bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The value of teaching increases with tool complexity in cumulative cultural evolution
Authors: Lucas Amanda J. , Kings Michael , Whittle Devi , Davey Emma , Happé Francesca , Caldwell Christine A. , Thornton Alex
Published: November 2020

Human cumulative cultural evolution (CCE) is recognized as a powerful ecological and evolutionary force, but its origins are poorly understood. The long-standing view that CCE requires specialized social learning processes such as teaching has recently come under question, and cannot explain why such processes evolved in the first place. An alternative, but largely untested, hypothesis is that these processes gradually coevolved with an increasing reliance on complex tools. To address this, we used large-scale transmission chain experiments (624 participants), to examine the role of different learning processes in generating cumulative improvements in two tool types of differing complexity. Both tool types increased in efficacy across experimental generations, but teaching only provided an advantage for the more complex tools. Moreover, while the simple tools tended to converge on a common design, the more complex tools maintained a diversity of designs. These findings indicate that the emergence of cumulative culture is not strictly dependent on, but may generate selection for, teaching. As reliance on increasingly complex tools grew, so too would selection for teaching, facilitating the increasingly open-ended evolution of cultural artefacts.
Evidence of parallel evolution in the dental elements ofSweetognathusconodonts
Authors: Petryshen W. , Henderson C. M. , De Baets K. , Jarochowska E.
Published: November 2020

The repeated emergence of similar morphologies in the dental elements of PermianSweetognathusconodonts has been a hypothesized example of parallel evolution. To test if morphological parallelisms occur between isolatedSweetognathuslineages, this study uses two-dimensional-based geometric morphometrics combined with a revised and expanded phylogeny of PermianSweetognathusconodonts to quantify dental element trait distributions and compare the phenotypic trajectories between lineages. A hierarchical clustering method was used to identify recurrent species pairs based on principal component scores describing their morphological variation, with the further incorporation of widely used ecological metrics such as limiting similarity and morphological overlap. Our research implies that a major contributor to conodont diversity in Palaeozoic marine trophic networks is the emergence of recurrent parallel morphologies via disruptive and directional selection. This study illustrates the mechanisms through which conodonts achieved their status as hyper-diverse predators and scavengers, contributing substantially to the complexity of Palaeozoic marine communities.
Deconditioning in people living with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic: findings from the Promoting Activity, Independence and Stability in Early Dementia (PrAISED) process evaluation
Authors: Lorito Claudio Di , Masud Tahir , Gladman John , Godfrey Maureen , Dunlop Marianne , Harwood Rowan H.
Published: November 2020

Background

Restrictions introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic led to increased risk of deconditioning in the general population. No empirical evidence of this effect however has been empirically gathered in people living with dementia.

Objective

This study aims to identify the causes and effects of COVID-19-related deconditioning in people living with dementia.

Design

Longitudinal phenomenological qualitative study.

Subjects

Participants living with dementia, their carers and therapists involved in the Promoting Activity, Independence and Stability in Early Dementia (PrAISED) process evaluation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Qualitative interviews with participants were conducted remotely at two time points. The data were analysed through deductive thematic analysis.

Results

Twenty-four participants living with dementia, 19 carers and 15 therapists took part in the study. A self-reinforcing pattern was common, whereby lockdown made the person apathetic, demotivated, socially-disengaged, and frailer. This reduced activity levels, which in turn reinforced the effects of deconditioning over time. Without external supporters, most participants lacked the motivation / cognitive abilities to keep active. Provided the proper infrastructure and support, some participants could use tele-rehabilitation to combat deconditioning.

Conclusion

The added risks and effects of deconditioning on people with dementia require considerable efforts from policy makers and clinicians to ensure that they initiate and maintain physical activity in prolonged periods of social distancing. Delivering rehabilitation in the same way as before the pandemic might not be feasible or sustainable and innovative approaches must be found. Digital support for this population has shown promising results, but still remains a challenge.
HOW IS THE IMPACT ON PUBLIC HEALTH OF SECOND WAVE OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC COMPARED TO THE FIRST WAVE? CASE STUDY OF ITALY
Authors: Coccia Mario
Published: November 2020

The main goal of this study is to compare the effects on public health of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to first wave in society. The paper here focuses on a case study of Italy, one of the first European countries to experience a rapid increase in confirmed cases and deaths. Methodology considers daily data from February to November 2020 of the ratio of confirmed cases/total swabs, fatality rate (deaths / confirmed cases) and ratio of individuals in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) / Confirmed cases. Results reveal that the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic in Italy had a strong but declining impact on public health with the approaching of summer season and with the effects of containment measures, whereas second wave of the COVID-19 has a growing trend of confirmed cases with admission to ICUs and total deaths having a, to date, lower impact on public health compared to first wave. Although effects of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on public health, policymakers have had an unrealistic optimist behavior that a new wave of COVID-19 could not hit their countries and, especially, a low organizational capacity to plan effective policy responses to cope with recurring COVID-19 pandemic crisis. This study can support vital information to design effective policy responses of crisis management to constrain current and future waves of the COVID-19 pandemic and similar epidemics in society.
Effectiveness of Second Wave COVID-19 Response Strategies in Australia
Authors: Milne George , Xie Simon , Poklepovich Dana , O’Halloran Dan , Yap Matthew , Whyatt David
Published: November 2020

