bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of social structure on vocal flexibility in monk parakeets
Authors: Smeele Simeon Q. , Senar Juan Carlos , McElreath Mary Brooke , Aplin Lucy M. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe social complexity hypothesis argues that communicative complexity arises as a result of social complexity, with this occurring through mechanisms including plasticity and selection. Most research to date has focused on ultimate drivers of repertoire size, for example finding that cooperative breeding species exhibit larger repertoires. Until this date no study has focused on individual-level drivers of vocal diversity. Here, we examine social networks and vocalisations in wild colonial-nesting monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus). First, we recorded social networks for 337 individuals, relatedness for 100 individuals and matched these with 5599 vocalisations from 229 individuals over two years. Overall, we found that all individuals exhibited high contact-call diversity; however, individual-level diversity increased with age in 2020 and with number of nest mates in 2021. Call similarity was not predicted by relatedness, but individuals with stronger affiliative bonds had more dissimilar calls, suggesting an active process to sound unique among close associates. Finally, females had more diverse repertoires, producing relatively fewer contact calls across years and individuals living in larger groups had more diverse repertoires in 2021. Our results demonstrate a multi-faceted social influence on call content, diversity and repertoire diversity, exhibiting how fine-scale variation in social structure can influence expressed vocal complexity.
Unravelling the Proteomic Landscape of Imipenem Resistance inPseudomonas aeruginosa: A Comparative Investigation between Clinical and Control Strains
Authors: Eidsaa Marius , Sharma Animesh , Janasch Markus , Kuch Alicja , Skoczyńska Anna , Di Bartolomeo Francesca 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant challenge to global health, particularly with bacterial pathogens such asPseudomonas aeruginosa, a notorious cause of nosocomial infections. This study focuses on the comparative proteomic analysis of an imipenem-resistant strain ofP. aeruginosa, a representative of world epidemic clone ST235, and a wildtype control strain,P. aeruginosaATCC 27853, in response to varying concentrations of imipenem. Using label-free quantification (LFQ) and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analyses, we identified significant differences in the proteomic responses between the two strains (data available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD055744.). The clinical strain exhibited a stable proteomic profile across the imipenem gradient, suggesting pre-established and efficient resistance mechanisms that do not require extensive reconfiguration under antibiotic pressure. In contrast, the control strain showed a broader, more reactive proteomic response, particularly in proteins associated with membrane transport, stress response, and biofilm formation. Notably, uncharacterized proteins were significantly upregulated in the clinical strain, indicating potential novel resistance mechanisms. These findings highlight the distinct strategies employed by the two strains, with the clinical strain’s stable resistance mechanisms contrasting sharply with the control strain’s reactive approach. The study underscores the importance of further research into the uncharacterized proteins that may play crucial roles in antibiotic resistance, potentially leading to new therapeutic targets in the fight against AMR.HighlightsStable resistance mechanisms: The clinical strain ofPseudomonas aeruginosa(ST235) exhibited a stable proteomic profile across varying concentrations of imipenem, indicating pre-established and efficient resistance mechanisms.Reactive proteomic response: The control strain (P. aeruginosaATCC 27853) showed a broader and more reactive proteomic response, particularly in proteins related to membrane transport, stress response, and biofilm formation.Uncharacterized proteins: Significant upregulation of uncharacterized proteins in the clinical strain suggests potential novel resistance mechanisms that warrant further investigation.
Working memory predicts long-term recognition of auditory sequences: Dissociation between confirmed predictions and prediction errors
Authors: Bonetti L. , Risgaard Olsen E. , Carlomagno F. , Serra E. , Szabó S.A. , Klarlund M. , Andersen M.H. , Frausing L. , Vuust P. , Brattico E. , Kringelbach M.L. , Fernández-Rubio G. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMemory is a crucial cognitive process involving several subsystems: sensory memory (SM), short-term memory (STM), working memory (WM), and long-term memory (LTM). While each has been extensively studied, the interaction between WM and LTM, particularly in relation to predicting temporal sequences, remains largely unexplored. This study investigates the relationship between WM and LTM, and how these relate to aging and musical training. Using three datasets with a total of 244 healthy volunteers across various age groups, we examined the impact of WM on LTM recognition of novel and previously memorized musical sequences. Our results show that WM abilities are significantly related to recognition of novel sequences, with a more pronounced effect in older compared to younger adults. In contrast, WM did not similarly impact the recognition of memorized sequences, which implies that different cognitive processes are involved in handling prediction errors compared to confirmatory predictions, and that WM contributes to these processes differently. Additionally, our findings confirm that musical training enhances memory performance. Future research should extend our investigation to populations with cognitive impairments and explore the underlying neural substrates.
