bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Natural enemies have inconsistent impacts on the coexistence of competing species
Authors: Terry J. Christopher D. , Chen Jinlin , Lewis Owen T. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe role of natural enemies in promoting coexistence of competing species has generated substantial debate. Modern coexistence theory provides a detailed framework to investigate this topic, but there have been remarkably few empirical applications to the impact of natural enemies.We tested experimentally the capacity for a generalist enemy to promote coexistence of competing insect species, and the extent to which any impact can be predicted by trade‐offs between reproductive rate and susceptibility to natural enemies.We used experimental mesocosms to conduct a fully factorial pairwise competition experiment for six rainforestDrosophilaspecies, with and without a generalist pupal parasitoid. We then parameterised models of competition and examined the coexistence of each pair ofDrosophilaspecies within the framework of modern coexistence theory.We found idiosyncratic impacts of parasitism on pairwise coexistence, mediated through changes in fitness differences, not niche differences. There was no evidence of an overall reproductive rate–susceptibility trade‐off. Pairwise reproductive rate–susceptibility relationships were not useful shortcuts for predicting the impact of parasitism on coexistence.Our results exemplify the value of modern coexistence theory in multi‐trophic contexts and the importance of contextualising the impact of generalist natural enemies to determine their impact. In the set of species investigated, competition was affected by the higher trophic level, but the overall impact on coexistence cannot be easily predicted just from knowledge of relative susceptibility. Methodologically, our Bayesian approach highlights issues with the separability of model parameters within modern coexistence theory and shows how using the full posterior parameter distribution improves inferences. This method should be widely applicable for understanding species coexistence in a range of systems.
An approach for estimating haplotype diversity from sequences with unequal lengths
Authors: Fan Ping , Fjeldså Jon , Liu Xuan , Dong Yafei , Chang Yongbin , Qu Yanhua , Song Gang , Lei Fumin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Genetic diversity is an essential component of biodiversity. Developing robust quantification methods is critically important in depicting the genetic diversity underlying the geographical distributions of species, especially for the sequence data with unequal lengths.

Traditional calculation of genetic diversity depends on sequences of equal length. However, many homologous sequences downloaded from online repositories vary in length, posing a significant challenge to quantify the genetic diversity, especially haplotype diversity. We developed a new approach independent of sequence length by applying the same parameters used in calculating nucleotide diversity to estimate haplotype diversity. We compared this novel approach with the calculations by the program DNAsp, and we used simulation data from terrestrial vertebrates (birds, mammals and amphibians) and Homo sapiens to validate the method's performance. We further applied this approach to explore the global latitudinal gradients of haplotype diversity in amphibians, mammals and birds, and compared the results by traditional methods.

The haplotype diversity calculated by our novel approach is consistent with the results from DNAsp. The simulations showed that our approach is robust and has a good estimating performance for sequence data with unequal lengths.

