bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Civil society alliance building in Hong Kong: The case of preservation movements
Authors: Ortmann Stephan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractVery little research has focused on types of cooperation between different civil society organizations at the domestic level. This article fills this gap by developing the distinction between organization‐based and society‐based cooperation. Examining Hong Kong's unique political system, the paper highlights both types. The Save Our Country Park Alliance (SOCP) exemplifies organization‐centric collaboration, requiring consensus among diverse NGOs, which can hinder decision‐making. Conversely, the Save Lantau Alliance (SLA) demonstrates society‐centric cooperation with flexible, quick mobilization through core active member organizations and collaboration with pro‐democratic groups. Despite the 2020 National Security Law forcing many liberal organizations to disband, the SLA persists in its efforts to preserve Lantau, though it faces increased challenges in an environment hostile to society‐based activism. This distinction enhances our understanding of civil society alliances in varying political contexts.
Sub‐ and supratherapeutic efavirenz plasma concentrations with risk for HIV therapy failure are mainly genetically explained in Ugandan children: The prospective GENEFA cohort study
Authors: Soeria‐Atmadja Sandra , Amuge Pauline , Nanzigu Sarah , Bbuye Dickson , Eriksen Jaran , Rubin Johanna , Kekitiinwa Adeodata , Obua Celestino , Dahl Marja‐Liisa , Pettersson Bergstrand Madeleine , Pohanka Anton , Gustafsson Lars L. , Navér Lars 
Published: October 2024

AimsInterindividual variations in efavirenz (EFV) plasma concentrations are extensive, but paediatric data on its consequences for viral control are scarce. The aim of this study was to explore the role of genetic variation in achieving therapeutic efavirenz plasma concentrations in a cohort of Ugandan children and the linkage between genetic CYP2B6 variants, EFV plasma variability, viral resistance and viral outcome.MethodsNinety‐nine treatment‐naïve children, aged 3–12 years and living with HIV, were followed for 24 weeks after ART initiation assessing mid‐dose efavirenz plasma concentrations, HIV RNA, HIV drug resistance and adherence. Polymorphisms in genes coding for drug‐metabolizing enzymes were genotyped. Efavirenz concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography coupled with high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry. Metabolizer phenotype was predicted from composite genotypes of CYP2B6 (c.516G>T and c.983 T>C). A mixed effects restricted maximum likelihood regression model was used to identify important factors for efavirenz exposure.ResultsEfavirenz plasma concentrations were below the therapeutic interval (1000–4000 mg/mL) in 12–17% and above in 21–24% of measurements. Eight children had persisting subtherapeutic concentrations, five of which failed virologically and three acquired at least one new resistant mutation. Multivariate modelling explained 70% of interindividual variation in plasma concentration, with treatment duration, adherence, CYP2B6c.136A>G, and metabolizer phenotype as independent predictors of EFV concentration. In univariate analysis, metabolizer phenotype explained 50% of interindividual variation.ConclusionsMetabolizer phenotype explained 50% of interindividual variation in efavirenz plasma concentration. Autoinduction was not confirmed and >33% of the concentrations were outside the therapeutic interval. Subtherapeutic concentrations worsened virological resistance and outcomes. Genotype‐based dosing may help avert both sub‐ and supratherapeutic efavirenz plasma concentrations in Ugandan children.
Avoiding the transactional “feel” while getting paid: Affect and relational work in sugar dating
Authors: Lavoie Mongrain Catherine 
Published: October 2024

AbstractFollowing Viviana Zelizer's extensive scholarship on the interweaving of money and intimacy, this paper discusses the often overlooked yet critical role of affect in the production of relational work and in the success of relational packages. Drawing from the results of a grounded‐theory‐driven research study on sugar dating, the motions through which affect seeps through and structures negotiations of payments and emotional attachment are explored. The paper discusses the management of feelings as a component of relational work—so that arrangements neither feel too transactional nor too intimate—as well as the role that affect plays in differentiating sugar dating from illicit sexual transactions. It also contributes to the literature on sugar dating and sex work by critically discussing the limits of the commodification of intimate services and affect under a dominant belief system that rejects the possibility of selling “real” intimacy.
Learning to Play Guitar with Robotic Hands
Authors: Luo Chaoyi , Tang Pengbin , Ma Yuqi , Huang Dongjin 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPlaying the guitar is a dexterous human skill that poses significant challenges in computer graphics and robotics due to the precision required in finger positioning and coordination between hands. Current methods often rely on motion capture data to replicate specific guitar playing segments, which restricts the range of performances and demands intricate post‐processing. In this paper, we introduce a novel reinforcement learning model that can play the guitar using robotic hands, without the need for motion capture datasets, from input tablatures. To achieve this, we divide the simulation task for playing guitar into three stages. (a): for an input tablature, we first generate corresponding fingerings that align with human habits. (b): based on the generated fingerings as the guidance, we train a neural network for controlling the fingers of the left hand using deep reinforcement learning, and (c): we generate plucking movements for the right hand based on inverse kinematics according to the tablature. We evaluate our method by employing precision, recall, and F1 scores as quantitative metrics to thoroughly assess its performance in playing musical notes. In addition, we conduct qualitative analysis through user studies to evaluate the visual and auditory effects of guitar performance. The results demonstrate that our model excels in playing most moderately difficult and easier musical pieces, accurately playing nearly all notes.
