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1
Andersson, David Emanuel, Dieter Bögenhold, and Marek Hudik. "Entrepreneurship in superdiverse societies and the end of one-size-fits-all policy prescriptions." Journal of Entrepreneurship and Public Policy 11, no. 1 (October 28, 2021): 40–52. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/jepp-05-2021-0062.
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PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the entrepreneurial and policy consequences of the structural changes associated with postindustrialization.Design/methodology/approachThe approach uses Schumpeterian and institutional theories to predict the consequences of postindustrialization on four types of innovative markets: global mass markets; global niche markets; local mass markets and local niche markets.FindingsThe paper makes two key predictions. First, global mass markets will account for most cost-cutting process innovations. Second, niche markets, whether global or local, will provide the bulk of product innovations. Opportunities for product innovations in niche markets multiply both as the result of a more complex economy and as the result of heterogeneous preferences of consumers with divergent learning trajectories.Social implicationsThe key implication of the theoretical pattern prediction of this paper is that there are increasing opportunities for entrepreneurs to introduce novelties that cater to niche demands, and this includes new lifestyle communities. The increasing diversity of values and preferences implies that one-size-fit-all policies are becoming increasingly inimical to the entrepreneurial discovery of higher-valued resource uses.Originality/valueThis paper takes a standard prediction of entrepreneurial theories – that innovations become more common with an increase in economy-wide product complexity – and extends this to increasing complexity on the consumption side. With increases in opportunities for learning, consumers diverge and develop disparate lifestyles. The resultant super-diversity, which multiplies consumption niches to a much greater extent than what ethnicity-based diversity indices would imply, makes it more difficult to achieve consensus about the desirability of public policies.
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L. Shaffer, Karey, and Keith F. Snider. "Seven years of U.S. defense acquisition research: Analysis of proposals and projects." Journal of Public Procurement 14, no. 4 (March 1, 2014): 451–72. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/jopp-14-04-2014-b001.
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In 2006, the U.S. Defense Acquisition Executive approved a program at the Naval Postgraduate School to solicit, evaluate, and fund proposals for innovative and scholarly acquisition research. This paper presents an exploratory analysis of proposals from 2007 to the present. It seeks to provide an understanding of the types and sources of research proposals, and the extent to which the programʼs goal has been achieved. Cluster and trend analyses classify and examine the data according to several key aspects, such as: topical area (e.g., contracting, logistics); research type (e.g., exploratory, hypothesis testing); research design (e.g., case study, experiment); and type of analysis (e.g., comparative, statistical). The results show positive trends, but the number of institutions with interest in defense acquisition remains low, suggesting that it remains a limited niche research topic.
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Żyżyńska-Galeńska, Krystyna, Agnieszka Bernat, Anna Piliszek, Jolanta Karasiewicz, Ewa Szablisty, Mariusz Sacharczuk, Marta Brewińska-Olchowik, Michał Bochenek, Joanna Grabarek, and Jacek Andrzej Modliński. "Embryonic Environmental Niche Reprograms Somatic Cells to Express Pluripotency Markers and Participate in Adult Chimaeras." Cells 10, no. 3 (February 25, 2021): 490. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/cells10030490.
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The phenomenon of the reprogramming of terminally differentiated cells can be achieved by various means, like somatic cell nuclear transfer, cell fusion with a pluripotent cell, or the introduction of pluripotency genes. Here, we present the evidence that somatic cells can attain the expression of pluripotency markers after their introduction into early embryos. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts introduced between blastomeres of cleaving embryos, within two days of in vitro culture, express transcription factors specific to blastocyst lineages, including pluripotency factors. Analysis of donor tissue marker DNA has revealed that the progeny of introduced cells are found in somatic tissues of foetuses and adult chimaeras, providing evidence for cell reprogramming. Analysis of ploidy has shown that in the chimaeras, the progeny of introduced cells are either diploid or tetraploid, the latter indicating cell fusion. The presence of donor DNA in diploid cells from chimaeric embryos proved that the non-fused progeny of introduced fibroblasts persisted in chimaeras, which is evidence of reprogramming by embryonic niche. When adult somatic (cumulus) cells were introduced into early cleavage embryos, the extent of integration was limited and only cell fusion-mediated reprogramming was observed. These results show that both cell fusion and cell interactions with the embryonic niche reprogrammed somatic cells towards pluripotency.
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JOUAULT, CORENTIN, and MICHAEL S. ENGEL. "A new species of dustywings (Neuroptera: Coniopterygidae) from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber." Palaeoentomology 7, no. 1 (February 27, 2024): 72–75. http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/palaeoentomology.7.1.3.
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speciesThe family Coniopterygidae, commonly known as dustywings, occupies a distinctive niche within the Neuroptera, as they are the smallest members of this order (Grimaldi & Engel, 2005; Engel et al., 2018). Characterized by forewing lengths seldom surpassing 5 mm, with a few exceptions (Liu & Lu, 2017), this family has achieved a remarkable speciosity, with approximately 570 extant species scattered across diverse habitats globally (Oswald & Machado, 2018).
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Laschi, Cecilia. "Embodied Intelligence in soft robotics: joys and sorrows." IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering 1261, no. 1 (October 1, 2022): 012002. http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1757-899x/1261/1/012002.
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Abstract Embodied intelligence and soft robotics are strictly interconnected, as soft bodyware is key to obtain emergent behaviours from external interactions. The overall advantages of embodied intelligence in robotics are balanced by additional challenges in robot design and control. A main contribution of embodied intelligence to robotics consists of simplifying principles for robot control, in terms of control parameters. At the same time, robot design becomes more complex, involving the complex dynamic interaction of the robot with the environment and the task. These two form the ecological niche where embodied intelligence is effective, but they also limit the robot task space. To what extent can we enlarge the ecological niche without missing the benefits of embodied intelligence? Emergent behaviours are what we expect to simplify control, but what level of controllability can we still achieve? And how far are we from a mathematical description of embodied intelligence, to the benefit of soft robot design and control? Few trade-offs between contrasting needs in the use of embodied intelligence in soft robotics are discussed here, in view of directions of future progress.
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Windholtz, Sara, Lucie Dutilh, Marine Lucas, Julie Maupeu, Amélie Vallet-Courbin, Laura Farris, Joana Coulon, and Isabelle Masneuf-Pomarède. "Population Dynamics and Yeast Diversity in Early Winemaking Stages without Sulfites Revealed by Three Complementary Approaches." Applied Sciences 11, no. 6 (March 11, 2021): 2494. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/app11062494.
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Nowadays, the use of sulfur dioxide (SO2) during the winemaking process is a controversial societal issue. In order to reduce its use, various alternatives are emerging, in particular bioprotection by adding yeasts, with different impacts on yeast microbiota in early winemaking stages. In this study, quantitative-PCR and metabarcoding high-throughput sequencing (HTS) were combined with MALDI-TOF-MS to monitor yeast population dynamic and diversity in the early stages of red winemaking process without sulfites and with bioprotection by Torulaspora delbrueckii and Metschnikowia pulcherrima addition. By using standard procedures for yeast protein extraction and a laboratory-specific database of wine yeasts, identification at species level of 95% of the isolates was successfully achieved by MALDI-TOF-MS, thus confirming that it is a promising method for wine yeast identification. The different approaches confirmed the implantation and the niche occupation of bioprotection leading to the decrease of fungal communities (HTS) and Hanseniaspora uvarum cultivable population (MALDI-TOF MS). Yeast and fungi diversity was impacted by stage of maceration and, to a lesser extent, by bioprotection and SO2, resulting in a modification of the nature and abundance of the operational taxonomic units (OTUs) diversity.
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Nimiritsky, Peter, Roman Eremichev, Natalya Alexandrushkina, Anastasia Efimenko, Vsevolod Tkachuk, and Pavel Makarevich. "Unveiling Mesenchymal Stromal Cells’ Organizing Function in Regeneration." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 20, no. 4 (February 14, 2019): 823. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijms20040823.
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Regeneration is a fundamental process attributed to the functions of adult stem cells. In the last decades, delivery of suspended adult stem cells is widely adopted in regenerative medicine as a leading means of cell therapy. However, adult stem cells cannot complete the task of human body regeneration effectively by themselves as far as they need a receptive microenvironment (the niche) to engraft and perform properly. Understanding the mechanisms underlying mammalian regeneration leads us to an assumption that improved outcomes of cell therapy require a specific microenvironment that is generated in damaged areas prior to stem cell delivery. To a certain extent, it may be achieved by the delivery of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), not in dispersed form, but rather in self-organized cell sheets (CS) – tissue-like structures comprised of viable cells and microenvironment components: extracellular matrix and soluble factors deposited in the matrix. In this review, we highlight the potential role of MSCs as regeneration organizers and speculate that this function emerges in CS. This concept shifts our understanding of the therapeutic mechanism underlying a widely known CS-based delivery method for regenerative medicine.
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HADDOUTI, Khalid. "Analysis of the Impact of Seaside Tourism on the Hinterland of the Eastern Mediterranean Coast of Morocco: Challenges and Limitations of Complementarity." European Modern Studies Journal 8, no. 2 (May 15, 2024): 367–77. http://dx.doi.org/10.59573/emsj.8(2).2024.32.