Background

There is a significant challenge in responding to second waves of COVID-19 cases, with governments being hesitant in introducing hard lockdown measures given the resulting economic impact. In addition, rising case numbers reflect an increase in coronavirus transmission some time previously, so timing of response measures is highly important. Australia experienced a second wave from June 2020 onwards, confined to greater Melbourne, with initial social distancing measures failing to reduce rapidly increasing case numbers. We conducted a detailed analysis of this outbreak, together with an evaluation of the effectiveness of alternative response strategies, to provide guidance to countries experiencing second waves of SARS-Cov-2 transmission.

Method

An individual-based transmission model was used to 1) describe a second-wave COVID-19 epidemic in Australia; 2) evaluate the impact of lockdown strategies used; and 3) evaluate effectiveness of alternative mitigation strategies. The model was calibrated using daily diagnosed case data prior to lockdown. Specific social distancing interventions were modelled by adjusting person-to-person contacts in mixing locations.

Results

Modelling earlier activation of lockdown measures are predicted to reduce total case numbers by more than 50%. Epidemic peaks and duration of the second wave were also shown to reduce. Our results suggest that activating lockdown measures when second-wave case numbers first indicated exponential growth, would have been highly effective in reducing COVID-19 cases. The model was shown to realistically predict the epidemic growth rate under the social distancing measures applied, validating the methods applied.

Conclusions

The timing of social distancing activation is shown to be critical to their effectiveness. Data showing exponential rise in cases, doubling every 7-10 days, can be used to trigger early lockdown measures. Such measures are shown to be necessary to reduce daily and total case numbers, and the consequential health burden, so preventing health care facilities being overwhelmed. Early control of second wave resurgence potentially permits strict lockdown measures to be eased earlier.

All authors have seen and approved the manuscript. Research funding from Department of Health, Western Australia and Department of Health, Queensland is acknowledged. The authors confirm that these organisations had no influence on the submitted work, nor are there any competing interests.
Pupillometry as a reliable metric of auditory detection and discrimination across diverse stimulus paradigms in animal models
Authors: Montes-Lourido Pilar , Kar Manaswini , Kumbam Isha , Sadagopan Srivatsun
Published: November 2020

Estimates of detection and discrimination thresholds are often used to explore broad perceptual similarities between human subjects and animal models. Pupillometry shows great promise as a non-invasive, easily-deployable method of comparing human and animal thresholds. Using pupillometry, previous studies in animal models have obtained threshold estimates to simple stimuli such as pure tones, but have not explored whether similar pupil responses can be evoked by complex stimuli, what other stimulus contingencies might affect stimulus-evoked pupil responses, and if pupil responses can be modulated by experience or short-term training. In this study, we used an auditory oddball paradigm to estimate detection and discrimination thresholds across a wide range of stimuli in guinea pigs. We demonstrate that pupillometry yields reliable detection and discrimination thresholds across a range of simple (tones) and complex (conspecific vocalizations) stimuli; that pupil responses can be robustly evoked using different stimulus contingencies (low-level acoustic changes, or higher level categorical changes); and that pupil responses are modulated by short-term training. These results lay the foundation for using pupillometry as a high-throughput method of estimating thresholds in large experimental cohorts, and unveil the full potential of using pupillometry to explore broad similarities between humans and animal models.
Perivascular Space Semi-Automatic Segmentation (PVSSAS): A Tool for Segmenting, Viewing and Editing Perivascular Spaces
Authors: Smith Derek A , Verma Gaurav , Ranti Daniel , Markowitz Matthew , Balchandani Priti , Morris Laurel
Published: November 2020

Objective

In this study, we validate and describe a user-friendly tool for PVS tracing that uses a Frangi-based detection algorithm; which will be made freely available to aid in future clinical and research applications. All PVS detected by the semi-automated method had a match with the manual dataset and 94% of the manual PVS had a match within the semi-automated dataset.

Methods

We deployed a Frangi-based filter using a pre-existing Matlab toolbox. The PVSSAS tool pre-processes the images and is optimized for maximum effectiveness in this application. A user-friendly GUI was developed to aid the speed and ease in marking large numbers of PVS across the entire brain at once.

Results

Using a tolerance of 0.7 cm, 83% of all PVSs detected by the semi-automated method had a match with the manual dataset and 94% of the manual PVS had a match within the semi-automated dataset. As shown in figure 3, there was generally excellent agreement between the manual and semi-automated markings in any given slice.