For the datasets of terrestrial vertebrates and H. sapiens, our approach is capable of estimating haplotype diversity with unequal intraspecific sequence lengths. In contrast to patterns based on traditional methods, we observed different latitudinal patterns of haplotype diversity between the northern and southern hemispheres for terrestrial vertebrates, which is consistent with the updated pattern of nucleotide diversity for mammals. The present work contributes to the development of more precise quantification methods, which may be broadly applied to assessing biogeographical patterns of genetic diversity.
Exploring rangers' preferences for community‐based strategies to improve human‐elephant coexistence in African natural corridors
Authors: Montero‐Botey M. , Soliño M. , Perea R. , Martínez‐Jauregui M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractNatural corridors are essential components of wildlife conservation but, when human‐wildlife conflicts emerge, the participation of local communities becomes imperative to ensure their efficacy and long‐term persistence. Therefore, local people initiatives and commitments (community‐based strategies) promoting human‐wildlife coexistence are urgently needed especially in African natural corridors dominated by elephants (Loxodonta africana). Wildlife rangers represent skilled technical staff who are involved in the monitoring and protection of wildlife but also in promoting human‐wildlife coexistence and community awareness. They are the closest conservation staff to local communities and have broad experience in dealing with elephants around the villages. Therefore, collecting and recognizing the knowledge of wildlife rangers on the suitability of possible local solutions could contribute to the successful planning and implementation of human elephant mitigation measures at farmer level. This study aims to quantify wildlife rangers' preferences for community‐based strategies to increase human‐elephant coexistence in the Selous‐Niassa Wildlife Corridor (Southern Tanzania). In particular, we evaluated wildlife rangers' preferences regarding three attributes: local farm‐based mitigation measures, the implication of technical support in the implementation of those measures and the preferred level of cooperation in the local community for that implementation. In 2019, we conducted a discrete choice experiment by interviewing 63 wildlife rangers (41% of the total rangers working along the corridor). Results showed that the most preferred management strategy included building chili‐oil fences by farmers cooperating at community level and technically supported by external institutions. Other strategies considered were (in decreasing order of importance) crop species selection, beehive fences, crop translocation, cooperation in small groups, and the use of noisemakers. The discrete choice analysis of wildlife rangers' preferences, including the type and level of cooperation, allows quantifying the suitability of different management strategies for mitigating human‐wildlife coexistence challenges.
The role of internet gaming in the association between anxiety and depression: A preliminary cross‐sectional study
Authors: Stavropoulos Vasileios , Vassallo Jeremy , Burleigh Tyrone Leonard , Gomez Rapson , Colder Carras Michelle 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundDisordered Internet gaming is thought to be perpetuated by one's need to escape their real‐life distress or mental health symptoms, which may in turn generate depressive feelings. Nevertheless, moderate engagement with Internet games has also been suggested to provide relief, thus improving one's mood. This study aspires to clarify the contribution of Internet gaming and gender in the association between anxiety and depression.MethodsA large sample of Internet gamers (N = 964) were recruited online. Disordered Internet gaming was assessed with the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale, 9 Items Short Form (IGD9S‐SF). Anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, 21 items (DASS‐21).ResultsRegression, moderation and moderated moderation analyses accounting for the effects of gender on the relationship between disordered gaming, anxiety, and depression found a significant effect for anxiety symptoms on depression symptoms and a significant interaction between anxiety and Internet gaming disorder on depression symptoms. Findings support the theory that although anxious gamers bear a higher depression risk, this is buffered with lower and exacerbated with higher disordered gaming symptoms.ConclusionFindings suggest a dual role of Internet gaming in the association between anxiety and depression, depending on the intensity of one's disordered gaming symptoms. Depression prevention and intervention protocols should be optimized by considering the effects of Internet gaming among anxious gamers by focusing on the intensity of a gamer's involvement and any gaming disorder symptoms. Further research should include clinical samples to better understand this interaction.
Drug‐related challenges following primary total hip and knee arthroplasty
Authors: Sørensen Anne Mette Skov , Nyeland Martin Erik , Odgaard Anders , Overgaard Søren , Jimenez‐Solem Espen , Schelde Astrid Blicher 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe aimed to characterize the in‐hospital analgesic use among total hip or knee arthroplasty (THA or TKA) patients, and to identify possible drug‐related challenges. We identified 15 263 patients operated with a THA or TKA between 1 January 2012 and 30 April 2016. The prevalence of analgesic users and patients with potential clinically relevant drug‐drug interactions (DDIs), along with the prevalence of readmission among patients with vs. without a DDI, were calculated. A DDI was defined as the combination of (A) a diuretic, an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor or an angiotensin II receptor blocker, and an non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory Drug (NSAID); (B) warfarin and an NSAID; and (C) a benzodiazepine or a benzodiazepine‐related drug and an opioid. The prevalence of analgesics administered in THA and TKA patients was 99.3% and 99.1% for paracetamol and 93.8% and 98.8% for opioids, respectively. The prevalence of patients who received interaction A, B or C was 8.4%, 2.5% and 40.7%, respectively. Patients with vs. without a DDI had a higher prevalence of 30‐day readmission. In conclusion, most THA and TKA patients were administered paracetamol or opioids. The prevalence of 30‐day readmission was higher in patients with than in patients without a potential clinically relevant DDI.
The effect of adaptivity in digital learning technologies. Modelling learning efficiency using data from an educational game
Authors: Debeer Dries , Vanbecelaere Stefanie , Van Den Noortgate Wim , Reynvoet Bert , Depaepe Fien 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDuring the last decade, many governments and ed‐tech companies have demonstrated an increased interest in digital personalised learning, which resulted in a variety of often game‐like adaptive learning environments. However, there has been limited attention for the impact of these personalised learning technologies on children's learning efficiency. Does digital personalised learning, like popular claims insist, foster learning in young children? This study attempts to empirically validate the beneficial impact of adaptive learning technology by analysing log‐data from the Number Sense Game (NSG), an educational game that trains early numerical skills. In total, 81 children were randomly assigned to use either an adaptive or a non‐adaptive version of the NSG in six sessions in a three‐week period. Using a longitudinal item response model children's progress within and across sessions was modelled and compared between the two versions of the game. Regardless of the version of the NSG, children demonstrated progress within and across sessions. However, compared to the non‐adaptive NSG, the progress across sessions was stronger in the adaptive NSG. These results provide empirical evidence that adaptive learning environments can improve learning efficiency in young children.
Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic

Adaptive digital technologies are able to address students’ individual needs.
Pretest posttest intervention research on the effectiveness of adaptive digital technologies revealed mixed results.
What this paper adds

Learning effectiveness is different from learning efficiency.
Learning efficiency can be operationalised using log‐data to model students’ progress over time.
Adaptive digital technologies increased students’ learning efficiency compared to non‐adaptive digital technologies.
Implications for practice and/or policy

Log‐data can be obtained unintrusively and provides fine‐grained information about students’ learning.
Researchers are encouraged to investigate the effects of adaptive digital technologies in terms of learning effectiveness and learning efficiency.
Factors promoting greater preoccupation with a secret
Authors: Davis Christopher G. , Brazeau Hannah 
Published: May 2021

The secrets that are most taxing to one’s health and well‐being are those that are the most preoccupying to the secret‐keeper. However, it is currently unclear what makes a secret preoccupying. We conducted a four‐wave longitudinal study to assess four factors that should contribute to one’s degree of preoccupation with a secret kept from one’s spouse/romantic partner: perceived cost of revealing the secret, frequency of cues, fear of discovery, and individual differences in self‐concealment. Multilevel modelling of data from an online sample of 143 adults (51% women, 49% men; Mage = 39.9, SD = 9.3) keeping a secret from their spouse/partner indicated that all four factors independently and positively predict greater preoccupation with a secret. Further, the first three factors also significantly predicted how preoccupied one would be with one’s secret two weeks later, taking into account how preoccupied one was with the secret at present. We conclude that the characteristics of the secret, as well as the secret‐keeper, can contribute to how preoccupying a secret is to an individual.
The obstetrical dilemma hypothesis: there's life in the old dog yet
Authors: Haeusler Martin , Grunstra Nicole D.S. , Martin Robert D. , Krenn Viktoria A. , Fornai Cinzia , Webb Nicole M. 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTThe term ‘obstetrical dilemma’ was coined by Washburn in 1960 to describe the trade‐off between selection for a larger birth canal, permitting successful passage of a big‐brained human neonate, and the smaller pelvic dimensions required for bipedal locomotion. His suggested solution to these antagonistic pressures was to give birth prematurely, explaining the unusual degree of neurological and physical immaturity, or secondary altriciality, observed in human infants. This proposed trade‐off has traditionally been offered as the predominant evolutionary explanation for why human childbirth is so challenging, and inherently risky, compared to that of other primates. This perceived difficulty is likely due to the tight fit of fetal to maternal pelvic dimensions along with the convoluted shape of the birth canal and a comparatively low degree of ligamentous flexibility. Although the ideas combined under the obstetrical dilemma hypothesis originated almost a century ago, they have received renewed attention and empirical scrutiny in the last decade, with some researchers advocating complete rejection of the hypothesis and its assumptions. However, the hypothesis is complex because it presently captures several, mutually non‐exclusive ideas: (i) there is an evolutionary trade‐off resulting from opposing selection pressures on the pelvis; (ii) selection favouring a narrow pelvis specifically derives from bipedalism; (iii) human neonates are secondarily altricial because they are born relatively immature to ensure that they fit through the maternal bony pelvis; (iv) as a corollary to the asymmetric selection pressure for a spacious birth canal in females, humans evolved pronounced sexual dimorphism of pelvic shape. Recently, the hypothesis has been challenged on both empirical and theoretical grounds. Here, we appraise the original ideas captured under the ‘obstetrical dilemma’ and their subsequent evolution. We also evaluate complementary and alternative explanations for a tight fetopelvic fit and obstructed labour, including ecological factors related to nutrition and thermoregulation, constraints imposed by the stability of the pelvic floor or by maternal and fetal metabolism, the energetics of bipedalism, and variability in pelvic shape. This reveals that human childbirth is affected by a complex combination of evolutionary, ecological, and biocultural factors, which variably constrain maternal pelvic form and fetal growth. Our review demonstrates that it is unwarranted to reject the obstetrical dilemma hypothesis entirely because several of its fundamental assumptions have not been successfully discounted despite claims to the contrary. As such, the obstetrical dilemma remains a tenable hypothesis that can be used productively to guide evolutionary research.
Professionals' motivation to support parental self‐management regarding children with physical disability in Dutch rehabilitation services: ‘Please mind your gap’