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Since the first decade of the 21st century, the development of tourism in the Eastern Mediterranean Coast of Morocco (E.M.C) and the renewed interest in its tourism potential have been at the origin of a significant tourism dynamic. This study examines the connections between this coastline and its hinterland in terms of tourist activity. This involves analyzing the extent to which promoted seaside tourism has had a knock-on effect on tourism in the hinterland. The study shows a low impact of E.M.C seaside tourism on its hinterland, mainly frequented by resident tourists from the main urban centers of the region. The insufficiency of infrastructure, the proximity of urban areas and the reduced range of services offered limit its attractiveness. Despite a different tourist potential between the two zones, tourist complementarity is far from being achieved. Visitation to the hinterland is low, with the offer focused on accommodation and catering, which generates very limited socio-economic impacts. The current strategy, based on the seaside aspect, must be revised with a view to promoting niche tourist products in the hinterland, thus strengthening the competitiveness of the E.M.C, particularly against its Mediterranean competitors.
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Argemí-Armengol, Immaculada, Daniel Villalba, Marc Tor, Cristina Pérez-Santaescolástica, Laura Purriños, José Manuel Lorenzo, and Javier Álvarez-Rodríguez. "The extent to which genetics and lean grade affect fatty acid profiles and volatile compounds in organic pork." PeerJ 7 (July 17, 2019): e7322. http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.7322.
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Niche production is intended to produce premium pork, but several husbandry factors may affect the meat fatty acid composition and aroma. Fatty acid profile (by GC-FID) of raw meat and volatile compounds (by SPME-GC–MS) of cooked meat were analysed in loin samples from two pig genetic types-75% Duroc (Du) and 50% Pietrain (Pi) rossbreds that were slaughtered at different weights (90 kg and 105 kg, respectively) to achieve similar target carcass fatness, and the outcome carcasses were balanced for lean grade groups (<60% or ≥60% lean) within genotypes. Genetic type did not affect fatty acids (FA) profile of meat. The leaner meat had lower C12:0 and C20:3n − 3, lower saturated fatty acids (SFA) and higher MUFA/SFA ratio content than the fattier meat. Short-chain alcohols were lower in Pietrain and in leaner pork compared to the samples from Duroc crossbreds and fattier pork. A greater amount of hexane,2,4,4-trimethyl (an aliphatic hydrocarbon) but lower carbon disulphide (sulphur compound) content was detected in pork from leaner compared to fattier pork. Higher aromatics hydrocarbons were exclusively associated with Duroc crossbreds, and lower aliphatic hydrocarbons with pigs classified as fattier. Most of the volatile compounds detected in the present study came from lipid oxidation.
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Van Gompel, Jamie J., Puya Alikhani, Mark H. Tabor, Harry R. van Loveren, Sivero Agazzi, Sebastien Froelich, and A. Samy Youssef. "Anterior inferior petrosectomy: defining the role of endonasal endoscopic techniques for petrous apex approaches." Journal of Neurosurgery 120, no. 6 (June 2014): 1321–25. http://dx.doi.org/10.3171/2014.2.jns131773.
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Object Historically, surgery to the petrous apex has been addressed via craniotomy and open microscopic anterior petrosectomy (OAP). However, with the popularization of endoscopic approaches, the petrous apex can further be approached endonasally by way of an endoscopic endonasal anterior petrosectomy (EAP). Endonasal anterior petrosectomy is a relatively new procedure and has not been compared anatomically with OAP. The authors hypothesized that the EAP and OAP techniques approach different portions of the petrous apex and therefore may have different applications. Methods Four cadaveric heads were used. An OAP was performed on one side and an EAP was performed on the contralateral side; the limits of bony resection were defined. The extent of bony resection was then evaluated using predissection and postdissection thin-slice CT scans. The comparative resection was then reconstructed using 3D modeling on Brainlab workstations. Results The average resection volumes for EAP and OAP were 0.297 cm3 and 0.649 cm3, respectively, representing a comparative percentage of 46% (EAP/OAP). An EAP and OAP achieved resection of 29% and 64% of the total petrous apex volume, respectively. Indeed, EAP addressed the inferior portion of the petrous apex located adjacent to the petroclival suture more completely than OAP, where 45% of the bone overlying the petroclival suture (petroclival angle to the jugular foramen) was resected with the EAP, while 0% was resected with the OAP. Conclusions In anatomically normal cadavers, OAP achieved nearly a 50% larger volumetric resection than EAP. Furthermore, while OAP appears to completely address the superior portion of the petrous apex, EAP appears to have a niche in approaches to lesions in the inferior petrous apex. Given these results, the authors propose that OAP be redefined as the “superior anterior petrosectomy,” while EAP be referred to as the “inferior anterior petrosectomy,” which more clearly defines the role of each approach in anterior petrosectomy.
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Horak, Sven. "From Cross-Cultural Economic Experiments to Experimental Indigenous Management Research – A Suggestion." Management and Organization Review 14, no. 4 (December 2018): 651–91. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/mor.2018.39.
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ABSTRACTThis study provides an overview, categorization, and integration of what has been achieved in the niche of cross-culture experimental economics (CCEE) so far, aiming to inspire indigenous management researchers to extend their methodological toolbox by including experimental methods. As a result of the review, I find that most of the early studies lack depth and contextualization as well as detailed explanation aboutwhyhuman behavior differs. Hence, a better understanding about the influence of culture on economic decision-making is rather limited if it cannot be explained in more detail. In contrast, deep contextualization is a principle in indigenous management research (IMR). Both have so far not benefited from each other in the study of how culture affects human behavior, as both currently develop in parallel. Following the call for high-quality IMR (Tsui, 2004), this paper argues that an experimental methodology can make a contribution to IMR in the future by drawing on the strengths of both IMR (i.e., contextualization) and CCEE (i.e., methodology).
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Ndrecaj, Vera, Mohamed Ashmel Mohamed Hashim, Rachel Mason-Jones, Valentina Ndou, and Issam Tlemsani. "Exploring Lean Six Sigma as Dynamic Capability to Enable Sustainable Performance Optimisation in Times of Uncertainty." Sustainability 15, no. 23 (December 4, 2023): 16542. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su152316542.
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The purpose of this study is to develop a nested theoretical model (LSS-DC) by critically examining two distinct theoretical concepts, including Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and Dynamic Capabilities (DC), for achieving organizational sustainable performance optimizations (PO). The robust integration of this dynamic concept is achieved using a systematic literature review, synthesis, and empirical evidence derived from 2005 to 2022. The vital benefits of LSS-DC are identified. This study utilizes a systematic literature review method adapted. It reveals the cross-sectional literature search strategy deploying selective keywords DCs, LSS, DCs and LSS, DCs and LSS and PO. In this niche domain employing descriptive and thematic analysis, key insights are extracted from the literature, encompassing a total of 21 peer-reviewed journals. The selection criteria revolve around three aspects: ‘Purpose’, ‘Authorship’, and ‘Credibility and Accuracy’. The authors gathered the secondary data from credible databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, ERIC, and IEEE using the keyword search. The study reveals the robust integration of theoretical concepts of LSS and DCs and their impact on organisational performance. The findings suggest that integrating the micro-foundations of DCs (sensing, seizing, and transforming) with LSS allows organisations to not only identify improvement opportunities but also efficiently and effectively act upon them, ultimately leading to sustainable performance optimisation across various aspects of the business. The specific type of DC integration with LSS depends on the organisation’s goals and priorities. The findings of this study are subjective to some extent due to the applied research methodology. Further empirical research is needed to gain a deeper understanding of the phenomenon. This study considers LSS as DC providing an empirical (LSS-DCs) model for sustainable performance optimisation. This is achieved by robustly integrating two distinct theoretical concepts derived from an extensive literature review and the analysis of the data-driven implementation. Finally, the study offers a deeper understanding in terms of how contextual organisational characteristics enhance the outcome of LSS-DC.
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McCracken, Gary F., Kamran Safi, Thomas H. Kunz, Dina K. N. Dechmann, Sharon M. Swartz, and Martin Wikelski. "Airplane tracking documents the fastest flight speeds recorded for bats." Royal Society Open Science 3, no. 11 (November 2016): 160398. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.160398.
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The performance capabilities of flying animals reflect the interplay of biomechanical and physiological constraints and evolutionary innovation. Of the two extant groups of vertebrates that are capable of powered flight, birds are thought to fly more efficiently and faster than bats. However, fast-flying bat species that are adapted for flight in open airspace are similar in wing shape and appear to be similar in flight dynamics to fast-flying birds that exploit the same aerial niche. Here, we investigate flight behaviour in seven free-flying Brazilian free-tailed bats ( Tadarida brasiliensis ) and report that the maximum ground speeds achieved exceed speeds previously documented for any bat. Regional wind modelling indicates that bats adjusted flight speeds in response to winds by flying more slowly as wind support increased and flying faster when confronted with crosswinds, as demonstrated for insects, birds and other bats. Increased frequency of pauses in wing beats at faster speeds suggests that flap-gliding assists the bats' rapid flight. Our results suggest that flight performance in bats has been underappreciated and that functional differences in the flight abilities of birds and bats require re-evaluation.
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Tuama, Murteza Hanoon. "A Comparative Evaluation of Random Forest and XGBoost Models for Disease Detection Using Medical Indicators." International Journal of Professional Studies 19, no. 1 (2025): 11–18. https://doi.org/10.37648/ijps.v19i01.002.