Significance

The primary benefit of PVSSAS will be time saved marking PVS. Clinical MRI use is likely to become more widespread in the diagnosis, treatment, and study of MS and other degenerative neurological conditions in the coming years. Tools like the one presented here will be invaluable in ensuring that the tracing and quantitative analysis of these PVS does not act as a bottle neck to treatment and further research.
JAK1 palmitoylation by ZDHHC3/7 is Essential for Neuropoietic Cytokine Signaling and DRG Neuron Survival
Authors: Hernandez Luiselys M. , Montersino Audrey , Niu Jingwen , Guo Shuchi , Thomas Gareth M.
Published: November 2020

Janus Kinase-1 (JAK1) plays key roles in pro-survival signaling during neurodevelopment and in responses to neuronal injury. JAK1 was identified as a potential palmitoyl-protein in high-throughput studies, but the importance of palmitoylation for JAK1’s roles in neurons has not been addressed. Here, we report that JAK1 is endogenously palmitoylated in cultured Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) neurons and, using an shRNA knockdown/rescue approach, reveal that JAK1 palmitoylation is important for neuropoietic cytokine-dependent signaling and neuronal survival. We further identify the related palmitoyl acyltransferases (PATs) ZDHHC3 and ZDHHC7 as dominant regulators of JAK1 palmitoylation in transfected non-neuronal cells and endogenously in neurons. At the molecular level, palmitoylation is critical for JAK1’s kinase activity in transfected cells and evenin vitro,likely because palmitoylation facilitates transphosphorylation of key sites in the JAK1 activation loop. These findings provide new insights into palmitoylation-dependent control of neuronal development and survival.
Combined epidemiological and genomic analysis of nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 transmission identifies community social distancing as the dominant intervention reducing outbreaks
Authors: Snell Luke B , Fisher Chloe L , Taj Usman , Merrick Blair , Alcolea-Medina Adela , Charalampous Themoula , Signell Adrian W , Wilson Harry D , Betancor Gilberto , Kia Ik Mark Tan , Cunningham Emma , Cliff Penelope R , Pickering Suzanne , Galao Rui Pedro , Batra Rahul , Neil Stuart J D , Malim Michael H , Doores Katie J , Douthwaite Sam T , Nebbia Gaia , Edgeworth Jonathan D , Awan Ali R ,   The COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) consortium
Published: November 2020

Many healthcare facilities report SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks but transmission analysis is complicated by the high prevalence of infection and limited viral genetic diversity. The contribution of different vectors to nosocomial infection or the effectiveness of interventions is therefore currently unclear. Detailed epidemiological and viral nanopore sequence data were analysed from 574 consecutive patients with a PCR positive SARS-CoV-2 test between March 13th and March 31st, when the pandemic first impacted on a large, multisite healthcare institution in London. During this time the first major preventative interventions were introduced, including progressive community social distancing (CSD) policies leading to mandatory national lockdown, exclusion of hospital visitors, and introduction of universal surgical facemask-use by healthcare-workers (HCW). Incidence of nosocomial cases, community SARS-CoV-2 cases and infection in a cohort of 228 HCWs followed the same dynamic course, decreasing shortly after introduction of CSD measures and prior to the main hospital-based interventions. We investigated clusters involving nosocomial cases based on overlapping ward-stays during the 14-day incubation period and SARS-CoV-2 genome sequence similarity. Our method placed 63 (79%) of 80 sequenced probable and definite nosocomial cases into 14 clusters containing a median of 4 patients (min 2, max 19) No genetic support was found for the majority of epidemiological clusters (31/44, 70%) and genomics revealed multiple contemporaneous outbreaks within single epidemiological clusters. We included a measure of hospital enrichment compared to community cases to increase confidence in our clusters, which were 1-14 fold enriched. Applying genomics, we could provide a robust estimate of the incubation period for nosocomial transmission, with a median lower bound and upper bound of 6 and 9 days respectively. Six (43%) clusters spanned multiple wards, with evidence of cryptic transmission, and community-onset cases could not be identified in more than half the clusters, particularly on the elective hospital site, implicating HCW as vectors of transmission. Taken together these findings suggest that CSD had the dominant impact on reducing nosocomial transmission by reducing HCW infection.
Unified neural pathways that gate affective pain and multisensory innate threat signals to the amygdala
Authors: Kang Sukjae Joshua , Liu Shijia , Ye Mao , Kim Dong-Il , Kim Jong-Hyun , Oh Tae Gyu , Peng Jiahang , Evans Ronald M. , Lee Kuo-Fen , Goulding Martyn , Han Sung
Published: November 2020