Long‐term Motion In‐betweening via Keyframe Prediction
Authors: Hong Seokhyeon , Kim Haemin , Cho Kyungmin , Noh Junyong 
Published: October 2024

AbstractMotion in‐betweening has emerged as a promising approach to enhance the efficiency of motion creation due to its flexibility and time performance. However, previous in‐betweening methods are limited to generating short transitions due to growing pose ambiguity when the number of missing frames increases. This length‐related constraint makes the optimization hard and it further causes another constraint on the target pose, limiting the degrees of freedom for artists to use. In this paper, we introduce a keyframe‐driven approach that effectively solves the pose ambiguity problem, allowing robust in‐betweening performance on various lengths of missing frames. To incorporate keyframe‐driven motion synthesis, we introduce a keyframe score that measures the likelihood of a frame being used as a keyframe as well as an adaptive keyframe selection method that maintains appropriate temporal distances between resulting keyframes. Additionally, we employ phase manifolds to further resolve the pose ambiguity and incorporate trajectory conditions to guide the approximate movement of the character. Comprehensive evaluations, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative analyses, were conducted to compare our method with state‐of‐the‐art in‐betweening approaches across various transition lengths. The code for the paper is available at https://github.com/seokhyeonhong/long-mib
PartwiseMPC: Interactive Control of Contact‐Guided Motions
Authors: Khoshsiyar N. , Gou R. , Zhou T. , Andrews S. , van de Panne M. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPhysics‐based character motions remain difficult to create and control. We make two contributions towards simpler specification and faster generation of physics‐based control. First, we introduce a novel partwise model predictive control (MPC) method that exploits independent planning for body parts when this proves beneficial, while defaulting to whole‐body motion planning when that proves to be more effective. Second, we introduce a new approach to motion specification, based on specifying an ordered set of contact keyframes. These each specify a small number of pairwise contacts between the body and the environment, and serve as loose specifications of motion strategies. Unlike regular keyframes or traditional trajectory optimization constraints, they are heavily under‐constrained and have flexible timing. We demonstrate a range of challenging contact‐rich motions that can be generated online at interactive rates using this framework. We further show the generalization capabilities of the method.
Reconstruction of implicit surfaces from fluid particles using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Zhao C. , Shinar T. , Schroeder C. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we present a novel network‐based approach for reconstructing signed distance functions from fluid particles. The method uses a weighting kernel to transfer particles to a regular grid, which forms the input to a convolutional neural network. We propose a regression‐based regularization to reduce surface noise without penalizing high‐curvature features. The reconstruction exhibits improved spatial surface smoothness and temporal coherence compared with existing state of the art surface reconstruction methods. The method is insensitive to particle sampling density and robustly handles thin features, isolated particles, and sharp edges.
Using digital mobile games to increase the support for nature conservation
Authors: Veríssimo Diogo , Fiennes Sicily , Dunn Matilda 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDigital games are an increasingly dominant form of digital entertainment with billions of players globally. While most of these games have a commercial focus, fields like public health and education have seen a growth of “serious games,” which aim to solve real world problems. In the context of biodiversity conservation, mobile games have been controversial, with some raising concerns around the way digital channels risk replacing the very nature they portray, therefore deepening a “nature‐deficit disorder.” We ran a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of the mobile game “Kākāpō Run” on pro‐environmental behaviors amongst a cohort of 200 participants in New Zealand. Kākāpō Run was developed by a UK conservation charity, and aims to increase the support for Kākāpō conservation, as well as to increase pro‐environmental behaviors linked to Kākāpō conservation. Study participants completed a 10‐minute questionnaire before spending 1 hour playing their assigned mobile game over seven days. This was monitored by asking participants to share screenshots of their app usage for the duration of the experiment. After this, all participants re‐took the questionnaire. We found a positive impact across some knowledge and attitudes questions, behavioral intentions linked to willingness to volunteer time and support policies aiming to remove invasive predators, as well as manage pet cats actively. However, we found no change in willingness to donate or actual donations. This research showcases both the potential of mobile games for conservation outreach and marketing, and the importance of rigorous impact evaluation. We call for conservationists engaged in designing and promoting mobile games to approach game design and evaluation in a more research‐centered way to help develop an evidence base around the intended and unintended consequences of game playing. This mainstreaming of gaming science across conservation will be critical to allow mobile games to realize their potential as a leading communication channel.