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In the field of 21st-century medicine, Machine Learning (ML) has become the cornerstone of healthcare by transforming disease detection at an earlier stage by facilitating early-stage accurate examination of medical attributes of the individuals including cholesterol, blood pressure and heart rate levels. Here we present an added comparison of two of the stratum of ensemble learning learned models: Random Forest and XGBoost on real-life medical datasets. The performance of the models was compared using Accuracy, Precision, Recall, F1-Score, and ROC-AUC. Random Forest showed great stability with the best accuracy of 96.75%(0.967543) produced by its bagging technique to avoid overfitting. Using the XGBoost model, an accuracy of 96.45% (0.964451) was achieved; this is possible, to an extent due to the ability for XGBoost to handle imbalanced datasets due to its (arguably) superior gradient boosting technique. These algorithms were very powerful showing up to a 20% reduction in diagnosis errors and a 30% reduction in diagnosis time compared with traditional methods but chronic diseases like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes were the most benefited by this type of models. It distinguishes itself through the weight it gives to bringing these models out of the lab and into real practice, which should illuminate their benefits across a constellation of ranges, from improvement in diagnostic pathways to pathology, to reduced costs for niche resources, to streamlined workflows in decision-making. For example, they can facilitate identification of high-risk patients early in procedures, which allows intervention to be focused on this cohort and a subsequently better outcome for the patient. In addition, this study addresses all primary challenges & data quality, model's adaptability to the demographics, and ethical issues that will ensure fairness and transparency in ML dependent actions. Pioneering tools will make healthcare efficient, equitable, and accessible across the globe by linking theory with practical application.
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Cowell-Meyers, Kimberly B. "The Women's Movement Knocks on the Door: Theorizing the Strategy, Context and Impact of Frauen Macht Politik (FraP!) on Women's Representation in Swiss Politics." Politics & Gender 16, no. 1 (May 28, 2019): 48–77. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1743923x19000266.
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“Get up, stand up and live! That's a movement.” — Elisabeth Joris (Joris 2015b) Are women's parties effective? More than 50 women's parties have emerged since 1990 in countries all over the world, contesting and winning seats in local, national, and regional legislatures. Although women's parties are not infrequent, appear in a variety of contexts, and advance common agendas related to inclusion and equality, we know very little about their experiences or whether they have been able to achieve their goals. In this article, Frauen Macht Politik (FraP!) is examined to consider whether and how women's parties present an avenue for advancing women's movement goals. The evidence shows that forming a party can help the movement to set the public agenda, can increase the attention paid to their issues, and can influence the formal institutions of politics. Many variables neglected elsewhere in the literature shape the ability of niche parties to affect the commitments of more established parties: the nature of the small party; its composition, intent, reach, and resources; its institutional context; and the boundaries of the organization. These features also determine the extent to which women's movements can use a political party to influence the representativeness of a political system.
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Tokita, Masayoshi, Tomoki Nakayama, Richard A. Schneider, and Kiyokazu Agata. "Molecular and cellular changes associated with the evolution of novel jaw muscles in parrots." Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 280, no. 1752 (February 7, 2013): 20122319. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2012.2319.
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Vertebrates have achieved great evolutionary success due in large part to the anatomical diversification of their jaw complex, which allows them to inhabit almost every ecological niche. While many studies have focused on mechanisms that pattern the jaw skeleton, much remains to be understood about the origins of novelty and diversity in the closely associated musculature. To address this issue, we focused on parrots, which have acquired two anatomically unique jaw muscles: the ethmomandibular and the pseudomasseter. In parrot embryos, we observe distinct and highly derived expression patterns for Scx , Bmp4 , Tgf β 2 and Six2 in neural crest-derived mesenchyme destined to form jaw muscle connective tissues. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis reveals that cell proliferation is more active in the cells within the jaw muscle than in surrounding connective tissue cells. This biased and differentially regulated mode of cell proliferation in cranial musculoskeletal tissues may allow these unusual jaw muscles to extend towards their new attachment sites. We conclude that the alteration of neural crest-derived connective tissue distribution during development may underlie the spatial changes in jaw musculoskeletal architecture found only in parrots. Thus, parrots provide valuable insights into molecular and cellular mechanisms that may generate evolutionary novelties with functionally adaptive significance.
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Freudenberger Catanzaro, Kelly C., Kevin K. Lahmers, Irving C. Allen, and Thomas J. Inzana. "Alginate microencapsulation of an attenuated O-antigen mutant of Francisella tularensis LVS as a model for a vaccine delivery vehicle." PLOS ONE 17, no. 3 (March 11, 2022): e0259807. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0259807.
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Francisella tularensis is the etiologic agent of tularemia and a Tier I Select Agent. Subspecies tularensis (Type A) is the most virulent of the four subspecies and inhalation of as few as 10 cells can cause severe disease in humans. Due to its niche as a facultative intracellular pathogen, a successful tularemia vaccine must induce a robust cellular immune response, which is best achieved by a live, attenuated strain. F. tularensis strains lacking lipopolysaccharide (LPS) O-antigen are highly attenuated, but do not persist in the host long enough to induce protective immunity. Increasing the persistence of an O-antigen mutant may help stimulate protective immunity. Alginate encapsulation is frequently used with probiotics to increase persistence of bacteria within the gastrointestinal system, and was used to encapsulate the highly attenuated LVS O-antigen mutant WbtIG191V. Encapsulation with alginate followed by a poly-L-lysine/alginate coating increased survival of WbtIG191V in complement-active serum. In addition, BALB/c mice immunized intraperitoneally with encapsulated WbtIG191V combined with purified LPS survived longer than mock-immunized mice following intranasal challenge. Alginate encapsulation of the bacteria also increased antibody titers compared to non-encapsulated bacteria. These data suggest that alginate encapsulation provides a slow-release vehicle for bacterial deposits, as evidenced by the increased antibody titer and increased persistence in serum compared to freely suspended cells. Survival of mice against high-dose intranasal challenge with the LVS wildtype was similar between mice immunized within alginate capsules or with LVS, possibly due to the low number of animals used, but bacterial loads in the liver and spleen were the lowest in mice immunized with WbtIG191V and LPS in beads. However, an analysis of the immune response of surviving mice indicated that those vaccinated with the alginate vehicle upregulated cell-mediated immune pathways to a lesser extent than LVS-vaccinated mice. In summary, this vehicle, as formulated, may be more effective for pathogens that require predominately antibody-mediated immunity.
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ILYICHEVA, MARIA. "NEW MEDIA IN THE DIGITAL REALITY." Sociopolitical Sciences 11, no. 1 (February 28, 2021): 19–26. http://dx.doi.org/10.33693/2223-0092-2021-11-1-19-26.
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The article examines the problem of the dependence of the articulation of civil society interests and their satisfaction on the quality of non-state media, their development, the degree of independence. Now that something has caught on electronic information and communication technologies (ICT), traditional media began to seek for their niche in the digital reality, and now almost all of them have analogues in the latter. At the same time, the digital reality itself has led to the emergence of new media and communication channels, which have become to a certain extent competitors for traditional media. The emergence of digital ICT has led not only to a change in the technologic aspect of the media functioning, but also to their content changes (the emergence of new forms, styles of material presentation, for example, infotainment, etc.). The goal of the research is to uncover by means of politological analysis the prerequisites for the formation, forms and role of new media, their correlation with traditional media, as well as to uncover trends in the development of new media and traditional media in the digital reality. The results achieved: 1. The prerequisites for the formation, forms and role of new media (including in influencing on civil society) in the digital reality are uncovered. 2. The correlation of new media with traditional media is determined from the legal viewpoint, as well as from the point of view of theoretic understanding. 3. Public-opinion polls showing a fairly high level of trust and positive assessment of the role of the media in the modern life of society are analyzed. 4. The results of ratings indicating the great potential of traditional media in the Network are analyzed. 5. The advantages and risks of using the Network for traditional media and new media are determined. 6. Changes and trends in the development of new media and traditional media in the digital reality are identified.
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Sanei, Arghavan, and Jinghui Cheng. "Characterizing Usability Issue Discussions in Open Source Software Projects." Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction 8, CSCW1 (April 17, 2024): 1–26. http://dx.doi.org/10.1145/3637307.
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Usability is a crucial factor but one of the most neglected concerns in open source software (OSS). While far from an ideal approach, a common practice that OSS communities adopt to collaboratively address usability is through discussions on issue tracking systems (ITSs). However, there is little knowledge about the extent to which OSS community members engage in usability issue discussions, the aspects of usability they frequently target, and the characteristics of their collaboration around usability issue discussions. This knowledge is important for providing practical recommendations and research directions to better support OSS communities in addressing this important topic and improve OSS usability in general. To help achieve this goal, we performed an extensive empirical study on issues discussed in five popular OSS applications: three data science notebook projects (Jupyter Lab, Google Colab, and CoCalc) and two code editor projects (VSCode and Atom). Our results indicated that while usability issues are extensively discussed in the OSS projects, their scope tended to be limited to efficiency and aesthetics. Additionally, these issues are more frequently posted by experienced community members and display distinguishable characteristics, such as involving more visual communication and more participants. Our results provide important implications that can inform the OSS practitioners to better engage the community in usability issue discussion and shed light on future research efforts toward collaboration techniques and tools for discussing niche topics in diverse communities, such as the usability issues in the OSS context.
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Pierce, Halley, Claire Magnon, Daniel Lucas, Matthew Huggins, Gary J. Schwartz, and Paul S. Frenette. "Muscarinic Receptor Type-1 Regulates Centrally Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization By Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor Via the Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis." Blood 126, no. 23 (December 3, 2015): 898. http://dx.doi.org/10.1182/blood.v126.23.898.898.
