bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A geometric shape regularity effect in the human brain
Authors: Sablé-Meyer Mathias , Benjamin Lucas , Watkins Cassandra Potier , He Chenxi , Pajot Maxence , Morfoisse Thoé , Al Roumi Fosca , Dehaene Stanislas
Published: March 2024

The perception and production of regular geometric shapes is a characteristic trait of human cultures since prehistory, whose neural mechanisms are unknown. Behavioral studies suggest that humans are attuned to discrete regularities such as symmetries and parallelism, and rely on their combinations to encode regular geometric shapes in a compressed form. To identify the relevant brain systems and their dynamics, we collected functional MRI and magnetoencephalography data in both adults and six-year-olds during the perception of simple shapes such as hexagons, triangles and quadrilaterals. The results revealed that geometric shapes, relative to other visual categories, induce a hypoactivation of ventral visual areas and an overactivation of the intraparietal and inferior temporal regions also involved in mathematical processing, whose activation is modulated by geometric regularity. While convolutional neural networks captured the early visual activity evoked by geometric shapes, they failed to account for subsequent dorsal parietal and prefrontal signals, which could only be captured by discrete geometric features or by more advanced transformer models of vision. We propose that the perception of abstract geometric regularities engages an additional symbolic mode of visual perception.
Dissociable roles of the mPFC-to-VTA Pathway in the control of iImpulsive Action and Risk-Related Decision-Making in Roman High- And Low-Avoidance Rats
Authors: Urueña-Méndez Ginna , Arrondeau Chloé , Marchessaux Florian , Goutaudier Raphaël , Ginovart Nathalie
Published: March 2024

Impulsivity is a multidimensional trait associated with various psychiatric disorders including drug abuse. Impulsivity facets, such as impulsive action and risk-related decision-making (RDM), have been associated with reduced frontocortical activity and alterations in dopamine function in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). However, despite direct projections from the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) to the VTA, the specific role of the mPFC-to-VTA pathway in the control of impulsive behaviors remains unexplored. Here, we used Positron Emission Tomography with [18F]-Fluorodeoxyglucose to evaluate brain metabolic activity in Roman High-(RHA) and Low-avoidance (RLA) rats, which exhibit innate differences in impulsivity. Notably, we used a viral-based intersectional chemogenetic strategy to isolate, for the first time, the role of the mPFC-to-VTA pathway in controlling impulsive behaviors. We selectively activated the mPFC-to-VTA pathway in RHAs and inhibited it in RLAs, and assessed the effects on impulsive action and RDM in the rat gambling task. Our results showed that RHA rats displayed higher impulsive action, less optimal decision-making, and lower cortical activity than RLA rats at baseline. Chemogenetic activation of the mPFC-to-VTA pathway reduced impulsive action in RHAs, whereas chemogenetic inhibition had the opposite effect in RLAs. However, these manipulations did not affect RDM. Thus, by specifically and bidirectionally targeting the mPFC-to-VTA pathway in a phenotype-dependent way, we were able to revert innate patterns of impulsive action, but not RDM. Our findings suggest a dissociable role of the mPFC-to-VTA pathway in impulsive action and RDM, highlighting its potential as a target for investigating impulsivity-related disorders.
GDFold2: a fast and parallelizable protein folding environment with freely defined objective functions
Authors: Mi Tianyu , Xiao Nan , Gong Haipeng
Published: March 2024

An important step of mainstream protein structure prediction is to model the 3D protein structure based on the predicted 2D inter-residue geometric information. This folding step has been integrated into a unified neural network to allow end-to-end training in state-of-the-art methods like AlphaFold2, but is separately implemented using the Rosetta folding environment in some traditional methods like trRosetta. Despite the inferiority in prediction accuracy, the conventional approach allows for the sampling of various protein conformations compatible with the predicted geometric constraints, partially capturing the dynamic information. Here, we propose GDFold2, a novel protein folding environment, to address the limitations of Rosetta. On the one hand, GDFold2 is highly computationally efficient, capable of accomplishing multiple folding processes in parallel within the time scale of minutes for generic proteins. On the other hand, GDFold2 supports freely defined objective functions to fulfill diversified optimization requirements. Moreover, we propose a quality assessment (QA) model to provide reliable prediction on the quality of protein structures folded by GDFold2, thus substantially simplifying the selection of structural models. GDFold2 and the QA model could be combined to investigate the transition path between protein conformational states, and the online server is available athttps://structpred.life.tsinghua.edu.cn/server_gdfold2.html.
CircRNA-Pro: A Novel Toolkit for High-Precision Detection of Differentially Expressed Circular RNAs and Translatable Circular RNAs
Authors: Song Wei , Yu Liqun , Ye Tianrui , Zhang Honglei , Wang Yan , Yang Yang , Shen Dawei , Piao Weilan , Jin Hua
Published: March 2024