Tetanizing wakeful consolidation: ten-hertz repetitive visual stimulation enhances the offline gain of visual learning
Authors: Yang Xin-Yue , Zhao Chuyue , Zuo Zhentao , Li Aming , Luo Huan , He Qing , Fang Fang 
Published: September 2024

AbstractConsolidation of encoded information is vital for learning and memory, often explored during sleep. However, the consolidation during post-encoding offline wakefulness remains largely uncharted, especially regarding its modulation and brain mechanisms. Here, we unraveled frequency-dependent modulatory effects of repetitive visual stimulation (RVS) on wakeful consolidation of visual learning and investigated the underlying neural substrates. After training on an orientation discrimination task, exposure to 10-Hz grating-form RVS enhanced, while 1-Hz RVS deteriorated, the discrimination performance in a subsequent retest. However, 10-Hz uniform-disk RVS failed to facilitate wakeful consolidation, suggesting that alpha entrainment alone was not the facilitative mechanism. Using neuroimaging of multiple modalities, we observed augmented event-related potential and heightened neural excitation in the early visual cortex after 10-Hz grating-form RVS, implying an involvement of long-term potentiation-like (LTP-like) plasticity. Collectively, we provide a new photic method for modulating the offline processing of encoded sensory information and suggest a role of sensory tetanization in the modulation.
MdLRR-RLK1-MdATG3 module enhances the resistance of apples to abiotic stress via autophagy
Authors: Chen Wenjun , Guo Wei , Zhang Chao , Zhao Yi , Lei Yingying , Chen Cui , Wei Ziwen , Dai Hongyan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractLRR-RLKs play a key role in plant responses to stress, although their physiological functions under abiotic stress are not yet fully understood.MdLRR-RLK1was found to regulate plant growth and development and to increase tolerance to salt and drought stress. MdLRR-RLK1 interacts with MdATG3, which ubiquitinates and degrades MdLRR-RLK1. MdATG3 enhances salt and drought tolerance through autophagy, interacting with MdATG8F/I-like in apple. These findings reveal the interaction between MdLRR-RLK1 and MdATG3, suggesting mechanisms that regulate apple growth and resistance to abiotic stress.
Efficiency metrics for performance measurement: a review in higher education of main methods and determinants
Authors: Rella Angela , Vitolla Filippo 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThis study aims to provide an overview of the state-of-the-art in efficiency measurement within higher education (HE). Specifically, it seeks to gather all relevant articles on the topic and subsequently categorize these studies using a flowchart based on two core aspects of the topic.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs bibliometric and content analyses to conduct a systematic literature review. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review (PRISMA) framework is used to identify the search protocol, followed by analyses to classify and categorize articles.FindingsThe bibliometric analysis identifies prominent themes, methodologies and literature gaps. The content findings highlight key insights on higher educational institution (HEI) efficiency, including organizational structures, services and operational activities.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the existing knowledge by synthesizing global literature on HEI’s efficiency. Utilizing the flowchart developed by the authors, the study captures the state-of-the-art based on two critical aspects: methodologies and content. Insights from the analysis and subsequent classification of previous literature provide valuable directions for future research.
Does board ethnic diversity affect IFRS disclosures?
Authors: Tawiah Vincent Konadu , Gyapong Ernest , Wang Yan 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThis paper examines the impact of board ethnic diversity on the level of compliance with international financial reporting standards (IFRS) disclosures.Design/methodology/approachUsing a unique hand-collected dataset from South Africa, we develop a comprehensive disclosure index against 570 mandatory requirements of IFRS. Further, we employ the fixed-effects model to investigate whether board ethnic diversity affects IFRS disclosures.FindingsWe document a significant positive association between ethnic minority directors and IFRS disclosure levels. Furthermore, we reveal that non-busy ethnic minority directors have a greater impact on IFRS disclosure levels than their busy counterparts. Additional analyses show that ethnic minority directors have less impact on IFRS disclosure levels when their number exceeds two. Companies with more ethnic directors on audit committees are more likely to comply with IFRS disclosure requirements and ethnic diversity increases accounting disclosures irrespective of the level of ownership concentration.Originality/valueOur findings shed new light on the impact of board ethnic diversity on firms’ compliance with IFRS disclosure requirements. The results are robust to alternative econometric techniques, proxies and potential endogeneity concerns.
