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Long arcuate fascicle in wild and captive chimpanzees as a potential structural precursor of the language network
Full text linkThe arcuate fascicle (AF) is the main fibre tract in the brain for human language. It connects frontal and temporal language areas in the superior and middle temporal gyrus (MTG). The AF’s connection to the MTG was considered unique to humans and has influenced theories of the evolution of language. Here, using high-resolution diffusion MRI of post-mortem brains, we demonstrate that both wild and captive chimpanzees have a direct AF connection into the MTG, albeit weaker than in humans. This finding challenges the notion of a strictly human-specific AF morphology and suggests that language-related neural specialisation in humans likely evolved through gradual evolutionary strengthening of a pre-existing connection, rather than arising de novo. It is likely that this neural architecture supporting complex communication was already present in the last common ancestor of hominins and chimpanzees 7 million years ago, enabling the evolution of language processes in the human lineage.EBC Consortium consists of: Bala Amarasekaran, Alfred Anwander, Caroline Asiimwe, Daniel Aschoff, Yannick Becker, Martina Bleyer, Christian Bock, Julian Chantrey, Catherine Crockford, Tobias Deschner, Cornelius Eichner, Pawel Fedurek, Karina Flores, Angela D. Friederici, Cédric Girard-Buttoz, Zoro Bertain Gone Bi, Angela D. Friederici, Tobias Gräßle, Jennifer E. Jaffe, Carsten Jäger, Susan Hambrech, Daniel Hanus, Daniel Haun, Evgeniya Kirilina, Kathrin Kopp, Fabian H. Leendertz, Matyas Liptovszky, Patrice Makouloutou-Nzassi, Kerstin Mätz-Rensing, Richard McElreath, Matthew McLennan, Zoltan Mezö, Sophie Moittié, Torsten Møller, Markus Morawski, Karin Olofsson-Sannö, Michael Paquette, Simone Pika, Andrea Pizarro, Kamilla Pléh, Jessica Rendel, Alejandra Romero Forero, Jonas Steiner, Mark F. Stidworthy, Lara Southern, Claudia A. Szentiks, Tanguy Tanga, Reiner Ulrich, Steve Unwin, Sue Walker, Nikolaus Weiskopf, Gudrun Wibbelt, Cédric Girard-Buttoz, Kim Wood & Klaus Zuberbühle
The Impact of the Business Environment on the Growth of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: The Manufacturing Industry in Oman
No full textSmall and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) manufacturing hold particularly significant
potential when it comes to bolstering the country’s competitiveness in global markets and
advancing the strategic goals outlined in Oman Vision 2040. However, this potential is
held back by a wide array of entrenched challenges ranging from limited access to finance
and high operational costs to inadequate infrastructure and a lack of skilled labour. The
manifold links between these barriers have limited manufacturing SMEs’ ability to make
a meaningful contribution to the country’s sustainable growth, as they have been prevented
from capitalizing on their full potential. This study explores the environmental factors
behind the growth and development of Omani manufacturing SMEs to address a critical
gap in the literature regarding the dynamics of such growth in emerging economies
generally and Oman specifically.
This research’s academic contribution lies in its refinement of established theoretical
frameworks (e.g., the resource-based view, the life cycle model) to account for the
complexities associated with operating an SME in the Omani manufacturing sector. The
study identifies various recurring themes (e.g., social-culture, the role of economy, and
technology) by collecting qualitative data through semi-structured interviews with SME
managers and representatives from SME-supporting organisations.
This study’s qualitative analysis offers in-depth insights into the challenges currently
facing Omani manufacturing SMEs. The thematic analysis of interview data revealed a
rich range of sub-themes, derived from individual responses. These sub-themes served as
a foundation for identifying main barriers and facilitators to SME development, thereby
answering the primary research question: What factors influence the growth and
development of Omani manufacturing SMEs? It was noted that societal norms, oil prices
volatility, and regulatory policies were identified as barriers within the Omani context.