With the increasing discovery of circular RNAs (circRNAs) and their critical roles in gene regulation and disease progression, there is a growing need for more accurate and efficient tools for circRNAs research. In response, we have developed an integrated software suite specifically for circRNAs. This all-in-one tool specializes in detecting differentially expressed circRNAs, including those with the potential to be translated into proteins, and allows for comparing against relevant databases, thereby enabling comprehensive circRNA profiling and annotation. To enhance the accuracy in detecting differentially expressed circRNAs, we incorporated three different software algorithms and cross-validated their results through mutual verification. Additionally, this toolkit improves the effectiveness in identifying translatable circRNAs by optimizing Ribo-seq alignment and verifying against public circRNA databases. The performance of circRNA-pro has been evaluated through its application to public RNA-seq and Ribo-seq datasets on breast cancer and SARS-CoV-2 infected cells, and the results obtained have been validated against previous literature and databases. Overall, our integrated toolkit provides a reliable workflow for circRNA research, facilitating insights into their diverse roles across life sciences.
The Structure of the Lujo Virus Spike Complex
Authors: Eilon-Ashkenazy Maayan , Cohen-Dvashi Hadas , Borni Sarah , Shaked Ron , Calinsky Rivka , Levy Yaakov , Diskin Ron
Published: March 2024

Lujo virus is a human pathogen that emerged as the etiology agent of a deadly viral disease in Africa. While it is a member of theArenaviridae, it is a distinct virus that does not classify with the classical ‘Old World’ or ‘New World’ groups of viruses in this family. It further utilizes neuropilin-2 (NRP2) as an entry receptor, a property that is not shared by other arenaviruses. So far, structural information is limited to the receptor binding domain of LUJV, and the overall organization of the trimeric complex, as well as the way NRP2 is recognized in the context of the complete viral spike, were unknown. Here, we present the cryo-EM structure of the complete, native, membrane-embedded spike complex of LUJV. We found that NRP2 is bound at the apex of the spike in a way that allows each trimer to engage with a single NRP2. Also, the complete receptor binding site is quaternary, depending on interactions contributed by neighboring protomers. Recognition of NRP2 involves an overlooked arginine-methionine interaction, which we have now characterized. This LUJV’s spike structure, which is the second determined structure of a complete arenaviral spike, points to similarities and differences in the structures of these viral spikes, informing vaccine design and allowing us to be better prepared to combat future outbreaks of this virus.
De novoGenome Sequencing and Annotation of a Thermophilic Cyanobacterium using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies Sequencing Platform
Authors: Woortman Dirk V. , Kandawa-Schulz Martha , Mehlmer Norbert , Brück Thomas B.
Published: March 2024

In this project the MinION DNA sequencing platform was tested and introduced. It was proven that Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) is not restricted to core facilities, but can be implemented in a standard laboratory setting. This makes the MinION suitable for decentralized strain screening, development and quality monitoring applications in the biotechnology industry. Over the course of the MinION early Access Program, the device was used to sequence a novel extremophile cyanobacteria candidate isolated from a hot spring at Klein Barmen, Namibia. Thede novoassembly of the microorganism genome resulted in one bacterial chromosome without gaps. Further analysis showed, that significant variation/heterogeneity between related genomes is present. This underlines the novel character of the sequenced genome.
Differences in financial outcomes for family and nonfamily farms
Authors: Williams David J. , Scott Francisco
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Nonfamily farms are responsible for a disproportionate amount of US agriculture production. The importance of these operations to the volume of agriculture production in the United States has led researchers and policymakers to understand nonfamily farms as large commercial operations. This paper examines whether the distinction between family and nonfamily helps explain the financial outcomes of farm operations and households.

Design/methodology/approach

We test for differences in financial outcomes of the household and operations of family and nonfamily farms using an Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition. We compare these results to a decomposition of other possible typologies.

Findings

We present evidence that nonfamily farms are a heterogeneous group with a majority of small operations that are dominated by a small number of large operations. We discover that differences associated with the family-nonfamily distinction are largely explained by observable farm and operator characteristics that arise mechanically from the definition. However, we find suggestive evidence that family-nonfamily classification captures differences in economic behavior that lead to higher profitability measures to nonfamily farms. We find little evidence of any inherent structural differences between family and nonfamily farms that helps explain financial outcomes related to leverage or household finances.

Practical implications

We conclude that including nonfamily farms in official statistics of farm households may provide a more comprehensive overview of the farm sector, as our results suggest that family and nonfamily farms do not have innate differences that help explain many of their financial outcomes.