Perception of aversive sensory stimuli such as pain and innate threat cues is essential for animal survival. The amygdala is critical for aversive sensory perception, and it has been suggested that multiple parallel pathways independently relay aversive cues from each sensory modality to the amygdala. However, a convergent pathway that relays multisensory aversive cues to the amygdala has not been identified. Here, we report that neurons expressing calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the parvocellular subparafasicular thalamic nucleus (SPFp) are necessary and sufficient for affective-motivational pain perception by forming a spino-thalamo-amygdaloid pain pathway. In addition, we find that this thalamic CGRP pain pathway, together with well-known parabrachio-amygdaloid CGRP pain pathway, is critical for the perception of multisensory innate threat cues. The discovery of unified pathways that collectively gate aversive sensory stimuli from all sensory modalities may provide critical circuit-based insights for developing therapeutic interventions for affective pain- and innate fear-related disorders.
Maturation and persistence of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 memory B cell response
Authors: Sokal Aurélien , Chappert Pascal , Roeser Anais , Barba-Spaeth Giovanna , Fourati Slim , Azzaoui Imane , Vandenberghe Alexis , Fernandez Ignacio , Bouvier-Alias Magali , Crickx Etienne , Ferchiou Asma Beldi , Hue Sophie , Languille Laetitia , Baloul Samia , Noizat-Pirenne France , Luka Marine , Megret Jérôme , Ménager Mickaël , Pawlotsky Jean-Michel , Fillatreau Simon , Rey Felix A , Weill Jean-Claude , Reynaud Claude-Agnès , Mahévas Matthieu
Published: November 2020

Memory B cells play a fundamental role in host defenses against viruses, but to date, their role have been relatively unsettled in the context of SARS-CoV-2. We report here a longitudinal single-cell and repertoire profiling of the B cell response up to 6 months in mild and severe COVID-19 patients. Distinct SARS-CoV-2 Spike-specific activated B cell clones fueled an early antibody-secreting cell burst as well as a durable synchronous germinal center response. While highly mutated memory B cells, including preexisting cross-reactive seasonal Betacoronavirus-specific clones, were recruited early in the response, neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 RBD-specific clones accumulated with time and largely contributed to the late remarkably stable memory B-cell pool. Highlighting germinal center maturation, these cells displayed clear accumulation of somatic mutations in their variable region genes over time. Overall, these findings demonstrate that an antigen-driven activation persisted and matured up to 6 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection and may provide long-term protection.
ATP hydrolysis coordinates the activities of two motors in a dimeric chromatin remodeling enzyme
Authors: Johnson Stephanie L. , Narlikar Geeta
Published: November 2020

ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers are essential enzymes that restructure eukaryotic genomes to enable all DNA-based processes. The diversity and complexity of these processes are matched by the complexity of the enzymes that carry them out, making remodelers a challenging class of molecular motors to study by conventional methods. Here we use a single molecule biophysical assay to overcome some of these challenges, enabling a detailed mechanistic dissection of a paradigmatic remodeler reaction, that of sliding a nucleosome towards the longer DNA linker. We focus on how two motors of a dimeric remodeler coordinate to accomplish such directional sliding. We find that ATP hydrolysis by both motors promotes coordination, suggesting a role for ATP in resolving the competition for directional commitment. Furthermore, we show an artificially constitutive dimer is no more or less coordinated, but is more processive, suggesting a cell could modulate a remodeler’s oligomeric state to modulate local chromatin dynamics.
Examining the phenomenon of rounding in analysts' EPS forecasts: evidence from Singapore
Authors: Goh Clarence
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Prior studies have documented the phenomenon of rounding of analysts' earnings per share (EPS) forecasts in the USA. From the outset, it is unclear if analysts following Singapore firms also similarly engage in the rounding of their EPS forecasts. This study aims to investigate the extent to which analysts engage in rounding of EPS forecasts of firms listed on the Singapore Exchange.

Design/methodology/approach

The author conducted his analysis on a sample of analyst EPS forecasts of companies listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange, downloaded from the International Brokers Estimate System (I/B/E/S). This sample consists of 24,219 annual EPS forecasts announced from June 2011 to September 2019. These forecasts were made for 285 unique firms by 48 unique analysts.

Findings

The author finds that there is substantial rounding of EPS forecasts, with 9.59% of EPS forecasts examined ending in five- or ten-cent intervals. In supplementary analysis, the author further finds that the level of rounding was comparable across two periods under examination, from 2011 to 2015 and from 2016 to 2019. The author also finds that there was substantial rounding even for forecasts of relatively large magnitudes (i.e. US$1.00 and above).

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine the rounding of analysts' EPS forecasts of Singapore firms. It extends the literature on analyst EPS forecasts and highlights how the phenomenon of rounding of analyst EPS forecasts of US firms extends to Singapore.
Vasudha's Dismay
Authors: Aggarwal Shilpee , Agrasen Maharaja , Gupta Vishal
Published: November 2020

The case describes the situation of Vasudha Kumar, Manager – Background Vetting at Praxum Services Limited. She is surprised by the unexpected resignation of her team member a few days before she has to leave for her maternity break. In a small team, how does she deal with this unanticipated resignation? She wonders if this is ethical. Kumar, the protagonist of the case had to handle multiple crisis situations along her journey. How will she overcome challenges of managing the new gen workforce?
Thar ICD Layout
Authors: Roy Debjit , Raman A Venkata
Published: November 2020