Metformin continuation post‐metabolic bariatric surgery and relapse of diabetes
Authors: Dicker Dror , Pinto Danna , Reges Orna 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAimTo evaluate the association of metformin continuation with relapse of diabetes after metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity who achieved an HbA1c level of less than 6.5%.Materials and MethodsThis observational, retrospective cohort study included Clalit Health Service members aged 24 years or older with obesity and diabetes, who were treated with metformin, underwent MBS during 2005‐2020 and achieved an HbA1c level of less than 6.5% up to 6 months after surgery (index date). Patients who continued metformin treatment (> 2 prescriptions filled, n = 122) after the index date were matched (1:2) on age, sex and HbA1c level at index date and compared with those who stopped treatment (no filled prescriptions, n = 244). The outcome was relapse of diabetes as measured by an HbA1c level of 6.5% or higher (yes/no).ResultsThe two matched groups maintained a mean HbA1c level of less than 6.5% during the follow‐up (mean ~ 5 years). An adjusted Cox proportional hazards model revealed no significant association of metformin continuation after MBS with relapse of diabetes (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.70, 95% confidence interval: 0.98‐2.94). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in weight loss and filled prescriptions for other diabetes medications during the follow‐up period.ConclusionsAmong individuals living with obesity and diabetes who achieved diabetes remission post‐MBS, metformin continuation was not associated with relapse of diabetes. This lack of an association indicates that metformin did not provide an additional benefit for maintaining glycaemic control or weight reduction during an average of 5 years postsurgery.
Diabetic Charcot neuroarthropathy: A threat to both limb and life
Authors: Bell David S. H. , Jerkins Terri 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDiabetic Charcot neuroarthropathy (DCN), first described in 1936, occurs in less than 1% of diabetic patients, but in those diabetic subjects with distal symmetrical polyneuropathy, the overall incidence increases to 30% and the risk is even greater in those with type 1 diabetes. Factors that precipitate DCN are trauma, ischaemia due to arterio‐venous shunting, increased osteoclastic activity and inflammation. DCN usually presents with a painless swollen foot and/or ankle which is ‘hot to the touch’. These clinical findings are soon followed by characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities and later X‐ray changes. The joints that are most typically involved in chronological order are the tarsometatarsals followed by the naviculocuniform, sub‐tarsal, talonavicular and metatarsal and tarsophalangeal. The cornerstone of therapy is prolonged (3–12 months) offloading with immobilization. Bisphosphonates may possibly accelerate recovery, whereas other unproven possible therapies include rhPTH, 1–34, calcitonin and methylprednisolone, which are not only ineffective but in some cases may also prolong the time to healing. Denosumab is potentially an efficacious, if unproven, therapy to accelerate healing. The risk of amputation is high and increases in the presence of a foot ulcer. DCN is associated with manifestations of autonomic neuropathy, including cardiac denervation, so that the risks of a cardiac event and heart failure are increased with DCN. Mortality is also increased with DCN, especially in the presence of a foot ulcer. To avoid the recurrence of DCN and especially to lower the risk of the recurrence of a foot ulcer recurrence reconstructive, surgery may be needed.
Assessing investment priorities for inclusive agricultural transformation in Tanzania
Authors: Aragie Emerta A. , Benfica Rui , Pauw Karl , Randriamamonjy Josée , Thurlow James 
Published: October 2024

AbstractMotivationPolicy‐makers dealing with conflicting development goals and constrained budgets must comprehend the relative cost effectiveness of agricultural and rural development initiatives.PurposeWe assess the impact of alternative interventions on development outcomes—economic growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and diet quality—to inform decision‐making and resource allocation in Tanzania's agriculture. We analyse trade‐offs among development objectives and explore budget reallocation to enhance the efficiency of public spending.Approach and methodsWe used a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model linked top‐down with microsimulation modules to simulate the impact of public investment options.FindingsNo single option emerges as the most effective across all development objectives. Investments in improved inputs and extension for horticulture and cash crops stand out for diet quality and employment creation. Livestock services show consistently high rankings across multiple objectives. Investments to boost cereals and root crops promote growth and reduce poverty but do little to increase employment and diet quality.Budget reallocation towards more cost‐effective interventions can significantly enhance the development effectiveness of Tanzania's agricultural expenditures and would substantially increase cumulative gross domestic product growth between 2019 and 2028.Policy implicationsPolicy‐makers can use the findings to design and prioritize agricultural interventions that better align with broader development objectives. Tanzania can achieve higher benefits and contribute to overall development goals by reallocating resources towards more cost‐effective expenditure options.