Feeling connected and informed through informal communication: a quantitative survey on the perceived functions of informal communication in organizations
Authors: Denner Nora , Koch Thomas , Viererbl Benno , Ernst Alicia 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThis study examines the functions of informal communication in organizations. Informal communication can be characterized as any interaction within an organization in which two or more individuals assume personal roles rather than their professional roles and in which employees do not intend to solve work-related problems. Despite its central role in organizations, a comprehensive understanding of the specific functions of informal communication within workplace dynamics is lacking.Design/methodology/approachWe reviewed existing literature to identify the functions of informal communication and then surveyed employees (N = 1,380). We asked them to indicate their agreement with statements measuring the functions of informal communication that we derived from the literature.FindingsUsing exploratory factor analysis, we identified four core functions: stress management and recreation, nurturing private relationships, fostering a sense of belonging and connectedness and facilitating information exchange and coordination. We then examined how these core functions related to job-related and sociodemographic characteristics. Our findings underscore the importance of informal communication in organizations, particularly in facilitating the development and maintenance of social relationships as well as information exchange and coordination, both of which play critical roles in organizational success.Originality/valueThis study is among the first to systematize the functions of informal communication in organizations and to empirically extract core functions that can be used for further research. It is also highly relevant to practitioners of organizational management and organizational communication.
Invasion of privacy in smart services: the role of interaction mode and privacy commitment
Authors: Du Wei , Wang Yiqin 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThe widespread application of smart technologies in services not only brings efficiency and convenience to consumers but also inevitably comes with negative effects. Therefore, this article aims to illustrate the impact of privacy invasion on consumers' intention to use smart services. Using distrust as a mediating variable, compare two different modes of interaction between voice and text, and study the positive impact of privacy commitment. This study aims to provide recommendations for smart service providers to make the consumer experience better.Design/methodology/approachThis paper adopts an experimental approach, with data collection and hypothesis analysis by designing four different experiments.FindingsThe results show that the negative impact of privacy invasion on consumers' intention to use smart services is moderated by privacy commitments and interaction modes. This article verifies the mediating effect of distrust on consumers' intention to use when privacy invasion occurs and verifies the moderating effect of the interaction modes by comparing voice interaction with text interaction and demonstrates that text interaction mode will attenuate the mediating role of distrust in the path in privacy invasion. Besides, it also indicates that privacy commitments can moderate the relationship between privacy invasion’s effect on distrust and intention to use.Originality/valueFocusing on privacy invasion, this study explores consumers' intention to use smart services, compares the two interaction modes of voice and text to explore their moderating effects, deeply explores consumer psychology and studies the mediating role of distrust and the moderating role of privacy commitment.
Social support for the chronically ill during lockdown. Qualitative research in the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Virole Louise , Gabarro Céline , Ricadat Elise 
Published: September 2024

AbstractChronic illness requires a web of actors, both professional and familiar, who constitute the support network of the chronically ill. This article aims to analyse how the COVID‐19 pandemic has impacted on the delicate balance of these supports. Qualitative research was conducted among people with four types of chronic diseases in France: cystic fibrosis, kidney disease, haemophilia and mental disorders. Data on social support was collected using an innovative methodology combining semi‐directive interviews (n = 54) and drawings (n = 32). During the first French lockdown (March–May 2020), the chronically ill were mainly supported by the usual support actors of their primary network: spouse and/or family. However, the COVID‐19 health crisis has led to several changes in their support network; health‐care professionals diversified their support roles and new supporting actors emerged, especially non‐human entities and patient organisations. The chronically ill have received an interweaving of emotional, instrumental and informational, formal and informal and human and non‐human support. Our study highlights the multiple and dynamic ties between these types of support and argues in favour of a comprehensive approach to social support of the chronically ill, both in social science theory and in practice of care.
“Social science is explanation or it is nothing.” Introduction to a debate
Authors: Krause Monika 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis essay introduces contributions to a special section, which documents and extends a debate on the proposition “Social Science is Explanation or it is Nothing” held at the London School of Economics on October 13th, 2022. It discusses the history of the “Group for Theoretical Debates in Anthropology” led by Tim Ingold, Peter Wade and Soumhya Venkatesan, which has handed down a list of credible candidates for issues that had a chance of engaging every anthropologist, including students and those with interdisciplinary interests. It raises questions about the specific affordances of debates as forms of academic engagements. It argues that the chosen proposition concerning explanation invites a discussion about the contributions of the social sciences at a time when impulses from science and technology studies as well as fruitful exchanges across the boundary between “theory” and “method” have helped us moved beyond the older question as to whether or not sociology is “a science”.