To reduce congestion at the ports, Inland Container Depots (ICDs) facilitates intermediate handling, storage, and delivery of containers from the customer premises to the container terminals and vice versa. The design of an ICD such as the location of the functional areas such as bonded and debonded warehouse, railway siding, weighbridge etc affects the turnaround times for storage and retrieval. Further, the number of resources such as reach-stackers affects the throughput capacity of an ICD. Through this case, the participants should understand the ICD operations and the system design elements.
The role and related variables of workplace learning in quantitative research
Authors: Park Yoonhee , Woo Heajung , Oh Mi-Rae , Park Sunyoung
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to review the definition, perspective, measurement and context of workplace learning and explored workplace learning to identify its role in quantitative research.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an integrative review of the literature, the following four roles that workplace learning has played in these studies were identified: workplace learning as an antecedent, a mediator, a moderator and an outcome.

Findings

This paper synthesized results for workplace learning in 45 studies. A total of 88 variables related to workplace learning were identified after four overlapped variables (autonomy, social support, work engagement and workload) in multiples areas were excluded from a total of 92 variables (56 antecedents, 8 mediators, 7 moderators and 21 outcomes).

Research limitations/implications

Because this study identified four roles of workplace learning (as antecedent, mediator, moderator and outcome), this study did not focus on the process of learning in the workplace. Additional study is needed to investigate how workplace learning can lead to outcomes and how this process can link workplace learning and its consequences.

Originality/value

This paper synthesized the antecedents, mediators, moderators and outcomes for workplace learning by integrating the findings in this study. This provided a comprehensive framework that could be used by researchers to continue the empirical research on this topic to develop the dynamics between individual, group, job and organizational variables on the one hand and workplace learning on the other.
Exploring the underlying relationship among risks in BOT transportation projects in developing countries: the case of Vietnam
Authors: Le Phuong Thi , Chileshe Nicholas , Kirytopoulos Konstantinos , Rameezdeen Raufdeen
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Despite the fact that extensive studies on public-private partnerships have focused on risk identification and classification, research still lacks concentration on studying the latent structure of risks in build operate transfer (BOT) transportation projects, especially in developing countries. The research was carried out in Vietnam and this paper aims to explore the underlying relationships among risks in the context of BOT transportation projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the perception of stakeholders regarding the probability of occurrence and the severity of the impact of risks related to BOT transportation projects. Factor analysis was performed based on a total of 40 risks.

Findings

Seven risk groups were formed as a result of factor analysis, namely, “projects’ viability and political-regulatory risks”, “macroeconomic risks”, “projects’ feasibility study and market risks”, “financial risks”, “organization/coordination and force majeure risks”, “tolling, contractual, approvals risks” and “media and land expropriation risks”.

Originality/value

The research contributes to the current body of knowledge by providing deep insight into the structure of risks in BOT transportation projects in Vietnam through exploring the underlying relationships among risks, to form a latent risk structure from practical viewpoints. The findings are beneficial for involved stakeholders and policymakers to set up and propose suitable management strategies and related policies.
Superabsorbent polymer: application in natural rubber for making rubber roofing sheets
Authors: Mahmoud Doaa Samir , Tawfic Medhat Lotfy , Rabie Abdel Gawad , El-Sabbagh Salwa H.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to prepare superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) based on acrylic acid, which is considered hygroscopic material to incorporate in rubber formulation, which results in producing moisten rubber that is used as roofing sheets.

Design/methodology/approach

SAPs were synthesized via free radical bulk polymerization technique using different content of cross-linker N, N'-methylenebisacrylamide and potassium persulfate. Differential scanning calorimeter, thermal gravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize SAPs and confirmed the formation of cross-linked hydrogel structure. The water absorbency and the gel fraction for sodium polyacrylate (NaPA) were investigated. Then, the influence of obtained NaPA on the swelling behavior of the prepared natural rubber (NR) compound has been discussed.

Findings

Absorption characteristics and gel fraction of NaPA were found to depend on the content of the cross-linker in the system. SAPs are used to improve the absorbance behavior and performance of the NR to produce, roofing sheets using in hot weather. The morphology of the obtained rubber compound was well-explained by using a scanning electron microscope.

Research limitations/implications

The research provides a simple way to produce moisten rubber that can be used as a roofing sheet to overcome warm weather.

Originality/value

Moisten rubber roofing sheets provide a low-cost option in many developing countries with hot climates, and thus, help save the environment from global warming.
Commentary on a “unified approach to behaviours that challenge”: getting it right? A family carer perspective
Authors: Cooper Vivien
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an individual family-carer perspective on navigating the complex child, adult, education, health and social care systems focussing on what might be needed to get the right support in the right place at the right time for individuals with learning disabilities who display behaviour that challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual analysis, drawing on lived experience, policy and practice.

Findings

Policy and best practice advocate a holistic, person-centred, outcome-focussed approach to supporting individuals with learning disabilities whose behaviour challenges, but the existing complex multiple organisational structures are not conducive to delivering this. Making the system work for people requires focussed leadership across all levels to co-ordinate and align the component parts. It is certainly possible to achieve, but it is currently unclear who will take responsibility for making this happen.