Originality/value

We incorporate previously unused data on nonfamily farm households and test the difference in mean financial outcomes between family and nonfamily farms.
Improving changeover techniques in apparel manufacturing through single minute exchange of die: implications for benchmarking
Authors: Ali Syed Mithun , Haque Muhammad Najmul , Sarker Md. Rayhan , Kandasamy Jayakrishna , Vlachos Ilias
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) industry plays a vital role in the economic growth of this country. As the global trend in the fashion market has introduced a high-mix, low-volume ordering style, manufacturers are facing an increased number of changeovers in their production systems. However, most of the Bangladeshi RMG manufacturers are not yet ready to respond to such small orders and to improve the flexibility of their production systems. Consequently, the industry is falling behind in global market competition. Thus, this study aims to advance the current performance of RMG manufacturing operations to respond to the fast-fashion industry's challenges effectively using quick changeover.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a Single-Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED) is applied to attain quick changeover following the best practices of lean manufacturing.

Findings

This study examined the performance of the SMED technique to reduce changeover time in two case organisations. The changeover time was reduced by 70.76% from 434.56 min to 127.08 min and 42.12% from 2,664 min to 1,542 min for the case organisations, respectively. The results of this study show that companies require improved changeover times to address the demand for high-mix, low-volume orders.

Originality/value

This study will certainly guide practitioners of the RMG industry to adopt SMED to reduce changeover time to meet small batch production.
Green human resource management, personal moral norms and green employee creativity: evidence from Indian eco-tourist hotels and resorts
Authors: Kaur Sukhpreet , Thakur Pratibha , Guleria Deepa
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the study is twofold. First, it aims to analyse the impact of green human resource management (GHRM) on green employee creativity. Second, it further explores the mediating role of personal moral norms between GHRM and green employee creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

Through multi-source and multi-level analysis, data was collected from 46 managers and 315 employees to investigate the role of personal moral norms in GHRM and green employee creativity. For data analysis, multi-level structural equation modelling was applied using Mplus software version 8.6.

Findings

Positive and significant effects were observed between GHRM, personal moral norms and green employee creativity. However, personal moral norms partially mediated the relationship between GHRM and green employee creativity.

Originality/value

The study is first in itself to explore the interplay between the variables in a multi-level manner. The present study aims at addressing the urgent call by the United Nations regarding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for three key SDGs, focussing on decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), boosting industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9) and supporting climate action (SDG 12).
Does extending school time reduce the juvenile pregnancy rate? A longitudinal analysis of Ceará State (Brazil)
Authors: Benevides Alesandra de Araújo , Sousa Alan Oliveira , de Sousa Daniel Tomaz , Mariano Francisca Zilania
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Adolescent pregnancy stands as a societal challenge, compelling young individuals to prematurely discontinue their education. Conversely, an expansion of high school education can potentially diminish rates of adolescent pregnancy, given that educational attainment stands as the foremost risk factor influencing sexual initiation, the use of contraceptive methods during initial sexual encounters and fertility. The aim of this paper is to analyze the impact of the implementation of the public educational policy introducing full-time schools (FTS) for high schools in the state of Ceará, Brazil, on early pregnancy rates.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the difference-in-differences method with multiple time periods, we measured the average effect of this staggered treatment on the treated municipalities.

Findings

The main result indicates a reduction of 0.849 percentage points in the teenage pregnancy rate. Concerning dynamic effects, the establishment of FTS in treated municipalities results in a 1.183–1.953 percentage point decrease in teenage pregnancy rates, depending on the timing of exposure. We explored heterogeneous effects within socioeconomically vulnerable municipalities, yet discerned no impact on this group. Rigorous tests confirm the robustness of the results.

Originality/value

This paper aims to contribute to: (1) the consolidation of research on the subject, given the absence of such research in Brazil to the best of our knowledge; (2) the advancement and analysis of evidence-based public policy and (3) the utilization of novel longitudinal data and methodology to evaluate adolescent pregnancy rates.
From traditional to digital: the role of XBRL adoption in improving financial statements transparency
Authors: Al-Okaily Manaf , Boshnak Helmi , Alkayed Hani , Shehadeh Esam , Alqam Mohammad
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the role of eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) adoption in improving financial statements transparency in the Jordanian context.

Design/methodology/approach

The partial least squares structural equation modeling approach was used to analyze the obtained data.

Findings

The empirical outcomes indicated that the adoption of XBRL contributes to improving financial statements transparency in listed Jordanian firms in the Amman Stock Exchange, whereas information technology (IT) infrastructure was found to moderate the relationship between XBRL adoption and improving financial statements transparency and hence the related hypotheses were accepted.

