Bashir
Published: December 2024

Bio‐inspired computer‐aided diagnosis (CAD) has garnered significant attention in recent years due to the inherent advantages of bio‐inspired evolutionary algorithms (EAs) in handling small datasets with elevated precision and reduced computational complexity. Traditional CAD models face limitations as they can only be developed post‐outbreak, relying on datasets that become available during such events such as the COVID‐19 pandemic. The scarcity of data for emerging diseases poses a substantial challenge to achieving elevated precision with conventional deep‐learning algorithms. Furthermore, even when datasets are available, employing deep learning for class‐based classification is arduous, necessitating model retraining, in this paper, we propose a novel hybrid algorithm that leverages the strengths of the crow search algorithm (CSA) and the spider monkey optimization (SMO) algorithm to create an optimised spider monkey crow search (OSM‐CS) algorithm. We developed a CAD tool that maps each input CT image to a high‐dimensional vector by extracting four categories of features: high contrast, polynomial decomposition, textural, and pixel statistics. The proposed OSM‐CS algorithm is employed as a feature selection method. Our experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the OSM‐CS algorithm, achieving an impressive accuracy of 98.2% when coupled with an AdaBoost classifier for multi‐class classification and 99.93% for binary classification. This performance surpasses that of state‐of‐the‐art (SOTA) deep learning models and recently published hybrid algorithms, underscoring the potential of the OSM‐CS algorithm as a powerful tool in the realm of CAD.
Paul’s Account of Change at the Resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15:42‐44a
Authors: Hollon Elton L.
Published: December 2024

The following article discusses Paul's conception of change regarding the resurrection body in 1 Cor 15:42‐44a. Our thesis is that Paul uses a popular Hellenistic cosmology and account of change to explain how the transformation of the body is possible. He uses seed imagery to contrast the pre‐and‐post‐resurrection bodies … the mortal and immortal bodies. Using rhetorical accommodation techniques, he resolves the Corinthian confusion regarding physical resurrection using popular Hellenistic ideas. Whereas some interpreters think that the resurrection body is terrestrial, others find a rarefied extraction of matter like the Stoic material soul or a holistic transformation into a rarefied and/or celestial element fitted to a polarized heavenly environment. Our interpretation is characterized by material continuity and integrative rather than absolute polarity. Though Paul conceives of material continuity, he says nothing of rarefied bodies or their natural habitat. Jesus's resurrection and anticipated return suggest a transformation of the ‘flesh’ into a body capable of traversing both heavenly‐earthly spheres. Some think this view is incoherent, because it combines two incompatible conceptions of resurrection. Paul's solution seems to be that the resurrection body changes its properties as needed, depending on its environment. Hence, it never exemplifies incompatible properties at the same time.
Introduction: International experiences of multilevel collective bargaining and lessons for implementation
Authors: GRIMSHAW Damian
Published: December 2024

There is renewed interest around the world in the potential of multilevel collective bargaining to contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable model of economic development. Recent country experiences nevertheless highlight tensions and contradictions in the roll‐out of new collective bargaining systems and suggest knowledge gaps regarding the idiosyncrasies of institutional design. This Special Issue provides a critical appraisal of the empirical evidence to date, guided by industrial relations institutional theory, and identifies lessons for policy and practice in the building and sustaining of effective multilevel bargaining systems.