Originality/value

Families are often the only constant in the lives of people with disabilities. This commentary highlights what is important to and for families when attempts are made to get the right support in the right place at the right time for individuals with learning disabilities who display behaviour that challenges.
Assessing temporal dynamics of predation and effectiveness of caterpillar visual defense using sawfly larval color and resting posture as a model
Authors: Pan Xia , Mizuno Takafumi , Ito Kaiki , Ohsugi Tsuguhiro , Nishimichi Saki , Nomiya Riku , Ohno Misuzu , Yamawo Akira , Nakamura Akihiro
Published: November 2020

Caterpillars (Lepidoptera and Symphyta larvae) employ diverse visual defensive tactics, and effectiveness of such tactics may be highly dynamic across time due to seasonal changes in the predator assemblages and their preferences. However, this has rarely been studied especially in tropical regions. Here we assessed temporal changes in the defensive value of caterpillar color and shape, using six types of plasticine dummy caterpillars: three colors (green, black, and white) × two shapes (curled and straight). These dummy caterpillars were deployed five times over different seasons in tropical forests of Xishuangbanna (China) and, as a comparison, twice in a temperate forest of Hirosaki (Japan). The colors and shapes of dummy caterpillars simulate visual traits of black sawfly larvae which take the curled resting posture in tropical rainforests of Xishuangbanna, apparently masquerading excrements commonly found on plants, while in Hirosaki there is no black‐curled sawfly larvae and few excrements on plants. We found no significant effects of caterpillar colors or shapes on predation in Hirosaki. In contrast, black and curled caterpillars received significantly lower predation by birds in Xishuangbanna constantly across time. However, we were unable to provide evidence that the black‐curled sawfly larvae are masquerading as excrements. Shapes of the dummy caterpillars also affected the predation by ants and parasitoid wasps at certain times. This is the first report on ecological function of the curled posture of sawfly larvae, and we demonstrated the importance to assess the temporal dynamics of predation and effectiveness of defensive tactics in tropical forests.
Exposure and Preferences: Evidence from Indian Slums
Authors: Spater Jeremy
Published: November 2020

How is physical proximity to ethnic outgroups related to intergroup hostility and coethnic voting? These relationships remain murky despite extensive study, in part because existing measures of heterogeneity are too geographically coarse and provide little insight into interpersonal contact. I introduce a measure of outgroup exposure, the k‐nearest‐neighbors score, which sidesteps fundamental measurement issues by disaggregating to the level of the individual. Using original geocoded network data from eight neighborhoods, I confirm that this metric reflects social contact at the individual level. I then apply this exposure metric to an original, large‐n survey experiment from surveys in 149 neighborhoods in cities across India to test whether individual residential exposure is associated with outgroup hostility and coethnic voting. I find that proximity to an ethnic outgroup is associated with a preference for coethnic candidates, but is not associated with greater hostility toward members of the outgroup.
Ultrastructural study of the mucocytes in the dermal glands of Bufotes pewzowi (Amphibia, Bufonidae), with some reflections on the polymorphism of the secretory epithelium
Authors: Fedotovskikh Galina V. , Arifulova Irina I. , Dujsebayeva Tatjana N.
Published: November 2020

Light microscopy (LM) of the dermal mucous glands (MGs) of the green toads, Bufotes pewzowi, has revealed five basophilic and oxyphilic staining variations in the secretory cells that were combined in three groups (here, TYPEs) under transmission electron microscope (TEM). TYPE I MCs are characterized by a well‐developed Golgi complex (GC), numerous large granules from a finely grained to flaky central content varying from low to increased electron density and rare electron‐dense osmiophilic granules. TYPE II MCs have a well‐developed granular endoplasmic reticulum (GER), GC and secretory homogeneous granules of high electron density with clear membranes. Some MCs demonstrate a sharp expansion of GER with complete membrane reduction and the formation of a homogeneous secret of “varnished” appearance and were presumably assigned to TYPE III MCs of a seromucous nature. Three types of mucocytes are suggested as different directions of cytodifferentiation of the stem cells. The data on MC polymorphism is discussed in the light of the pluripotent nature and high evolutionary plasticity of the skin's secretory epithelium. The development of MCs with seromucous secretion is proposed as a sort of MGs “proteinization,” in some way connected with the adaptation of tetraploid toads to the severe environment of Central Asia.
Accounting for research fatigue in research ethics
Authors: Ashley Florence
Published: November 2020