Originality/value

This study encouraged the importance of shifting to the adoption of the XBRL which will contribute to improving transparency of financial data and information in listed Jordanian firms and then support the process of decision-making.
AnMePa: development of a new method for preparing trousers pattern by using the antropometric measurement system
Authors: Şen Kılıç Arzu , Ünal Can , Ondogan Ziynet
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study establishes the principles and process steps of a new basic trousers pattern using measurements obtained according to the rules of the anthropometric measurement system. The newly developed pattern-making system in this study will be called the “Anthropometric Measurements Based Pattern Making System” (AnMePa). It is aimed at producing trousers that are more fitting to the body, thanks to this pattern-making system.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, four pattern-making systems used in many parts of the world were compared with the “Anthropometric Measurements Based Pattern Making System” (AnMePa) with regard to the overall appearance and body fit of trousers prepared according to these systems. 10 virtual mannequins (VM) with different adult female body measurements were created, and trousers patterns were prepared for these mannequins. The trousers’ patterns were made and dressed on the mannequins in a 3D virtual dressing system. The body fit of the virtual garments was evaluated by five experts. The scores given by the experts were evaluated using the fuzzy logic method.

Findings

According to the results, it is seen that the new basic trousers pattern developed by utilizing the anthropometric measurement system, AnMePa, provides the best body fit among the basic trousers patterns created according to the other examined pattern-making systems. The combination of 3D virtual dressing and fuzzy logic in the evaluation of garment body fit is considered an innovative method for the future of fashion design and production.

Originality/value

In the developed AnMePa, unlike the existing pattern-making systems, values that can be associated with the body measurements of individuals in a way that could be suitable for each community were used instead of constant values in the pattern-making process. Furthermore, the integration of 3D virtual fitting and fuzzy logic in assessing garment fit is considered a pioneering approach with significant implications for the future landscape of fashion design and production.
Promoting green growth through identification of sustainable strategies: a hybrid approach
Authors: Ullah Sajid , Khan Farman Ullah , Saeed Imran
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to rank and analyze the key strategies to sustainable finance adoption in the manufacturing sector using Fuzzy Delphi method (FDM), Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and MICMAC (impact matrix cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification) analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The study develops a novel framework to identify and analyze the mutual relationships among set of sustainable policies using extensive literature survey and experts opinion. Initially, the study found 14 strategies to implement sustainable finance with the help of vast literature. Then, the list of identified factors were screened through Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM). Based on driving and dependence power, the final list of factors are divided into three categories.

Findings

The study findings reveal that “environmental rules and practices”, “financial incentives, tax reduction and subsidy”, have strongest driving power for promoting sustainable financial system in Pakistani manufacturing sector. Furthermore, “environmental awareness” and “long term vision” are found to be highly influenced by other corresponding elements in a system.

Practical implications

The ISM approach assists professionals, academics, and managers in identifying and ranking policies in implementing green business techniques. The hierarchical representation of ISM results provides a roadmap for decision-makers to navigate and prioritize factors effectively, facilitating the implementation of strategies that contribute to sustainable growth within organizations.

Social implications

The study results provide interesting clues regarding green finance policies that provide the foundations, incentives, protections or other provisions that support the ecological conservancy’s mission. Specifically, the findings guide that government must offer research grants to private enterprises, research and development institutions, and universities to promote environmental protection and develop transformative technologies such as waste recycling, renewable energy, carbon capture, and power consumption.

Originality/value

The exploration of strategies for sustainable finance adoption with the help of mixed methodological approach and classification of these strategies on the basis of importance level is a new attempt in the field of manufacturing sector.
Digital technology-empowered omnichannel integration: a review and research agenda
Authors: Yang Zhihui , Hu Dongbin
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Digital technology plays a vital role in empowering omnichannel integration. Research on digital technology has recently attracted attention and rapidly developed. However, a comprehensive assessment of the research status and potential gaps is yet to be conducted. Thus, this study investigated the current research status of digital technology-empowered omnichannel integration, and future research directions are proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-stage bibliometric analysis was conducted on 764 articles published from 2000 to 2023, cited in the Web of Science database. Furthermore, performance and thematic analyses were performed.

Findings

The most productive contributors and influential articles in this field were identified, and four themes of focus were discovered: service quality, o2o commerce, omnichannel retailing, and digital transformation.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first attempt to enable researchers to understand the vast body of published scholarship on digital technology-empowered omnichannel integration.
Do destination personality and self-congruity matter for the pro-environmental behavioral intention? Nature-based pro-environmental behavior
Authors: Long Yingqi , Chan Chung-Shing
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The study aims to draw on the self-congruity theory to investigate the relationship among destination personality (DP), self-congruity and tourists’ pro-environmental behavioral intention (BI) among Guangzhou citizens who have experienced nature-based tourism (NBT).

Design/methodology/approach

The survey-based quantitative research was divided into two rounds, namely, a preliminary study exploring the dimensions of DP and the verification of whether the DP dimensions that significantly affect pro-environmental BI in step one would be selected for the main research to validate the conceptual model.