Evolution of the Cdk4/6–Cdkn2 system in invertebrates
Authors: Yuki Shiori , Sasaki Shunsuke , Yamamoto Yuta , Murakami Fumika , Sakata Kazumi , Araki Isato 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe cell cycle is driven by cyclin‐dependent kinases (Cdks). The decision whether the cell cycle proceeds is made during G1 phase, when Cdk4/6 functions. Cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 2 (Cdkn2) is a specific inhibitor of Cdk4/6, and their interaction depends on D84 in Cdkn2 and R24/31 in Cdk4/6. This knowledge is based mainly on studies in mammalian cells. Here, we comprehensively analyzed Cdk4/6 and Cdkn2 in invertebrates and found that Cdk4/6 was present in most of the investigated phyla, but the distribution of Cdkn2 was rather uneven among and within the phyla. The positive charge of R24/R31 in Cdk4/6 was conserved in all analyzed species in phyla with Cdkn2. The presence of Cdkn2 and the conservation of the positive charge were statistically correlated. We also found that Cdkn2 has been tightly linked to Fas associated factor 1 (Faf1) during evolution. We discuss potential interactions between Cdkn2 and Cdk4/6 in evolution and the possible cause of the strong conservation of the microsynteny.
Between Public Guidelines for User Involvement and Ideals About Free Research: Using Collaborative Autoethnography to Explore Researcher Experiences From a User Involvement Process
Authors: Werner Anne , Knutsen Ingrid Ruud , Johannessen Anne‐Kari 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackground and AimUser participation is a prerequisite for receiving research funding in healthcare in Norway. Despite many positive benefits, studies report challenges from users' and researchers' perspectives. Limited knowledge exists concerning researchers' experiences in scenarios where the users are professionals within healthcare and research. The aim of this retrospective study was to explore and reflect on personal experiences as researchers from a process of planning and developing research questions for a PhD project, following the James Lind Alliance guidelines, which were a requirement for funding. We focused on how the process of collaboration with a specific group of users influenced the researchers' sense of selves.Design and MethodWe used a qualitative design based on collaborative autoethnography, exploring personal experiences from a sociocultural point of view. Two of the three researchers in the team recollected their experiences from the user involvement process while applying the James Lind Alliance guidelines. We used different data sources to develop two autoethnographic narratives. The narratives were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsThe autoethnographic narratives demonstrate the complexity of user involvement from the researchers' perspectives. We identified four themes in the analysis: intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, competing paradigms, hierarchy and dual roles. The accounts illustrated the researchers' ambivalence within the process, indicating that they feared a loss of control over the direction of the research project. The narratives visualised a struggle to appear as credible researchers, illustrating how the involvement of a specific group of users and adherence to a specific guideline for user involvement influenced the researchers' experiences of their roles and identities in the collaboration.ConclusionThe results point to the relevance of the sociocultural backdrop; researchers might become frontline providers of policy implementation in research, balancing tensions between regulatory constraints, user involvement and researchers' professional identity and research ideals, when a specific, detailed procedure for user involvement is required.Patient or Public ContributionTwo user panels comprising participants from clinical practice, education and research, along with a service user, collaborated in the planning and development of research questions for a PhD project. This autoethnographic study elaborates this process.
Underactive bladder as defined by the International Continence Society in the 2023 Japan Community Health Survey
Authors: Sekido Noritoshi , Omae Kenji , Kubota Yasue , Mitsui Takahiko , Masumori Naoya , Haga Nobuhiro , Saito Motoaki , Sakakibara Ryuji , Yoshida Mikako , Takahashi Satoru 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics of underactive bladder (UAB) in participants of the 2023 Japan Community Health Survey (JaCS 2023).MethodsThe JaCS 2023 was conducted among individuals aged 20–99 years old who had anonymously registered with a Japanese online research company. We divided the 6210 participants of JACS 2023 into UAB and non‐UAB groups as defined by the International Continence Society Working Group (ICS‐WG) and evaluated the prevalence of UAB as well as concomitant lower urinary tract symptoms. In addition, an association between UAB and vulnerability‐related factors, namely participants' characteristics including frailty and comorbidities, was explored by univariable and multivariable analyses.ResultsThe prevalence of UAB in Japanese community‐dwelling men and women aged 20 years or older was 9.3% and 4.0% overall (p < 0.0001), respectively, and when excluding benign prostatic hyperplasia or pelvic organ prolapse, 7.0% and 3.7%, respectively, (p < 0.0001). A significant increase in the prevalence of UAB with age was observed (p < 0.0001). In addition, storage symptoms including overactive bladder were more frequent in the UAB group than the non‐UAB group (p < 0.0001). Frailty and several comorbidities were independently associated with UAB.ConclusionsAccording to the definition proposed by the ICS‐WG, the JaCS 2023 demonstrated that UAB was more prevalent in men than in women and increased in prevalence with age. Storage symptoms including overactive bladder sometimes coexisted with UAB. Vulnerability‐related factors were associated with UAB.