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Abstract Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) give rise to the cellular constituents of the blood throughout the lifetime. Transplantation of healthy HSCs is the only curative therapy for many hematologic disorders. Collection of these cells is most commonly achieved by administration of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), which mobilizes HSCs from specialized niches within the bone marrow (BM) to peripheral blood for collection. The mechanisms behind G-CSF-induced mobilization remains incompletely understood and may have broad implications about how healthy or cancer cells migrate. We have previously identified a role of signals from the sympathetic nervous system in regulating HSC mobilization (Katayama et al. Cell, 2006) and more recent studies have revealed cholinergic nerves from the parasympathetic nervous system regulated prostate cancer metastasis via the muscarinic receptor type-1 (Chrm1; Magnon et al. Science, 2013). This led us to explore whether Chrm1 could also regulate the migration of HSCs during enforced mobilization. Although steady-state HSC numbers are not altered in the BM of Chrm1−/− mice, G-CSF-induced mobilization of HSPCs to the blood was reduced by ~54% (p=0.008) compared to wild-type (WT) mice. Competitive transplantation of WT and Chrm1−/− blood revealed reduced long-term (16 weeks) repopulating capacity in mutant mice, confirming that the mobilization of functional HSCs was impaired. Although Chrm1 was robustly expressed in the prostate, we did not detect Chrm1 expression by qPCR in HSCs or sorted putative cellular niche constituents (Nestin+ cells, osteoblasts, endothelial cells, and macrophages), suggesting that cholinergic activity was located outside the BM. We thus tested the hypothesis that Chrm1 expression in the brain alters HSC behavior in the BM. To this end, we inhibited Chrm1 with pirenzepine, a specific antagonist that does not cross the blood-brain barrier. Whereas intra-peritoneal pirenzepine administration did not affect HSC mobilization, intra-cerebral pirenzepine administration significantly reduced mobilization (by ~45%, p=0.003), to a similar extent as the knockout mouse. These results suggest that cholinergic signals from the central nervous system (CNS), rather than the peripheral nervous system were required for robust mobilization of HSCs. To investigate the mechanisms by which CNS signals were relayed to HSCs within the BM, we generated chimeric parabions in which WT and Chrm1−/− mice were surgically joined and subsequently mobilized with G-CSF. We found that a paired WT rescued the mobilization defect of Chrm1−/− mice, suggesting that the CNS to BM relay was mediated by a circulating factor. Chrm1 was highly expressed in the hypothalamus of WT brains by qPCR and immunofluorescence. Chemical denervation of the hypothalamus by neonatal monosodium glutamate treatment reduced HSC mobilization (by ~32%, p=0.003), identifying a role for hypothalamic signals in G-CSF mobilization of HSCs. Since the hypothalamus regulates pituitary hormone release, we evaluated their levels. We found that plasma ACTH levels were modestly reduced, combined with a significant reduction in circulating corticosterone (by ~50%, p=0.002) and a dramatic reduction of corticosterone in BM extracellular fluid (by ~98%, p=0.007), suggesting a deficiency in glucocorticoids (GC). Treatment of WT mice with metyrapone, an inhibitor of GC synthesis, significantly reduced HSC mobilization (by ~25%, p<0.05). Furthermore, GC administration rescued the HSC mobilization deficit of Chrm1−/− mice. However, administration of GC above the physiological levels inhibited G-CSF mobilization efficiency. Immunofluorescence analyses revealed reductions in nuclear translocation of the GC receptor (Nr3c1) in HSCs derived from Chrm1−/− mice, a hallmark of nuclear receptor activity. In addition, GC enhanced the migration (by ~2 fold, p<0.05) of WT colony forming progenitors in vitro, suggesting cell-autonomous signaling of GC with their receptor may be necessary during G-CSF mobilization. Ongoing studies are evaluating whether the niche or hematopoietic cells requires GC receptors using Nr3c1-floxed mice. These data are to our knowledge the first direct demonstration of CNS regulation of HSC mobilization and uncover a critical function for physiological levels of GC in enabling HSC migration. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
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Perez-Castillo, Ricardo, Ignacio De Guzmán, Mario Piattini, and Moisés Rodríguez. "A New Approach for Information System Audit Teaching." JUCS - Journal of Universal Computer Science 26, no. 5 (May 28, 2020): 624–46. http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/jucs.2020.033.
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Today, no matter what market niche a company moves into or whether a business focus is technological, information technologies are its cornerstone in terms of its success and the fulfilment of its business goals. However, an undeniable fact is that technologies, in addition to many competitive advantages, carry many risks that must be properly identified and managed. Organizations must implement control measures to manage the risks. The whole set of control measures build up the Internal Control. However, only the realization of Information Systems (IS) Audit ensures that Internal Control is effective and efficient, and protects the most important assets of the organization, thus ensuring that it can achieve its business goals. This article presents a new vision of teaching in the area of IS Audit, presenting a methodology based on Project Based Learning (PBL) simulating that students belong to a real organization where they must not only develop an Internal Control but also evaluate it through IS Audit techniques. The simulation of a real environment facilitates the acquisition of competencies and knowledge related to IS Auditing, making more attractive the learning process. A tool called HASI has been developed, which implements the detailed workflow depicted in the methodology, allows to automate all the activities carried out by the students. Finally, this article presents the validation of the methodology carried out through the resolution of a practical case with the HASI tool. The validation allows observing to what extent the students perceive the learning of the areas of the IS Audit.
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Kempf, Udo. "Die französischen Präsidentschaftswahlen vom 10. und 24. April 2022: Schwelende Unzufriedenheit genügt nicht für einen Machtwechsel." Zeitschrift für Parlamentsfragen 53, no. 3 (2022): 600–616. http://dx.doi.org/10.5771/0340-1758-2022-3-600.
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President Emmanuel Macron hesitated about his renewed presidential candidacy. According to the polls, an election victory in the second round against his fiercest rival, the far-right Marine Le Pen, was by no means certain. Tue election campaign was dominated by the inflation of fuel and food prices. Macron won the first round of voting ahead of Le Pen. However, her considerable success once again demonstrated the extent to which her ideas are now permanently anchored throughout the country. And yet, Macron had succeeded in being a credible alternative for a large proportion of previous voters on the left, right, and center. Tue once large governing and opposition parties (Gaullists and Socialists) had shrunk to insignificance. For the second round of voting, the incumbent intensified his hitherto rather restrained campaign by targeting in particular non-voters and supporters of the radical leftist Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who had lost in the first round. Although Macron lost more than seven percentage points compared to the 2017 election and suffered losses almost everywhere in the country, he won the election with 58.55 percent. His far-right challenger Le Pen achieved her best-ever election result of 41.45 percent and made notable gains throughout the country. Some worrying trends continued: among others, a high level of abstention, especially among younger voters (29 percent of whom did not vote) as well as the split between urban (Macron) and rural (Le Pen) voters, increasing rejection of the EU, and support for protectionism.
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Stephens, Christopher R., Constantino González-Salazar, and Pedro Romero-Martínez. "“Does a Respiratory Virus Have an Ecological Niche, and If So, Can It Be Mapped?” Yes and Yes." Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease 8, no. 3 (March 17, 2023): 178. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed8030178.
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Although the utility of Ecological Niche Models (ENM) and Species Distribution Models (SDM) has been demonstrated in many ecological applications, their suitability for modelling epidemics or pandemics, such as SARS-Cov-2, has been questioned. In this paper, contrary to this viewpoint, we show that ENMs and SDMs can be created that can describe the evolution of pandemics, both in space and time. As an illustrative use case, we create models for predicting confirmed cases of COVID-19, viewed as our target “species”, in Mexico through 2020 and 2021, showing that the models are predictive in both space and time. In order to achieve this, we extend a recently developed Bayesian framework for niche modelling, to include: (i) dynamic, non-equilibrium “species” distributions; (ii) a wider set of habitat variables, including behavioural, socio-economic and socio-demographic variables, as well as standard climatic variables; (iii) distinct models and associated niches for different species characteristics, showing how the niche, as deduced through presence-absence data, can differ from that deduced from abundance data. We show that the niche associated with those places with the highest abundance of cases has been highly conserved throughout the pandemic, while the inferred niche associated with presence of cases has been changing. Finally, we show how causal chains can be inferred and confounding identified by showing that behavioural and social factors are much more predictive than climate and that, further, the latter is confounded by the former.
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Feddersen-Petersen, D. U. "Vocalization of European wolves (<i>Canis lupus lupus</i> L.) and various dog breeds (<i>Canis lupus</i> f. fam.)." Archives Animal Breeding 43, no. 4 (October 10, 2000): 387–98. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/aab-43-387-2000.
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Abstract. Barking in domestic dogs still remains a topic of controversial discussions. While some authors assess dogbarking an acoustic means of expression becoming more and more sophisticated during domestication, others name this sound type "non-communicative". Vocal repertoires as works on individual sound types are rare, however, and there has been almost no work done on Iow-intensity, close-range vocalizations, yet such types of vocalization are especially important with the more social canids, hence, with the human-dog-communication and understanding of dogs. Most of the investigations published so far are based on auditive sound impressions and lack objectivity. The principal method used in this study was sonagraphic. This facilitates the identiftcation of sounds and reveales, whether subjective Classification can be verified by objectively measured parameters. Finally, meanings, funetions and emotions were examined for all the major sounds described and are discussed in terms of relationships between sound structure and Signal function, signal emission and social context as behavioural response, and overlapping Channels of communication. Ontogeny of acoustic communication in 11 European wolves has been compared to various dog breeds (8 Standard Poodles, 8 Toy Poodles, 15 Kleine Münsterländer, 11 Weimaraner Hunting Dogs, 16 Tervueren, 12 American Staffordshire Terriers, and 13 German Shepherds, 12 Alaskan Malamutes, and 9 Bull Terriers) from birth up to 8 (12) weeks resp. 4 (12) months of age. Noisy and harmonic sound groups were analysed separately as overriding units. Following parameters were used: fmax=maximum of spectrographic pietured sounds (Hz), xfo=mean of the lowest frequency band of harmonic sounds (Hz), xfd = mean of the frequency of strongest amplitude of noisy sounds (Hz), delta f = frequency range of sounds (Hz), duration of sounds (ms). Statistical analysis was run on "Statistica", Release 4,0. Within the sound type barking 2 to 12 subunits were classified in the different breeds, aecording to their context-speeifie spectrographic design, and behavioural responses. Categories of function / emotion include f.e. social play, play soliticing, exploration, caregiving, social contact and "greeting", loneliness, and agonistc behaviours. "Interaction" was the most common category of social context for masted barkings (56% of oecurences). Especially close-range vocalizations, conceming the major sound type of most domestic dogs, the bark, evolved highly variable. However, the ecological niche of domestic dogs is highly variable, just as the individual differences in the dogs are, which seem to be breed-typical to a great extent. Thus, complexity within the dog's vocal repertoire, and therefore enhancement of its communicative value, is achieved by many subunits of bark, some standing for specific motivations, informations and expressions. Complexity within the dogs'vocal repertoire is extended by the use of mixed sounds in the barking context. Transitions and gradations to a great extend oeeur via bark sounds: harmonic, intermediate and noisy subunits.