Findings

The results suggest that wholesome, one of the destination personalities, strongly predicts tourists’ pro-environmental BI, while actual self-congruity plays a mediating role between sincere, another DP, and tourists’ pro-environmental BI.

Practical implications

In practice, it offers multidimensional knowledge and robust evidence-based recommendations for the sustainable development and destination branding of NBT destinations in the post-epidemic era.

Originality/value

The study presents pioneering work that reveals previously underestimated factors influencing pro-environmental BI.
“Reimagining education for our dreamchasers”: creating a humanizing education space through culturally relevant teaching for Latin(x) and black elementary students
Authors: McGinnis Theresa Ann , Thompson Eustace , Jefferson-Isaac Sheilah
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how one elementary school administrative team responded to their changing student populations to include Latin(x) within their black community. The responses included looping practices, relationship building with families and culturally relevant pedagogies. In particular, this paper considers how the three aspects of the change worked together toward the goal of providing its students with quality educational opportunities and enhancements.

Design/methodology/approach

The research presented here is part of a longitudinal (four-year) qualitative study where ethnographic approaches to data collection were adopted.

Findings

The four-year immersion in the values of culturally relevant pedagogy created a reciprocal growth in understanding among the teachers and the students of the black and Latin(x) populations, sustained the overarching ideas of deep family connections and contributed to asset-driven curriculum.

Originality/value

A national trend shows rapid changing demographics where Latin(x) families are moving into black neighborhoods and schools. This change in schools’ student populations finds educators facing new challenges in addressing the educational and cultural needs of two minoritized populations. This research adds to the existing scholarship by documenting how one school shifts their learning atmosphere to deeply engage students in culturally relevant pedagogies.
Human machine interactions: from past to future- a systematic literature review
Authors: Jain Namita , Gupta Vikas , Temperini Valerio , Meissner Dirk , D’angelo Eugenio
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to provide insight into the evolving relationship between humans and machines, understanding its multifaceted impact on our lifestyle and landscape in the past as well as in the present, with implications for the near future. It uses bibliometric analysis combined with a systematic literature review to identify themes, trace historical developments and offer a direction for future human–machine interactions (HMIs).

Design/methodology/approach

To provide thorough coverage of publications from the previous four decades, the first section presents a text-based cluster bibliometric analysis based on 305 articles from 2,293 initial papers in the Scopus and Web of Science databases produced between 1984 and 2022. The authors used VOS viewer software to identify the most prominent themes through cluster identification. This paper presents a systematic literature review of 63 qualified papers using the PRISMA framework.

Findings

Next, the systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis revealed four major historical themes and future directions. The results highlight four major research themes for the future: from Taylorism to advanced technologies; machine learning and innovation; Industry 4.0, Society 5.0 and cyber–physical system; and psychology and emotions.

Research limitations/implications

There is growing anxiety among humankind that in the future, machines will overtake humans to replace them in various roles. The current study investigates the evolution of HMIs from their historical roots to Society 5.0, which is understood to be a human-centred society. It balances economic advancement with the resolution of social problems through a system that radically integrates cyberspace and physical space. This paper contributes to research and current limited knowledge by identifying relevant themes and offering scope for future research directions. A close look at the analysis posits that humans and machines complement each other in various roles. Machines reduce the mechanical work of human beings, bringing the elements of humanism and compassion to mechanical tasks. However, in the future, smart innovations may yield machines with unmatched dexterity and capability unthinkable today.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to explore the ambiguous and dynamic relationships between humans and machines. The present study combines systematic review and bibliometric analysis to identify prominent trends and themes. This provides a more robust and systematic encapsulation of this evolution and interaction, from Taylorism to Society 5.0. The principles of Taylorism are extended and redefined in the context of HMIs, especially advanced technologies.
How and when leader voice solicitation facilitates innovative behavior: the role of pride and collectivism orientation
Authors: Li Xingxin , Wang Yanfei , Zhu Yu , Zheng Lixun
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Drawing on affective events theory (AET), this study aims to investigate how and when leader voice solicitation affects employees’ innovative behavior. Specifically, this study proposes that leader voice solicitation evokes employees’ feelings of pride, which subsequently motivate employees’ innovative behavior. Moreover, collectivism orientation plays a moderating role in this process.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected 251 supervisor–subordinate dyadic data in two phases and employed structural equational modeling (SEM) to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results revealed that employees’ feelings of pride mediate the positive relationship between leader voice solicitation and employees’ innovative behavior. Collectivism orientation intensifies the mediated relationship.