How to account for participants’ psychological and emotional exhaustion with research has been under‐explored in the research ethics literature. Research fatigue, as it is known, has significant impacts on patients’ well‐being and their ongoing and future participation in studies. From the perspective of researchers and researched communities, research fatigue also creates selection bias and opportunity costs, negatively impacting the collective scientific enterprise. Institutional Review Boards should systematically consider research fatigue during the research approval process and strive to mitigate it.
More robust local governance suggests positive effects of long‐term community conservation
Authors: Salerno Jonathan , Andersson Krister , Bailey Karen M. , Hilton Tom , Mwaviko Kephania K. , Simon Isaya Donald , Bracebridge Claire , Mangewa Lazaro Johana , Nicholas Aaron , Rutabanzibwa Harold , Hartter Joel
Published: November 2020

Community‐based conservation (CBC) is essential to promoting biodiversity protection and livelihood development. Despite significant financial and institutional investment, performance of CBC interventions is mixed, with shortcomings especially evident in wildlife‐based CBC in Africa. CBC outcomes are typically evaluated through household livelihood gains, or through policy analysis at higher administrative levels such as the central state. Surprisingly, village or local governance capacity is often missing from project assessment. Through a controlled study, we evaluate CBC interventions at multiple scales in Tanzania. Employing Bayesian multilevel latent trait models, we find that CBC participation predicts stronger village governance institutions. Additionally, compared to control villages, CBC villages have more local civic organizations and small business enterprise, but do not experience greater elite capture of public goods. Together, and in the absence of direct CBC benefits provisioned to households or signs of success at the higher level of multi‐village CBC bodies, these findings point to the possibility that village‐level governance institutions can adapt in beneficial ways to prolonged CBC interventions.
Assessing the adequacy of a protected area network in conserving a wide‐ranging apex predator: The case for tiger (Panthera tigris) conservation in Bhutan
Authors: Thinley Phuntsho , Rajaratnam Rajanathan , Morreale Stephen J. , Lassoie James P.
Published: November 2020

Protected area networks (PAN) are essential for conserving wide‐ranging apex predators but their adequacy in species protection has rarely been assessed. Here, we assess the adequacy of Bhutan's PAN in conserving and providing connectivity to the endangered tiger (Panthera tigris). We determine the current extent of tiger habitat, predict new suitable habitat, identify potential corridors, and empirically estimate the range of tiger numbers that Bhutan can spatially support. We use two spatial models with different approaches to ascertain current tiger distribution and predict new suitable tiger areas: (a) an expert model based on tiger ecology and (b) an observation model from observed tiger distribution. The expert model identified more suitable tiger areas (32,887 km2) over the observation model (29,962 km2), with the PAN encompassing 46% and 45% of predicted suitable areas, respectively. Vast suitable tiger habitat remains unprotected. Based on our estimates of total suitable habitats, Bhutan can spatially support 138–151 tigers compared to the current estimate of 103, thereby precluding a doubling in tiger numbers. To ensure adequate protection of tigers in Bhutan, we recommend readjusting and/or expanding existing PAN boundaries, including the designation of new corridors, protecting habitats, and conserving prey populations.
Developing generalized sampling schemes with known error properties: the case of a moving observer
Authors: Takashina Nao , Economo Evan P.
Published: November 2020

Pattern in space and time is central to ecology, and adequately designed ecological sampling is needed to resolve those patterns, pursue ecological questions and design conservation strategies. Recently, there has been an explosion of various ecological data due to the proliferation of online data‐sharing platforms, citizen science programs and new technology such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), but data reliability, consistency and the error properties of the sampling method are usually uncertain. While there are a number of standard survey protocols for different taxa, they often subjectively designed and standardization is meant to facilitate repeatability rather than produce a quantitative evaluation of the data (e.g. error properties). Here, we describe an ecological survey scheme consisting of an ‘algorithm' to be followed in the field that will result in a standard set of data as well as the error properties of the data. While many such sampling schemes could be developed that target different types of organisms, we focus on one case of a moving observer attempting to detect a species in the field (e.g. a birder, UAV, etc.) with the goal of producing a presence–absence map. The multiscale model developed is spatially explicit and accommodates inherent survey tradeoffs such as sampling speed, detectability and map resolution. Given a set of sampling parameters, the model provides estimates of the total sampling time and map accuracy translated into the probability of false negative. Additionally it also provides an actual and sampled occupancy–area curve across mapping resolutions that can be utilized to discuss sampling effects. While the proposed sampling framework is simple, the same general approach could be adapted for other conditions to meet the needs of a particular taxon. If a set of ‘canonical' sampling algorithms could be developed with known mathematical properties, it would enhance reliability and usage of ecological datasets.
Global phylogeography and invasion history of the spotted lanternfly revealed by mitochondrial phylogenomics
Authors: Du Zhenyong , Wu Yunfei , Chen Zhuo , Cao Liangming , Ishikawa Tadashi , Kamitani Satoshi , Sota Teiji , Song Fan , Tian Li , Cai Wanzhi , Li Hu
Published: November 2020