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Karakaya Ayalp, Emel, Sevim Öztürk, and Feral Geçer Sargın. "The Alternative Food Geography in Europe: An Elaboration Through the Socio-Metabolic Approach." Sustainability 17, no. 4 (February 14, 2025): 1603. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17041603.
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This study applies the socio-metabolic approach and relatedly the concept of planetary urbanization understanding to detect the identity of the “alternative zones” embedded in the food supply chain of cities (FSC). To achieve shortened and sustainable FSCs for cities, strong alternative food networks (AFNs) should be developed and sustained. The precious element of a strong AFN is its urban areas, which serve as niche alternative food initiatives (AFIs) for sustainability transitions in food supply chains (FSCs). To achieve shorter and more sustainable FSCs in cities, it is crucial to develop and sustain empowered alternative food networks (AFNs) by deploying their AFIs. Within this context, this study examines AFIs in 12 European FUSILLI cities to understand the potential of the intrinsic AFN to accelerate the sustainable transition in FSCs. Considering the results of AFNs in accelerating sustainability transitions in FSCs. Results through spatial analyses of food ecosystems of FUSILLI cities, although there are prominent examples with a strong short and alternative food network, it is obvious that the sustainable transition into an alternative food network has proceeded; however, the analysis of AFNs in FUSILLI cities demonstrates that sustainability transitions have advanced through vigorous AFNs. However, extended urban areas still have room to supersede their place in conventional/industrial agricultural production, which remains embedded in these spaces. The same inference applies to urban—rural linkages, which need to be strengthened to support the relocation of the food system in the development of AFNs in urban areas and to create more sustainable and shortened FSCs. Also, it is obvious that cities with greater extended AFNs, for example, Rome, due to its great number of AFIs and geographical extent of AFN covering concentrated urban areas and to strengthen the rural–urban linkage for shortened food supply chains, as well as extended urban areas, and Oslo, due to its great variety of AFIs embedded in concentrated urban areas with alternative food production areas in its (erstwhile rural areas) extended urban areas.
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Vieira de Castro, Joana, Céline S. Gonçalves, Adília Hormigo, and Bruno M. Costa. "Exploiting the Complexities of Glioblastoma Stem Cells: Insights for Cancer Initiation and Therapeutic Targeting." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 21, no. 15 (July 25, 2020): 5278. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155278.
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The discovery of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) in the 2000s revolutionized the cancer research field, raising new questions regarding the putative cell(s) of origin of this tumor type, and partly explaining the highly heterogeneous nature of glioblastoma (GBM). Increasing evidence has suggested that GSCs play critical roles in tumor initiation, progression, and resistance to conventional therapies. The remarkable oncogenic features of GSCs have generated significant interest in better defining and characterizing these cells and determining novel pathways driving GBM that could constitute attractive key therapeutic targets. While exciting breakthroughs have been achieved in the field, the characterization of GSCs is a challenge and the cell of origin of GBM remains controversial. For example, the use of several cell-surface molecular markers to identify and isolate GSCs has been a challenge. It is now widely accepted that none of these markers is, per se, sufficiently robust to distinguish GSCs from normal stem cells. Finding new strategies that are able to more efficiently and specifically target these niches could also prove invaluable against this devastating and therapy-insensitive tumor. In this review paper, we summarize the most relevant findings and discuss emerging concepts and open questions in the field of GSCs, some of which are, to some extent, pertinent to other cancer stem cells.
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Rathod, Shanaya, Kerensa Thorne, Elizabeth Graves, Peter Phiri, Carolyn Asher, Alison Griffiths, Tracy Read, and David Kingdon. "Results of a prospective, mixed methods study to assess feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of TRIumPH (Treatment and Recovery In PsycHosis): an integrated care pathway for psychosis, compared to usual treatment." BMJ Open 10, no. 4 (April 2020): e033711. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-033711.
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ObjectivesTo evaluate whether a newly developed care pathway, Treatment and Recovery In PsycHosis (TRIumPH), is feasible, acceptable and effective in meeting National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) quality standards in a timely manner.MethodsThis is a pragmatic, non-randomised, prospective, mixed methods study comparing an implementation (TRIumPH) and comparator site (not implementing TRIumPH) across three cohorts to assess feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of the integrated pathway.SettingEarly intervention in psychosis (EIP) services at two National Health Service organisations in South of England.ParticipantsAll patients accepted into EIP services between 1 June 2014 and 31 May 2017 were each followed up for 1 year within their respective cohorts.MethodologyQuantitative data consisted of routinely collected clinical data retrieved from patient records to assess whether the implementation of TRIumPH achieved better concordance to NICE standards. These included time to access services, physical health assessments, clinical outcomes based timeliness of delivery and acute data. The controlled trial has evaluated the effect of TRIumPH (Intervention) with Care As Usual (Comparator). Qualitative measures consisted of questionnaires, interviews and focus groups to assess acceptability and satisfaction. Outcome measures were compared within the baseline, year 1 and year 2 cohorts and between the two sites. Quantitative data were statistically analysed by comparing means and proportions.ResultsTime to assessment improved in the implementation site and remained within the target in comparator site. Meeting of quality standards increased substantially in the implementation site but was more variable and reached lower levels in the comparator site especially for physical health standards. Cognitive therapy for psychosis, family intervention and carer and employment support were all offered to a greater extent in the implementation site and uptake increased over the period.ConclusionsPathway implementation generally led to greater improvements in achievement of access and quality standards compared with comparator site.Trial registration numberUK Clinical Research Network Portfolio (19187)
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George, M. K., N. R. Parashar, and C. Leek. "Provision of perinatal mental health services in a community setting." European Psychiatry 26, S2 (March 2011): 1096. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0924-9338(11)72801-2.
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IntroductionPsychiatric illness and suicide in particular have been a leading overall cause of maternal mortality in the United Kingdom. Although the most recent Confidential Enquiry into Maternal and Child Health indicated that this is no longer leading causes, mental health problems before and after childbirth have a significant impact on the health of women, family relationships and children's subsequent development.AimsTo identify the current practice for management and prevention of perinatal mental illness within a community mental health setting.To identify the extent to which policy recommendations from NICE “Antenatal and postnatal mental health” been implementedMethodsThe audit included all women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or who are planning to become pregnant and referred to the CMHT between November 2008 to April 201020 Cases identified by asking all team members to recall relevant clients.Results65% of those referred were in the antenatal period and 25% were in the post natal period. 40% of those referred had a pre existing mental illness and 60% were new onset during antenatal & postnatal period.The main diagnosis was depression and anxiety disorders.55% of those referred to the CMHT were on Psychotropic medications. However following the assessment and follow up by CMHT, only 25% of those referred needed to be on the psychotropics.Good compliance was achieved in the documentation of past psychiatric history and family history, provision of appropriate psychosocial interventions and specific considerations for the use of antidepressant medication during pregnancy and the postnatal period.
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Andersson, Svante, Gabriel Baffour Awuah, Ulf Aagerup, and Ingemar Wictor. "How do mature born globals create customer value to achieve international growth?" International Marketing Review 37, no. 2 (February 19, 2020): 185–211. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/imr-11-2018-0340.
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PurposeThis study aims to investigate how mature born global firms create value for customers to achieve continued international growth.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a case study approach to investigate the under-researched area of how mature born globals create value for customers and, by doing so, contribute to their continued international growth. This in-depth examination of how three born globals developed over time uses interviews, observation and secondary data.FindingsThe findings indicate that the entrepreneurs of born global firms, that continued to grow, created a culture in the early stages that supported value creation for foreign customers. These firms have built a competitive position by developing international niche products. They have also implemented a combination of proactive and reactive market orientation to facilitate the creation and delivery of value to customers. To maintain growth, they further invest the revenues earned on additional international marketing activities and continuously enhance their focal products.Research limitations/implicationsThe study relies on three cases. We therefore recommend that future studies extend the scope of the research to several companies in various industries and countries, in which the theoretical arguments can be applied. In addition, further studies that test the propositions developed in this study, in different contexts, are highly recommended.Practical implicationsTo gain international growth, managers should create an organizational culture that facilitates satisfying international customer needs. Firms should continuously invest in sales and market development (e.g. social media marketing, personal selling) and undertake technology development of niche rather than new products. To achieve international growth, managers need to standardize part of the offer to achieve economies of scale and adapt the other part to international customers' needs.Originality/valueResearch on born globals has focused on the early stages of their internationalization processes, while largely neglecting the later stages (mature born globals) or the factors that lead to continued international growth. To address this gap, this study explores what happens when born globals ‘grow up’. This study contributes to the literature by capturing the factors and processes underlying how mature born globals create value for customers, for international growth. In particular, the study shows that the culture and strategies developed in the born globals' early stages also lead to international growth in later stages. The mature born globals have also invested in niche products, brand building, and effective market channels and adopted a combination of proactive and reactive market orientations.