The effect of insect excretions/secretions and decomposition fluid on DNA quantity and quality in human bloodstains
Authors: Murphy Maggie , Harvey Michelle , van Oorschot Roland A. H. , Durdle Annalisa 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe larval excretions/secretions (ES) of blowflies contain proteolytic enzymes and bacteria that assist with tissue breakdown. Decomposition fluid (DF) contains organic and inorganic waste products from cell death. This study investigated if human DNA recovery from blood was impacted by exposure to ES and DF over time. Lucilia sericata ES were collected daily from 50 larvae, and all available DF was collected from two fetal piglets left to decompose for 2 weeks. Daily for 3–5 days, 28 μL‐30 μL of ES, DF, or a 1:1 mixture of the fluids was added to 30 μL of blood on cotton. Three bloodstains per treatment were sampled every 12 h up to 3 days and at 1 and 2 weeks after initial addition of fluid. No PCR inhibition was detected, but DNA degradation increased over time, primarily in samples exposed to ES and ES/DF mixtures. The amount of DNA recovered decreased over time, but generally more DNA was recovered from DF samples than other samples. Full profiles, or partial profiles suitable for routine database searching (14–39 alleles), were generated from all DF and ES samples and at least one mixture sample at all timepoints. Partial profiles of between 1 and 13 alleles were obtained from all other mixture samples, except one mixture sample which generated no profile. These findings indicate bloodstain evidence recovered from maggot‐infested and/or decomposing bodies may generate forensically useful DNA evidence and should be analyzed as quickly as possible after collection or stored appropriately to prevent further degradation.
Application of machine learning for the differentiation of thymomas and thymic cysts using deep transfer learning: A multi‐center comparison of diagnostic performance based on different dimensional models
Authors: Yang Yuhua , Cheng Jia , Chen Liang , Cui Can , Liu Shaoqiang , Zuo Minjing 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and performance of deep transfer learning (DTL) networks with different types and dimensions in differentiating thymomas from thymic cysts in a retrospective cohort.Materials and MethodsBased on chest‐enhanced computed tomography (CT), the region of interest was delineated, and the maximum cross section of the lesion was selected as the input image. Five convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and Vision Transformer (ViT) were used to construct a 2D DTL model. The 2D model constructed by the maximum section (n) and the upper and lower layers (n − 1, n + 1) of the lesion was used for feature extraction, and the features were selected. The remaining features were pre‐fused to construct a 2.5D model. The whole lesion image was selected for input and constructing a 3D model.ResultsIn the 2D model, the area under curve (AUC) of Resnet50 was 0.950 in the training cohort and 0.907 in the internal validation cohort. In the 2.5D model, the AUCs of Vgg11 in the internal validation cohort and external validation cohort 1 were 0.937 and 0.965, respectively. The AUCs of Inception_v3 in the training cohort and external validation cohort 2 were 0.981 and 0.950, respectively. The AUC values of 3D_Resnet50 in the four cohorts were 0.987, 0.937, 0.938, and 0.905.ConclusionsThe DTL model based on multiple different dimensions can be used as a highly sensitive and specific tool for the non‐invasive differential diagnosis of thymomas and thymic cysts to assist clinicians in decision‐making.
Referral to hepatology is lower in patients with excessive alcohol use who have mental health disorders despite a high fibrosis‐4 index
Authors: Houston Kevin , Harris Spencer , Teklezghi Adonay , Silvey Scott , Snyder Andrew D. , Arias Albert J. , Bajaj Jasmohan S. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundAlcohol use disorder (AUD) is a multifaceted disease, and integration of AUD treatment between mental health and hepatology is necessary to improve outcomes. We aimed to ascertain whether patients with excessive alcohol use (EAU) and high FIB‐4, which is a non‐invasive method to identify advanced liver disease, are appropriately referred to hepatology and detect which clinical barriers, if any, might pertain.MethodsRecords of patients with excessive alcohol use between 2013 and 2023 were extracted from a large public system. Demographics, alcohol‐related hospitalizations, mental health conditions, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and referral patterns were evaluated. Comparisons were made between those referred to hepatology versus not.Results1131 subjects showed evidence of EAU but on further review, 189 were in alcohol‐remission. The remaining 942 (636 men, age 55.7 ± 14.5 years, 548 white, 363 black, 19 Hispanic) subjects with CCI 2.61 ± 2.23 were further analyzed for FIB‐4 score and referral patterns. 316 patients had active EAU and a high FIB‐4, of whom only 116 (37%) were referred to hepatology. Patients with alcohol‐related mental health concerns and admitted for trauma were less likely to be referred. Logistic regression showed referral was higher with alcohol‐related liver hospitalizations (OR: 9.25, 95% CI: 4.90–17.47, p < 0.001), higher CCI (OR: 6.23, 95% CI: 3.00–12.94, p < 0.0001) and lower with mental health admissions (OR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.15–0.48, p < 0.001) or mental health diagnoses (OR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.15–0.82, p = 0.02) and increasing age (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92–0.97, p < 0.001).ConclusionsIn a large public health system, almost 63% of patients with EAU and FIB‐4 >2.67 are not referred to hepatology for evaluation. Patients not referred were more likely to have alcohol‐related mental‐health hospitalizations and mental health diagnoses, while those with liver‐related hospitalizations and comorbidities were more likely to be referred. Greater education of mental health providers and for teams taking care of inpatients admitted with alcohol‐related mental health concerns would better integrate care and improve outcomes for patients with higher risk for advanced liver disease.