Originality/value

This study extends the potential outcome variables of leader voice solicitation. Moreover, it introduces a novel theoretical perspective to explore the impact of leader voice solicitation on employees. Importantly, this study examines the mediating effect of pride and the moderating effect of collectivism orientation, deepening the understanding of how and when leader voice solicitation affects innovative behavior.
Commentary on “Overcoming implementation challenges through using a train-the-trainer approach to teach numeracy in a special school setting”
Authors: Peltier Corey
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This commentary discusses the paper by Reardon et al. (2024; this issue) entitled, “Overcoming implementation challenges through using a train-the-trainer approach to teach numeracy in a special school setting.” This commentary outlines the necessary contribution this paper adds to the substantive area of research it is couched within while also identifying potential areas of future research to expand the understanding of this phenomenon and its impact upon practice.

Design/methodology/approach

What is fidelity of implementation, how do we measure it and how does it impact our interpretations of experimental findings? This commentary focuses specifically on the nebulous construct of fidelity in experimental studies and how this impacts experimental findings’ internal and external validity.

Findings

Although fidelity is frequently referenced as an important aspect to consider, the measurement of the construct has been critiqued in experimental studies. To understand if an intervention was “implemented as intended,” the core dimensions of the intervention must be considered in the measurement process, as well as potential confounding variables.

Originality/value

With an increased need for experimental work to inform what works, for whom and under what conditions, there becomes a need to better investigate the implementation of the intervention in these contexts – thus, fidelity must be reconceptualized. This commentary provides an overview of this dilemma with potential ideas to investigate moving forward.
Developing an evidence base for behavioural interventions: a case study of the Headsprout® early reading programme
Authors: Denne Louise D. , Roberts-Tyler Emily J. , Grindle Corinna
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Evidence-informed decision-making is considered best practice when choosing interventions in applied settings across health, social care and education. Developing that evidence base, however, is not straightforward. The pupose of this paper is to describe the process implemented by the Sharland Foundation Developmental Disabilities Applied Behavioural Research and Impact Network (SF-DDARIN) that systematically develops an evidence base for behaviorally based interventions.

Design/methodology/approach

In this case study, the progressive research steps undertaken by the SF-DDARIN to develop the evidence base for an online reading intervention, the Headsprout® Early Reading programme (HER®), which uses behavioural principles to promote learning to read, are described.

Findings

A series of discrete projects targeting gaps in the evidence base for HER® led to funding two randomised controlled trials in England, one in education and one in health and social care.

Originality/value

This case study illustrates an original, creative and effective way of collaborating across academic research departments and applied settings to extend the evidence base for a chosen intervention systematically.
Real‐world effectiveness and safety of bimekizumab in Japanese patients with psoriasis: A single‐center retrospective study
Authors: Hagino Teppei , Saeki Hidehisa , Fujimoto Eita , Kanda Naoko
Published: March 2024

Bimekizumab, which suppresses both interleukin (IL)‐17A and IL‐17F, has recently been approved as a biologic for psoriasis. We aimed to evaluate the real‐world effectiveness and safety of bimekizumab for psoriasis and to identify predictive factors for its treatment responsiveness. We analyzed 36 Japanese patients with psoriasis (19 with psoriasis vulgaris and 17 with psoriatic arthritis) from May 2022 to September 2023. All patients received bimekizumab (320 mg every 4 weeks) until week 16. Seventeen patients (43.2%) had experienced bio‐switch. The median (interquartile range) baseline total psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) was 6 (3.2–20.0). Total PASI rapidly and significantly decreased at week 4 by a median 79.8% from baseline, and gradually decreased thereafter. The PASI on the trunk, and upper and lower limbs rapidly and significantly decreased at week 4 compared to baseline and plateaued thereafter. The neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil number significantly decreased at week 16 compared to baseline. At weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16, the achievement rate of absolute PASI ≤2 was 72.2%, 80.6%, 92.9%, and 96.4%, respectively; that of absolute PASI ≤1 was 41.7%, 61.3%, 85.7%, and 82.1%; that of PASI 75 was 55.5%, 52.9%, 69.7%, and 75.8%; that of PASI 90 was 36.1%, 50.0%, 57.6%, and 62.9%; and that of PASI 100 was 19.4%, 38.2%, 51.5%, or 57.6%, respectively. Linear multivariate regression analysis revealed that younger age was associated with a higher percentage reduction of total PASI at weeks 4 and 8. There were no serious or fatal adverse events during treatment. In conclusion, bimekizumab rapidly and remarkably reduced the total PASI together with high achievement rates of absolute PASI ≤1 and ≤2, and with favorable safety in real‐world clinical practice. Younger age may be a predictive factor for a good treatment response to bimekizumab.
Community‐science reveals delayed fall migration of waterfowl and spatiotemporal effects of a changing climate
Authors: Frei Barbara , Cox Amelia R. , Morales Ana C. , Roy Christian
Published: March 2024

Climate change has well‐documented, yet variable, influences on the annual movements of migratory birds. The effects of climate change on fall migration remains understudied compared with spring but appears to be less consistent among species, regions and years. Changes in the pattern and timing of waterfowl migration in particular may result in cascading effects on ecosystem function, and socio‐economic and cultural outcomes.