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Poshi, Ilda, and Ilirjana Kaceli. "Translating Literariness: Allen Ginsberg’s “Howl” Vs Ukë Zenel Buçpapaj’s “Kujë”." European Journal of Language and Literature 4, no. 1 (April 30, 2016): 128. http://dx.doi.org/10.26417/ejls.v4i1.p128-137.
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Prior to being accepted as a real and systematic discipline translation has been lengthily considered a multi-sided driving force used to enable multi-cultural/linguistic communication. As experience shows, translation was born as a practical endeavour to convey social, historical and cultural disparities between countries and only in the 1960s, thanks to Holmes, it was recognised as a solid discipline inexorably intertwined with other disciplines. Moreover, and above all, translation is not just science, it is not a mere process of decoding the encoded – it is an art. Such categorisation is what made Otokar Fischer and other scholars faithfully promote translation as an interface between science and art. This is what this research will try to encompass. We will see how in literary translation, the art of translating marries the theory so that to explain the uniqueness of this discipline. In addition, we will see the concept of literariness as an element of paramount importance in literary translation and especially in poetry, the most sublime aka most problematic genre of literature. As P.B Shelley confesses in A Defence of Poetry: “Poetry ... awakens and enlarges the mind itself by rendering it the receptacle of a thousand unapprehended combinations of thought. Poetry lifts the veil from the hidden beauty of the world, and makes familiar objects be as if they were not familiar; it reproduces all that it represents, and the impersonations clothed in its Elysian light stand thenceforward in the minds of those who have once contemplated them, as memorials of that gentle and exalted content which extends itself over all thoughts and actions with which it coexists. (P.B. Shelley, 1904, 33). Dynamic equivalence is the key to achieve the explanation of complex phenomena through simpler phenomena happening in literary translation and especially in poetry. Through an inductive-descriptive method we aim at bringing light to how and to what extent literariness can be translated by analysing coram Allen Ginsberg’s Howl and its translation in Albanian Kujë by Ukë Zenel Buçpapaj. This way we will see the essential and irreplaceable niche literariness occupies in poetry translation.
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Ellul, Claire, Neve Hamilton, Alexandros Pieri, and George Floros. "Exploring Data for Construction Digital Twins: Building Health and Safety and Progress Monitoring Twins Using the Unreal Gaming Engine." Buildings 14, no. 7 (July 18, 2024): 2216. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/buildings14072216.
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Although digital twins have been established in manufacturing for a long time, they are only more recently making their way into the urban environment and present a relatively new concept for the construction industry. The concept of a digital twin—a model of the physical environment that has a real-time two-way link between the physical and the digital, with the virtual model changing over time to reflect changes in the real world—lends itself well to the continually changing environment of a construction project. Predictive capabilities built into a twin also have great potential for construction planning—including in supply chain management and waste disposal as well as in the construction process itself. Underpinning this opportunity is location data, which model where something is happening and when and can be used to solve a wide range of problems. In particular, location (the power of where) can integrate diverse data sources and types into a single system, overcoming interoperability challenges that are known to be a barrier to twin implementation. This paper demonstrates the power of location-enabled digital twins in the context of a highway construction project, documenting and addressing data engineering tasks and functionality development to explore the potential of digital twins in the context of two case studies—health and safety and construction monitoring. We develop two demonstrators using data from an existing construction project (building on data and requirements from industry partner Skanska) to build twins that make use of the powers of 4D data presentation offered by the Unreal Gaming Engine and CesiumJS mapping, while software development expertise is sometimes available to construction firms, we specifically explore to what extent the no-code approach available within Unreal can be deployed in this context. Our findings provide evidence to construction companies as to the benefits of digital twins, as well as an understanding of the data engineering and technical skills required to achieve these benefits. The overall results demonstrate the potential for digital twins to unlock and democratise construction data, taking them beyond the niche use of experts and into the boardroom.
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Tariq, Safyan, Aparna Prasanna, and Ryan Lau. "Assessment of Compliance With NICE Guidelines on Safety Planning Following Self-Harm in Elderly Patients in a Mental Health Trust." BJPsych Open 10, S1 (June 2024): S265. http://dx.doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2024.637.
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AimsOur aim was to evaluate the extent to which the risk assessment protocol post self-harm incidents for patients aged over 65 at the Black Country Healthcare Trust is aligned with the recommendations set forth in the NICE Guideline (NG225). We specifically sought to determine whether safety plans are incorporated as recommended by the NICE Guideline (NG225), and in the absence of a distinct safety plan, whether essential components of such a plan are integrated within the risk assessment framework utilised following episodes of self-harm.MethodsA retrospective audit was conducted utilizing data from the trust on self-harm incidents over a six-month duration. Of the 1,408 recorded incidents, 68 involved individuals aged 65 years or older. A sample of 30 incidents was randomly selected from this cohort to constitute the target sample for this study. Each case was anonymized with a unique identifier and subjected to a comprehensive review employing a bespoke data collection instrument, expressly developed for this audit. The review process was facilitated by the trust's digital record system (RIO). Data collated for analysis encompassed a range of variables, including demographic details, diagnostic classifications, geographical location, care setting, self-harm methodologies, the severity of the self-harm events, the origin of data, and compliance with the stipulated criteria of the NICE Guidance (NG225).ResultsComprehensive safety plans were present in a minority of cases, specifically 6.7% (2 out of 30 patients). The documentation of individual components of the safety plan, analysed separately, yielded the following results: 1.Documentation of self-harm mechanisms was achieved in 70% of cases (21/30).2. Identification of precipitants or triggers was noted in 56.7% of cases (17/30).3. The formulation of coping strategies was documented in 20% of the sample (6/30).4. The enumeration of essential contacts was completed in 33.3% of cases (10/30).5. The identification of family members pertinent to the patient’s support network was noted in 33.3% of cases (10/30).6. The inclusion of contact details for these identified individuals was present in 30% of cases (9/30).7. Guidelines to ensure a safe environment were applicable and recorded in 38.9% of the relevant cases (7/18).ConclusionThe majority of patients did not have a safety plan post self-harm incidents. Notwithstanding the absence of a comprehensive safety plan, critical elements prescribed by NICE Guidance (NG225) were insufficiently addressed within the risk assessment and subsequent management planning post self-harm.
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Ramasawmy, Mel, Yi Mu, Donna Clutterbuck, Marija Pantelic, Gregory Y. H. Lip, Christina van der Feltz-Cornelis, Dan Wootton, et al. "STIMULATE-ICP-CAREINEQUAL (Symptoms, Trajectory, Inequalities and Management: Understanding Long-COVID to Address and Transform Existing Integrated Care Pathways) study protocol: Defining usual care and examining inequalities in Long Covid support." PLOS ONE 17, no. 8 (August 15, 2022): e0271978. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0271978.
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Introduction Individuals with Long Covid represent a new and growing patient population. In England, fewer than 90 Long Covid clinics deliver assessment and treatment informed by NICE guidelines. However, a paucity of clinical trials or longitudinal cohort studies means that the epidemiology, clinical trajectory, healthcare utilisation and effectiveness of current Long Covid care are poorly documented, and that neither evidence-based treatments nor rehabilitation strategies exist. In addition, and in part due to pre-pandemic health inequalities, access to referral and care varies, and patient experience of the Long Covid care pathways can be poor. In a mixed methods study, we therefore aim to: (1) describe the usual healthcare, outcomes and resource utilisation of individuals with Long Covid; (2) assess the extent of inequalities in access to Long Covid care, and specifically to understand Long Covid patients’ experiences of stigma and discrimination. Methods and analysis A mixed methods study will address our aims. Qualitative data collection from patients and health professionals will be achieved through surveys, interviews and focus group discussions, to understand their experience and document the function of clinics. A patient cohort study will provide an understanding of outcomes and costs of care. Accessible data will be further analysed to understand the nature of Long Covid, and the care received. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval was obtained from South Central—Berkshire Research Ethics Committee (reference 303958). The dissemination plan will be decided by the patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) group members and study Co-Is, but will target 1) policy makers, and those responsible for commissioning and delivering Long Covid services, 2) patients and the public, and 3) academics.
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Constant, Axel, Maxwell J. D. Ramstead, Samuel P. L. Veissière, John O. Campbell, and Karl J. Friston. "A variational approach to niche construction." Journal of The Royal Society Interface 15, no. 141 (April 2018): 20170685. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2017.0685.
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In evolutionary biology, niche construction is sometimes described as a genuine evolutionary process whereby organisms, through their activities and regulatory mechanisms, modify their environment such as to steer their own evolutionary trajectory, and that of other species. There is ongoing debate, however, on the extent to which niche construction ought to be considered a bona fide evolutionary force, on a par with natural selection. Recent formulations of the variational free-energy principle as applied to the life sciences describe the properties of living systems, and their selection in evolution, in terms of variational inference. We argue that niche construction can be described using a variational approach. We propose new arguments to support the niche construction perspective, and to extend the variational approach to niche construction to current perspectives in various scientific fields.
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Li, Min, and Tian Huang Chen. "A Study of Genetic Algorithm Based on Niche Technique." Advanced Materials Research 468-471 (February 2012): 152–55. http://dx.doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/amr.468-471.152.
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Compared to simple genetic algorithm which has a disadvantage of slow speed in early and later convergence, genetic algorithm which is based on niche technique and keeping the diversity of individuals, helps prevent prematurity and shows a better performance. The paper tries to solve the problem of multiple hump function optimization based on niche genetic algorithm. The simulation results show that the niche genetic algorithm can maintain the relative stability of diversity of individuals in the evolution process, speeding up the rate of convergence to a large extent.