Authors: Wong Chung Ruud , Willemen Agnes , Voorman Jeanine , Ketelaar Marjolijn , Becher Jules , Schuengel Carlo 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundProfessionals in child healthcare increasingly endorse the support of self‐management in paediatric rehabilitation services for children with physical disability. Less understood though are their views regarding the role of the children's parents, as well as their own role in supporting parents. This study aimed to investigate the motivation of rehabilitation professionals to support self‐management of parents regarding their child with physical disability, professionals' beliefs about parental self‐management, and the perceptions underlying their motivation.MethodsA mixed‐methods strategy was followed using a survey among rehabilitation professionals (n = 175) and consecutive semi‐structured interviews (n = 16). Associations between autonomous (intrinsic) versus controlled (extrinsic) motivation and beliefs on parental self‐management were tested. For deeper understanding of their motivation, directed content analysis was used to address key themes in the qualitative data extracts.ResultsProfessionals reported autonomous motivation for parental self‐management support more often than controlled motivation (t[174] = 29.95, p < .001). Autonomous motivation was associated with the beliefs about the importance of parental self‐management (r = .29, p < .001). Approximately 90% of the professionals believed that parents should have an active role, though less than 10% considered it important that parents also are independent actors and initiative takers in the rehabilitation process. Interviews revealed that individual professionals struggled with striking a balance between keeping control and ‘giving away responsibility’ to parents. A ‘professional‐like’ attitude was expected of parents with ‘involvement’ and ‘commitment’ as essential preconditions. Furthermore, professionals expressed the need for additional coaching skills to support parental self‐management.ConclusionProfessionals were predominantly autonomously motivated to support self‐management of parents. However, the dilemmas in giving or taking responsibilities within the partnership with parents may limit their effectiveness in empowering parents. Reflection on the potential gaps between professionals' motivation, beliefs and actual behaviour might be crucial to support parental self‐management.
“I was always struggling”: Caregivers' experiences of transitioning a child from oral to long‐term non‐oral feeding at an out‐patient hospital clinic in South Africa
Authors: Neille Joanne , Selikson Gabriella 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundAs the prevalence of paediatric dysphagia increases, the need for long‐term non‐oral feeding has also increased. Despite these developments, little is known about caregiver experiences of transitioning a child onto long‐term non‐oral feeds, and the factors which influence the process of decision‐making and the provision of consent to do so. This paper aims to explore these factors.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with nine participants recruited from the multidisciplinary out‐patient non‐oral feeding clinic at a hospital. Interviews explored caregiver experiences of decision‐making and the process of providing consent when transitioning their child to non‐oral feeds, as well as the support structures available to the caregivers. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed, then analyzed using thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2013) and content analysis (Neuendorf, 2016).ResultsChallenges to care and quality of life, access to information and culturally relevant counselling, and the involvement of family members and significant others emerged as prominent themes. Findings suggest that quality of life was the most common motivating factor for transitioning a child to non‐oral feeding methods. Several participants suggested that support and information sharing via digital platforms were both useful and effective.ImplicationsThe findings highlight caregivers' needs for improved access to information and social support. The findings hold implications for training of healthcare providers working in similar contexts and for models of service delivery which ensure that family‐centred intervention can be delivered in culturally and contextually relevant ways. With widespread access to smartphones, counselling should include digital messaging as a way of providing support and information sharing. Future research should focus on the complexities of counselling and the process of informed consent in settings impacted by diverse cultural, contextual and linguistic barriers, as well as the potential value of mobile health (mhealth) in ensuring improved health outcomes.
Stargardt disease: Multimodal imaging: A review
Authors: Heath Jeffery Rachael C. , Chen Fred K. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractStargardt disease (STGD1) is an autosomal recessive retinal dystrophy, characterised by bilateral progressive central vision loss and subretinal deposition of lipofuscin‐like substances. Recent advances in molecular diagnosis and therapeutic options are complemented by the increasing recognition of new multimodal imaging biomarkers that may predict genotype and disease progression. Unique non‐invasive imaging features of STDG1 are useful for gene variant interpretation and may even provide insight into the underlying molecular pathophysiology. In addition, pathognomonic imaging features of STGD1 have been used to train neural networks to improve time efficiency in lesion segmentation and disease progression measurements. This review will discuss the role of key imaging modalities, correlate imaging signs across varied STGD1 presentations and illustrate the use of multimodal imaging as an outcome measure in determining the efficacy of emerging STGD1 specific therapies.