Biological invasion has been a serious global threat due to increasing international trade and population movements. Tracking the source and route of invasive species and evaluating the genetic differences in their native regions have great significance for the effective monitoring and management, and further resolving the invasive mechanism. The spotted lanternflyLycorma delicatulais native to China and invaded South Korea, Japan, and the United States during the last decade, causing severe damages to the fruits and timber industries. However, its global phylogeographic pattern and invasion history are not clearly understood. We applied high‐throughput sequencing to obtain 392 whole mitochondrial genome sequences from four countries to ascertain the origin, dispersal, and invasion history of the spotted lanternfly. Phylogenomic analyses revealed that the spotted lanternfly originated from southwestern China, diverged into six phylogeographic lineages, and experienced northward expansion across the Yangtze River in the late Pleistocene. South Korea populations were derived from multiple invasions from eastern China and Japan with two different genetic sources of northwestern (Loess Plateau) and eastern (East Plain) lineages in China, whereas the each of Japan and the United States had only one. The United States populations originated through single invasive event from South Korea, which served as a bridgehead of invasion. The environmental conditions, especially the distribution of host Ailanthus trees, and adaptability possibly account for the rapid spread of the spotted lanternfly in the native and introduced regions.
Incidence and causes of pregnancy loss after Day 70 of gestation in Thoroughbreds
Authors: Roach Jessica M. , Foote Alastair K. , Smith Ken C. , Verheyen Kristien L. , de Mestre Amanda M.
Published: November 2020

Background

Pregnancy loss after Day 70 of gestation manifests as abortion, stillbirth or perinatal death. While previous studies have reported the diagnoses of laboratory submissions, none have quantified the incidence and causes of abortions, stillbirths and perinatal mortality at a population level.

Objectives

To report the incidence and causes of pregnancy loss after Day 70 of gestation in a cohort of Thoroughbreds.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Outcomes of Day 70 pregnancies were collected from eight Thoroughbred farms over the 2013‐2017 breeding seasons. Stud, veterinary and laboratory records were supplemented with publicly available data. Cause of loss was categorised using custom criteria.

Results

Data were collected on 3,586 pregnancies from 1,802 mares. The incidence risk of a pregnancy failing to produce a live foal at 24 hours post parturition was 7.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 6.5‐8.2, equating to 7.3 cases per 100 Day‐70 pregnancies). The incidence of pregnancy loss between Day 70 and 300 of gestation, Day 301‐315 and stillbirth/perinatal death was 4.0% (95% CI 3.4‐4.7), 0.3% (95% CI 0.2‐0.6) and 1.4% (95% CI 1.1‐1.9) respectively. Of the pregnancy losses where tissue was available, 61.1% were submitted for post‐mortem examination. The incidence risk of loss due to umbilical cord‐related pathologies was 1.5% (95% CI 1.1‐1.9), 0.4% (95% CI 0.2‐0.6) for noninfectious placental disease and 0.3% (95% CI 0.2‐0.6) for both infectious placentitis and Equine Herpesvirus infection. No primary diagnosis was made in 11.2% of the cases which underwent full post‐mortem examination.

Main limitations

It was not possible to differentiate between intra‐partum stillbirth and early post‐partum death.

Conclusion

Pregnancy loss after Day 70 of gestation is a significant source of loss in the Thoroughbred with umbilical cord‐related pathologies being the most commonly diagnosed cause. Reporting the incidence of pregnancy loss at a population level with clear case definitions will allow for accurate global comparisons.
Two novel heteropolymer‐forming proteins maintain the multicellular shape of the cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120
Authors: Springstein Benjamin L. , Nürnberg Dennis J. , Woehle Christian , Weissenbach Julia , Theune Marius L. , Helbig Andreas O. , Maldener Iris , Dagan Tal , Stucken Karina
Published: November 2020

Polymerizing and filament‐forming proteins are instrumental for numerous cellular processes such as cell division and growth. Their function in stabilization and localization of protein complexes and replicons is achieved by a filamentous structure. Known filamentous proteins assemble into homopolymers consisting of single subunits – for example, MreB and FtsZ in bacteria – or heteropolymers that are composed of two subunits, for example, keratin and α/β tubulin in eukaryotes. Here, we describe two novel coiled‐coil‐rich proteins (CCRPs) in the filament‐forming cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 (hereafter Anabaena) that assemble into a heteropolymer and function in the maintenance of the Anabaena multicellular shape (termed trichome). The two CCRPs – Alr4504 and Alr4505 (named ZicK and ZacK) – are strictly interdependent for the assembly of protein filaments in vivo and polymerize nucleotide independently in vitro, similar to known intermediate filament (IF) proteins. A ΔzicKΔzacK double mutant is characterized by a zigzagged cell arrangement and hence a loss of the typical linear Anabaena trichome shape. ZicK and ZacK interact with themselves, with each other, with the elongasome protein MreB, the septal junction protein SepJ and the divisome associate septal protein SepI. Our results suggest that ZicK and ZacK function in cooperation with SepJ and MreB to stabilize the Anabaena trichome and are likely essential for the manifestation of the multicellular shape in Anabaena. Our study reveals the presence of filament‐forming IF‐like proteins whose function is achieved through the formation of heteropolymers in cyanobacteria.