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Medina, Anderson Matos, and Mário Almeida-Neto. "Grinnelian and Eltonian niche conservatism of the European honeybee (Apis mellifera) in its exotic distribution." Sociobiology 67, no. 2 (June 30, 2020): 239. http://dx.doi.org/10.13102/sociobiology.v67i2.4901.
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The understanding of how niche-related traits change during species invasion have prompted what is now known as the niche conservatism principle. Most studies that have tested the niche conservatism principle have focused on the extent to which the species’ climatic niches remain stable in their exotic distribution. However, it is equality important to address how biotic specialization, i.e. resource use, changes during exotic species invasions. Here, we use the widespread European honeybee (Apis mellifera) to understand whether its Grinnelian and Eltonian niches changed in its exotic distribution using tests of abiotic and biotic niche conservatism. We found that both niche domains of the European honeybee remained stable in its exotic distribution, which means that neither the climatic niche nor the biotic specialization showed significant differences between the native and the exotic ranges. Our findings that climatic and resource use are coupled can be explained by A. mellifera’s long history of domestication and the possibility that life history traits (e.g., polyandry) may have shaped this species’ large niche over the course of evolution and therefore facilitated exotic ranges colonization.
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Souza, Franco, João Rodrigues, Miguel Olalla-Tárraga, José Diniz-Filho, Pablo Martinez, and Ricardo J. Sawaya. "Niche divergence and diversification in South American freshwater turtles of the genus Acanthochelys (Chelidae)." Amphibia-Reptilia 40, no. 4 (2019): 475–85. http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/15685381-20191211.
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Abstract Species distribution models (SDMs) are increasingly used to assess how ecological factors shape species distributions and diversification. Chelid turtles represent the richest family of chelonians in South America. Given the distributional disjunction and distinct habitats of four Acanthochelys species, we explored SDMs and niche overlap metrics between species pairs to evaluate the extent to which niche divergence or conservatism may have contributed to their geographic distribution patterns. None of the species pairs presented patterns consistent with niche conservatism suggesting that these species have different environmental requirements. However, when comparing species pairs co-occurring in the same watershed, results were conflicting. Niche divergence detected among Acanthochelys species indicate an interaction between ecological niche preference and geographical barriers for allopatric speciation. This interaction implies that ecological differentiation contributed to the diversification of Acanthochelys side-necked turtles that occur in South American freshwater environments.
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Russell, Vanessa L., M. Henry H. Stevens, Addison A. Zeisler, and Tereza Jezkova. "Identifying regional environmental factors driving differences in climatic niche overlap in Peromyscus mice." Journal of Mammalogy 103, no. 1 (December 2, 2021): 45–56. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyab126.
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Abstract Different groups of taxa exhibit varying degree of climatic niche conservatism or divergence due to evolutionary constraints imposed on taxa and distributional relationships among them. Herein, we explore to what extent regional environmental conditions that taxa occupy affect climatic niche overlap between pairs of congeneric species of Peromyscus mice exhibiting allopatric, parapatric, or sympatric distributions. We used Bayesian generalized linear mixed models to identify environmental variables that best explain differences in climatic niche overlap between species. Our results suggest that regional environmental conditions explain 13–44% of variation in climatic niche overlap. Specifically, allopatric and parapatric species pairs are more likely to occupy similar climatic niches in areas that are topographically less complex but with more complex habitats. Sympatric species are more likely to occupy similar climatic niches in areas that promote local niche partitioning (topographically less complex, warmer winter temperatures, higher precipitation, and higher habitat complexity on a local scale). By understanding the relationship between regional environmental conditions and niche overlap, we highlight how differences in geography can contribute to shaping niches of congeneric species.
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Amano, Tatsuya, Robert P. Freckleton, Simon A. Queenborough, Simon W. Doxford, Richard J. Smithers, Tim H. Sparks, and William J. Sutherland. "Links between plant species’ spatial and temporal responses to a warming climate." Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 281, no. 1779 (March 22, 2014): 20133017. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2013.3017.
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To generate realistic projections of species’ responses to climate change, we need to understand the factors that limit their ability to respond. Although climatic niche conservatism, the maintenance of a species’s climatic niche over time, is a critical assumption in niche-based species distribution models, little is known about how universal it is and how it operates. In particular, few studies have tested the role of climatic niche conservatism via phenological changes in explaining the reported wide variance in the extent of range shifts among species. Using historical records of the phenology and spatial distribution of British plants under a warming climate, we revealed that: (i) perennial species, as well as those with weaker or lagged phenological responses to temperature, experienced a greater increase in temperature during flowering (i.e. failed to maintain climatic niche via phenological changes); (ii) species that failed to maintain climatic niche via phenological changes showed greater northward range shifts; and (iii) there was a complementary relationship between the levels of climatic niche conservatism via phenological changes and range shifts. These results indicate that even species with high climatic niche conservatism might not show range shifts as instead they track warming temperatures during flowering by advancing their phenology.
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Schaefers, Tobias. "Standing out from the crowd: niche product choice as a form of conspicuous consumption." European Journal of Marketing 48, no. 9/10 (September 2, 2014): 1805–27. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ejm-03-2013-0121.
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Purpose – This paper aims to define the niche market concept and to investigate the extent to which purchasing niche products represents a form of conspicuous consumption. Consumers increasingly seek products that differ from the mainstream, and companies regard niche markets as a promising opportunity beyond saturated mass markets. Design/methodology/approach – Based on survey data that combines self-report scales and actual purchase decisions, the effects of different dimensions of conspicuous consumption on niche product choice are investigated using binary logistic regression. Findings – Choosing niche products over mass market products is mainly influenced by differentiation tendencies. Moreover, consumers use niche products to strengthen their role as opinion leaders. Choice of mass market products, on the other hand, is influenced by assimilation tendencies. In contrast to common assumptions, status-seeking consumers are more likely to choose a mass market alternative over niche products. Research limitations/implications – Based on the conceptualization of niche markets, this study reveals that niche products are a means for consumers to distinguish themselves. Limitations include the focus on a single product domain and country. Future research should replicate the study for other types of niche products and in other cultural settings. Practical implications – Niche firms should explicitly consider the social effects of conspicuous consumption as a key driver of demand. Specifically, the unique nature of a niche product should be highlighted and recognizable to increase the acceptance among potential customers. Moreover, instead of focussing the status of niche products, marketing activities should address opinion leaders’ desire to maintain their standing among the social group by providing in-depth information and enhanced customer experience. Originality/value – This paper addresses the call for a conceptual definition of niche markets. Moreover, while previous work focussed on the company perspective, this study allows for an improved understanding of consumer behaviour with regard to niche markets.
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Mc Gowan, S., C. Goumalatsou, and A. Kent. "Fantastic niches and where to find them: the current diagnosis and management of uterine niche." Facts, Views and Vision in ObGyn 14, no. 1 (March 31, 2022): 37–47. http://dx.doi.org/10.52054/fvvo.14.1.003.
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Background: Caesarean section (CS) scar niche is a well recognised complication of caesarean delivery and is defined as an indentation at the site of the CS scar with a depth of at least 2mm. Objectives: To review systematically the medical literature regarding the current diagnosis and management of uterine niche Materials and Methods: We carried out a systematic review using MeSH terms ‘niche’ OR ‘sacculation’ OR ‘caesarean scar defect’ OR ‘caesarean section scar’ OR ‘uterine defect’ OR ‘isthmocele.’ Articles included were peer-reviewed and in English language. Main Outcome Measures: Prevalence, symptoms, diagnosis, pathophysiology and management of uterine niche. Results: CS scar niche is common and, in a subgroup, produces a range of symptoms including post-menstrual bleeding, dyspareunia and subfertility. It may be linked to use of locked sutures during CS closure. Niche repair can be achieved laparoscopically or hysteroscopically and appears to improve symptoms, although solid conclusions regarding fertility outcomes cannot be drawn. Conclusions: CS scar niche is associated with a range of symptoms. Repair may aid subfertile patients and those with post-menstrual spotting. The presence of a niche is probably irrelevant in the absence of symptoms. What is New? LNG-IUS and surgical repair appear to improve symptoms in those with a niche.
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Gryz, Jakub, and Dagny Krauze-Gryz. "Food Niche Overlap of Avian Predators (Falconiformes, Strigiformes) in a Field and Forest Mosaic in Central Poland." Animals 11, no. 2 (February 11, 2021): 479. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ani11020479.
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Food niche overlap statistics are a common way to show competition for food resources in a group of animals. Niche breadths of various species are very variable and their diet composition changes reflecting prey availability. The aim of this study was to evidence the food niche overlap of the whole assemblage of avian predators (eight raptor and owl species, some of them reaching very high densities) in a field and forest mosaic of central Poland. The diet composition was assessed on the basis of pellet analyses and the identification of prey remains found under the nests in the breeding period. The extent of the niche overlap was calculated using a Pianka formula. The food niche overlap indices ranged from 0.02 to 0.93 (mostly below 0.5). The most separate food niche was that of the white-tailed eagle, who regularly preyed on fish. The highest niche overlap was recorded for the common buzzard and common kestrel, two species preying on field rodents, switching to soricomorphs when the former were scarce. Our results confirmed that the food niches of species coexisting in the same area were considerably separate, which is a result of preying on various prey species or searching for them in different habitats.
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Litsios, Glenn, Loïc Pellissier, Félix Forest, Christian Lexer, Peter B. Pearman, Niklaus E. Zimmermann, and Nicolas Salamin. "Trophic specialization influences the rate of environmental niche evolution in damselfishes (Pomacentridae)." Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 279, no. 1743 (June 20, 2012): 3662–69. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2012.1140.