We investigated changes in the migration of 15 waterfowl species along a major flyway corridor of continental importance in northeastern North America using 43 years of community‐science data. We built spatially‐ and temporally explicit hierarchical generative additive models for each species and demonstrated that climate, specifically the interaction between minimum temperature and precipitation, significantly influences migration phenology for most species.

Certain species' migratory movements responded to specific temperature thresholds (climate migrants) and others reacted more to the interaction of temperature and precipitation (extreme event migrants). There are already significant changes in the fall migration phenology of common waterfowl species with high ecological and economic importance, which may simply increase in the context of a changing climate.

If not addressed, climate change could induce mismatches in management, regulations and population surveys which would negatively impact the hunting industry. Our findings highlight the importance of considering species‐specific spatiotemporal scales of effect on climate on migration and our methods can be widely adapted to quantify and forecast climate‐driven changes in wildlife migration.
Fine‐scale diet data reveal spatial variation in predator–prey interactions in Norwegian fjords
Authors: Tengvall Jessica , Søvik Guldborg , Enberg Katja , Lindstrøm Ulf , Strand Mette , Pedersen Torstein , Strand Hans Kristian , Zimmermann Fabian
Published: March 2024

Predator–prey interactions in time and space determine stock productivity, making them an important consideration when managing marine resources, rebuilding stocks or considering reopening a fishery.

We analysed fine‐scale diet data from surveys conducted in 2009–2010 and 2018–2019 in three fjords in northern Norway with geostatistical models investigating how predation varied in space, time and between predator species. Our focus prey species was northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis), valuable both as a commercial resource and a major food source for other important species like Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua).

Diet composition of fish predators differed clearly between fjords. While predator species and size were good predictors of shrimp predation, the relationships with bathymetry, prey density and geospatial variables were complex.

Our study indicates that predation of forage species, such as shrimp, varies spatially in heterogenous fjord ecosystems. Shrimp consumption was not highest in the fjord with highest predator density, indicating a higher dependency of cod on shrimp in specific areas.

Realized predation is a complex combination of predator and prey densities and predator ecology that differed in each of the three fjords.

Synthesis and applications. Ignoring spatial variations in predator–prey interactions may lead to an inaccurate perception of stock productivity, suboptimal management and possibly unsustainable management targets. We recommend spatially explicit assessment and management for fish stocks where predator–prey interactions vary substantially in space, such as fjords and reefs.
Landscapes of risk: A comparative analysis of landscape metrics for the ecotoxicological assessment of pesticide risk to bees
Authors: Nicholson Charlie C. , Lonsdorf Eric V. , Andersson Georg K. S. , Knapp Jessica L. , Svensson Glenn P. , Gönczi Mikaela , Jonsson Ove , de Miranda Joachim R. , Williams Neal M. , Rundlöf Maj
Published: March 2024

Pesticide use in agricultural landscapes creates environmental contamination that is heterogenous in space and time. Mobile organisms, such as bees, are exposed to multiple contamination sources when visiting patches that vary in the amount, timing and toxicity of pesticides used. Yet, environmental risk assessments (ERA) typically fail to consider this heterogeneity, in part because of the complexities of estimating exposure to different pesticides, and subsequent risk at organism‐relevant scales.

We use pesticide assays of 269 bee‐collected pollen samples to understand the spatiotemporal variability of risk across a network of 41 field sites in southern Sweden. Observed bee pesticide risk is calculated based on compound‐specific residue quantifications in pollen and standardized toxicity data. We then compare the ability of three classes of landscape‐scale variables to predict this risk: (1) landscape composition and configuration metrics, (2) landscape load based on national pesticide use data and (3) predictions from a newly developed bee pesticide exposure model.

Based on use data, 10 crops account for 81% of the total risk. We detected 49 pesticide compounds in bee‐collected pollen. Although herbicides and fungicides constitute the bulk of detected pesticides, both in frequency and amount quantified, unsurprisingly, insecticides contribute the most to risk.

Landscape composition and configuration metrics did not predict observed pesticide risk, and interactions with bee species indicate taxa‐dependency in predictions. Landscape load predicted observed risk consistently between taxa. Risk estimates from our exposure model were strongly predictive but only when considering realized risk (i.e., risk estimates based on prior pesticide use information).