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The rate of environmental niche evolution describes the capability of species to explore the available environmental space and is known to vary among species owing to lineage-specific factors. Trophic specialization is a main force driving species evolution and is responsible for classical examples of adaptive radiations in fishes. We investigate the effect of trophic specialization on the rate of environmental niche evolution in the damselfish, Pomacentridae, which is an important family of tropical reef fishes. First, phylogenetic niche conservatism is not detected in the family using a standard test of phylogenetic signal, and we demonstrate that the environmental niches of damselfishes that differ in trophic specialization are not equivalent while they still overlap at their mean values. Second, we estimate the relative rates of niche evolution on the phylogenetic tree and show the heterogeneity among rates of environmental niche evolution of the three trophic groups. We suggest that behavioural characteristics related to trophic specialization can constrain the evolution of the environmental niche and lead to conserved niches in specialist lineages. Our results show the extent of influence of several traits on the evolution of the environmental niche and shed new light on the evolution of damselfishes, which is a key lineage in current efforts to conserve biodiversity in coral reefs.
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Li, Jiaqi. "The Journey from Niche Styles to the Mainstream Trend." Communications in Humanities Research 23, no. 1 (December 20, 2023): 30–35. http://dx.doi.org/10.54254/2753-7064/23/20230450.
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Over the past few decades, niche styles have gradually become part of mainstream trends and have achieved great success in the market. Changes in consumer behavior and technological advances have enabled niche styles to better meet the needs of consumers and become integrated into their lives. At the same time, brand culture has played an important role in connecting niche styles with consumers by creating unique brand images and values. This paper explores the transition from niche styles to mainstream trends and examines the reasons for this, concluding that the main reasons are Changes in consumer demand from material needs to spiritual pursuits and the desire for simpler times in the context of rapid technological advancement. Based on this, this study makes relevant recommendations for the development of niche brands, including Enriching Brand Culture and Philosophy for Meeting Consumer Demands and Assisting Consumers in Adapting to the Fast-Paced Era.
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Tsunoda, Hiroshi, Stanislava Peeva, Evgeniy Raichev, and Yayoi Kaneko. "Ecological Traits and Intraguild Competition Mediate Spatial and Temporal Overlaps Among Sympatric Mesocarnivores." Diversity 17, no. 2 (February 1, 2025): 108. https://doi.org/10.3390/d17020108.
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In terrestrial mammalian carnivore guilds, interspecific competitions (interferences and resource competitions) among sympatric species induce their ecological and behavioral patterns and population dynamics, thereby shaping community structures. Competitive species must partition their ecological niches for sympatry, while the extent of niche overlaps is mediated by either the ecological traits (e.g., body size differences) or environmental features. We aimed to elucidate the patterns of spatial and temporal niche overlaps in mesocarnivore guilds, which are mediated by their ecological traits, regional environments, and anthropogenic disturbances. We investigated the spatial occurrence and diel activities of six mesocarnivore species and estimated their spatial and temporal overlap indices in various landscapes with different anthropogenic disturbances in central Bulgaria. Statistical modeling demonstrated that spatial overlap among mesocarnivores declined when mesocarnivore pairs were within the same family and when large carnivores (particularly wolves, Canis lupus) were present. Furthermore, we found that the extent of their temporal overlaps was associated with taxonomic and body size differences in mesocarnivore pairs as well as their trophic competitions. Our findings indicated that the intensity of interferences among mesocarnivore species was key for the decline of spatial or temporal niche overlap to relax antagonistic interactions.
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Renzi, Emiliano, Simone Michele, Siming Zheng, Siya Jin, and Deborah Greaves. "Niche Applications and Flexible Devices for Wave Energy Conversion: A Review." Energies 14, no. 20 (October 12, 2021): 6537. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/en14206537.
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We review wave energy conversion technologies for niche applications, i.e., kilowatt-scale systems that allow for more agile design, faster deployment and easier operation than utility scale systems. The wave energy converters for niche markets analysed in this paper are classified into breakwater-integrated, hybrid, devices for special applications. We show that niche markets are emerging as a very vibrant landscape, with several such technologies having now achieved operational stage, and others undergoing full-scale sea trials. This review also includes flexible devices, which started as niche applications in the 1980s and are now close to commercial maturity. We discuss the strong potential of flexible devices in reducing costs and improving survivability and reliability of wave energy systems. Finally, we show that the use of WECs in niche applications is supporting the development of utility-scale projects by accumulating field experience, demonstrating success stories of grid integration and building confidence for stakeholders.
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Yu, Qianqian, Hongyu Li, Bing Zhang, Yun Song, Yueying Sun, and Zhaojun Ding. "ATP Hydrolases Superfamily Protein 1 (ASP1) Maintains Root Stem Cell Niche Identity through Regulating Reactive Oxygen Species Signaling in Arabidopsis." Plants 13, no. 11 (May 26, 2024): 1469. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/plants13111469.
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The maintenance of the root stem cell niche identity in Arabidopsis relies on the delicate balance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in root tips; however, the intricate molecular mechanisms governing ROS homeostasis within the root stem cell niche remain unclear. In this study, we unveil the role of ATP hydrolase superfamily protein 1 (ASP1) in orchestrating root stem cell niche maintenance through its interaction with the redox regulator cystathionine β-synthase domain-containing protein 3 (CBSX3). ASP1 is exclusively expressed in the quiescent center (QC) cells and governs the integrity of the root stem cell niche. Loss of ASP1 function leads to enhanced QC cell division and distal stem cell differentiation, attributable to reduced ROS levels and diminished expression of SCARECROW and SHORT ROOT in root tips. Our findings illuminate the pivotal role of ASP1 in regulating ROS signaling to maintain root stem cell niche homeostasis, achieved through direct interaction with CBSX3.
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Shin, Solee. "Niche, Ethnic and Global Operations." European Journal of East Asian Studies 16, no. 1 (2017): 5–35. http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/15700615-01601006.
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Recent writings on the new media emphasise how the gateless and equalising nature of digital platforms have enabled freer circulation of cultural products around the world and increased the global visibility and popularity of non-Western media content, including popular music products. These writings, however, fail to account for the intermediary role of market participants in patterning the specific consumption and circulation of products. This paper thus comparatively examines the rise and circulation of three East Asian popular musics, J-pop, C-pop and K-pop, and how their differential spread and success have been achieved on the basis of distinctly elaborated organisational strategies in the midst of rising digitisation. The article argues that industry participants of the three East Asian locations, embedded within their respective historical, social and market environments, strategised their courses of actions differently to elaborate distinct models of musical production and circulation. The author conceptualizes each operational model as ‘niche’, ‘ethnic’ and ‘global’, respectively.
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Quirino, Bárbara Angélio, Sidinei Magela Thomaz, Erik Jeppesen, Martin Søndergaard, Mário Sérgio Dainez-Filho, and Rosemara Fugi. "Aquatic Macrophytes Shape the Foraging Efficiency, Trophic Niche Breadth, and Overlap among Small Fish in a Neotropical River." Water 14, no. 21 (November 4, 2022): 3543. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/w14213543.
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Aquatic macrophytes are generally recognized to influence fish–prey interactions. We assessed how fish consume particular foods, and how their foraging efficiency, trophic niche breadth, and niche overlap respond to gradients of macrophyte density and diversity. We sampled fish and macrophytes in 30 stands distributed over a 13.7 km stretch of the littoral zone of a river in Brazil. By generating generalized linear models, we showed that increasing macrophyte density (from 366 to 7066 g DW m−3) favored herbivory and fish foraging efficiency. Beta regressions showed that fish reduced their trophic niche breadth along the gradient of macrophyte density, while niche overlap increased until a certain extent of plant density when species started to segregate the niche more strongly. However, niche breadth responses varied according to the trophic guild considered, with omnivorous and herbivorous fish generally showing opposite responses. Macrophyte diversity was important for the preferred food items of the fish, with stomach contents shifting from higher plants, algae, and detritus to insects with increasing macrophyte diversity. Therefore, in addition to the presumable effects of macrophyte density on resource availability and prey encounter rates, our findings highlight the importance of maintaining diverse macrophyte stands for the conservation of fish diversity.
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Hampson, Grace, and Adrian Towse. "OP119 Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products: Are Current Health Technology Assessment Methods Suitable?" International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care 33, S1 (2017): 54–55. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0266462317001829.
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INTRODUCTION:There is considerable excitement around the development of regenerative medicines (or advanced therapy medicinal products, ATMPs), with the expectation that they may bring substantial clinical gains and offer cures for previous debilitating and fatal diseases. However, high costs mean that Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and reimbursement decisions are challenging for payers and manufacturers, even when the therapies are expected to offer good value for money.In Europe, seven ATMPs have market authorization, yet only one has achieved national level reimbursement. Statistics such as these put HTA bodies under pressure to review their methods and consider how these can apply to regenerative medicines.METHODS:We present a review of one example, from the United Kingdom's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), who commissioned an external organization to undertake a mock appraisal of a hypothetical ATMP using standard methods. The therapeutic area chosen for the mock appraisal was chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for treating relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.RESULTS:The role of uncertainty was a key consideration within the report, yet we found that the presentation of uncertainty within the mock appraisal was misleading for decision makers.We found that the exercise represents a thorough mock HTA of CAR T-cell therapy. However, it focused on testing whether ATMPs could fit into the existing HTA pathway for conventional medicines, rather than seeking to identify the most suitable approach for assessing regenerative medicines. We suggest the latter would have been a more relevant question for the mock appraisal.CONCLUSIONS:Any significant departures from the usual HTA process must be based on solid economic rationale if we are to ensure efficient allocation of resources. Thus, in order for regenerative medicines to be given ‘special treatment,’ it must be demonstrated that societal preferences, or the full extent of health (or non-health) benefits, are not being realised for this group of treatments through existing HTA methods.