Synthesis and applications. Predicting pesticide risk based on landscape patterns could enable landscape‐scale ERA. However, simple metrics of landscape pattern, such as proportion of agricultural land, are not sufficient. We found that risk observed in bee‐collected pollen was best predicted when integrating spatialized pesticide use in the pesticide exposure model, underscoring the importance of such data for research, monitoring and mitigation. Further, we propose a guidance framework for future landscape ecotoxicological risk analyses that clarifies data needs relative to risk prediction goals.
Bacterial rarity in a subarctic stream network: Biodiversity patterns, assembly mechanisms and types of rarity
Authors: Malazarte Jacqueline , Muotka Timo , Jyväsjärvi Jussi , Lehosmaa Kaisa , Mustonen Kaisa‐Riikka , Tarvainen Laura , Huttunen Kaisa‐Leena
Published: March 2024

Dendritic stream networks are an intriguing subject for exploring the spatial and temporal variability of the rare and common bacterial biosphere, yet very few such studies have been conducted. We sampled riverine bacterioplankton at 13 sites in a subarctic riverine network across 3 years, with five sampling times each year. Ordinations showed a consistent pattern of downstream shift for both rare and abundant subcommunities. We also detected a temporal signal, with seasonal community shifts reflecting changes in water temperature and groundwater contribution, and an inter‐annual pattern where the year 2018 differed from other years. Phylogenetic turnover of the rare subcommunity indicated homogeneous selection, whereas the abundant subcommunity was mainly stochastically structured. Transiently rare taxa were the dominant type of rarity with the highest proportion at the headwater regions. The bacterioplankton community was characterized by a small group of core taxa that occurred at most sites with little temporal variation, a very large number of permanently or transiently rare taxa, and taxa shifting through time between the rare and abundant biosphere. While this basic structure could have been detected with less extensive temporal replication, a comprehensive understanding of the rare biosphere in riverine bacterioplankton can only be achieved via inter‐annual, spatially replicated sampling that covers the whole stream network.
Differential structure and function of phosphorus‐mineralizing microbial communities in organic and upper mineral soil horizons across a temperate rainforest chronosequence
Authors: Dunfield Kari E. , Mitter Eduardo K. , Richardson Alan E. , Gaiero Jonathan R. , Khosla Kamini , Chen Xiaodong , Wells Andrew , Haygarth Philip M. , Condron Leo M.
Published: March 2024

Microbial community structure and function were assessed in the organic and upper mineral soil across a ~4000‐year dune‐based chronosequence at Big Bay, New Zealand, where total P declined and the proportional contribution of organic soil in the profile increased with time. We hypothesized that the organic and mineral soils would show divergent community evolution over time with a greater dependency on the functionality of phosphatase genes in the organic soil layer as it developed. The structure of bacterial, fungal, and phosphatase‐harbouring communities was examined in both horizons across 3 dunes using amplicon sequencing, network analysis, and qPCR. The soils showed a decline in pH and total phosphorus (P) over time with an increase in phosphatase activity. The organic horizon had a wider diversity of Class A (phoN/phoC) and phoD‐harbouring communities and a more complex microbiome, with hub taxa that correlated with P. Bacterial diversity declined in both horizons over time, with enrichment of Planctomycetes and Acidobacteria. More complex fungal communities were evident in the youngest dune, transitioning to a dominance of Ascomycota in both soil horizons. Higher phosphatase activity in older dunes was driven by less diverse P‐mineralizing communities, especially in the organic horizon.
Mitophagy defect mediates the aging‐associated hallmarks in Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome
Authors: Sun Yingying , Xu Le , Li Yi , Jia Shunze , Wang Gang , Cen Xufeng , Xu Yuyan , Cao Zhongkai , Wang Jingjing , Shen Ning , Hu Lidan , Zhang Jin , Mao Jianhua , Xia Hongguang , Liu Zhihong , Fu Xudong
Published: March 2024

Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a rare and fatal disease manifested by premature aging and aging‐related phenotypes, making it a disease model for aging. The cellular machinery mediating age‐associated phenotypes in HGPS remains largely unknown, resulting in limited therapeutic targets for HGPS. In this study, we showed that mitophagy defects impaired mitochondrial function and contributed to cellular markers associated with aging in mesenchymal stem cells derived from HGPS patients (HGPS‐MSCs). Mechanistically, we discovered that mitophagy affected the aging‐associated phenotypes of HGPS‐MSCs by inhibiting the STING‐NF‐ĸB pathway and the downstream transcription of senescence‐associated secretory phenotypes (SASPs). Furthermore, by utilizing UMI‐77, an effective mitophagy inducer, we showed that mitophagy induction alleviated aging‐associated phenotypes in HGPS and naturally aged mice. Collectively, our results uncovered that mitophagy defects mediated the aging‐associated markers in HGPS, highlighted the function of mitochondrial homeostasis in HGPS progression, and suggested mitophagy as an intervention target for HGPS and aging.