The research findings offer actionable recommendations for both policymakers and
stakeholders looking to bolster the growth and development of manufacturing SMEs in
Oman and other emerging markets while laying the groundwork for future research on
systemic inefficiencies and inclusive development
Towards an understanding of care poverty
Full text linkThis chapter draws together the key lessons on care poverty from the theoretical, methodological and empirical contributions in the volume. It concludes that the theoretical idea of care poverty – distinct from unmet need – is a useful development in trying to make sense of the work of care, both from a structural and socioeconomic perspective, and from an individual relational and socio-emotional perspective. Care poverty is both a political and theoretical lens that can add nuance and a deeper understanding to the complexities of care in welfare states. The chapters of the book advance the measurement and understanding of care poverty forward, and the empirical findings show how the problem manifests itself in different population groups and in different cultural and societal contexts. In terms of policy lessons, the book shows that access to and navigation of complex care and support systems needs to be made easier. Existing support also needs to be better matched to existing needs, particularly where these needs are variable and change over time.Good Health and Well-Bein
Cell type resolved expression of duplicate genes retained from whole genome duplication in Atlantic salmon
Full text linkThe functional and evolutionary outcomes of whole genome duplication (WGD) events are driven by global remodelling of gene expression. Most investigations of gene expression changes following WGD have applied bulk transcriptomics using tissue samples, thus failing to resolve affected cell types. Here, we leverage single cell transcriptomics of liver tissue in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) to quantify cell-specific expression and transcriptional responses to a bacterial infection with Aeromonas salmonicida for thousands of duplicate gene pairs (ohnologs) retained from WGD ancestral to all salmonids. The major liver cell types showed hundreds of differentially expressed ohnolog pairs, with hepatocytes showing the greatest number and immune cells the least number of uniquely differentially expressed pairs. Many more differentially expressed ohnolog pairs were identified after accounting for cell type heterogeneity within a cell lineage, despite a reduction in statistical power. The degree of conservation in ohnolog expression responses to bacterial infection also varied significantly among cell types, both in terms of the number of differentially expressed pairs and the direction of responses. Overall, this study highlights the importance of resolving cell-specific gene expression to understand the functional and evolutionary outcomes of WGD events
Where is risk education? Exploring risk education in secondary schools in England
Full text linkRisk researchers have asserted that risk education in secondary schools is minimal, if it exists at all. This study shows that some aspects of risk are taught as part of the National Curriculum in England. As risk science has developed, many of its proponents have recognised the importance of ensuring that all students in secondary schools are exposed to risk concepts and thinking. In the education field, risk education is seen as important but in competition with many other subject areas in the curriculum. This study uses text analysis and semi-structured expert inter-views with a sample of teachers and teacher-educators, and other experts in education to contrast official education policies with their experiences in the field. It identifies how risk education is conceptualised by this sample of educators and where in the curriculum risk concepts are principally taught. Assessment, legitimacy, and resources are barriers to wider adoption of risk education in secondary schools in England. It is essential that risk experts and education experts work together to further integrate risk education into the curriculum and teaching practice
Novel Perspectives on Status in Global Politics
Full text linkThis thematic issue advances debates on status in international relations (IR) by integrating novel empirical research with innovative theoretical perspectives. It moves beyond traditional power‐centric views, highlighting the social and relational dimensions of status‐seeking as a diplomatic and foreign policy practice. The contributions explore, for instance, how states pursue status through cooperation, adherence to international norms, and strategic identity management. By examining diverse cases, including non‐traditional status‐seekers, this collection of contributions underscores the multifaceted nature of status‐seeking, involving both material and ideational factors, and enriches the literature on status in IR, offering new insights into the complex dynamics of international hierarchy and state behaviour. In this editorial, we highlight the main findings and give an outlook on the overarching contribution to IR research.Peace, Justice and strong institution
Alcohol sports sponsorship in Uganda: A case study analysis
Full text linkAims: This study aimed to explore the nature and extent of alcohol sports sponsorship in Uganda and the activities involved. Methods: Utilising an exploratory case study methodology to document examples of alcohol industry activity related to sports sponsorship in Uganda. This study employed desk-based reviews of publicly available examples of sponsorship activities from websites and social media sites as well as visits to sporting venues to observe alcohol sponsorship practices. Results: Sports sponsorship by alcohol companies was found to be a common practice in Uganda. Across the sample of data included in this study, we observed multiple sponsorship deals within a range of professional sports, including football, basketball and golf. Across these sponsorship arrangements, several activities explicitly promoted products or subtly blended them amongst other stimulating content. This included: a presence on social media channels; limited edition products; alcohol brand logos on match strips; advertising and promotion at various locations inside and outside the sporting venues; and alcohol industry representatives featuring in news reports. Conclusion: Alcohol sports sponsorship in Uganda is widespread and multi-faceted. The types of sponsorship activities observed in this study mirror those used around the world. The transnational companies involved use sports sponsorship to position themselves as central to Ugandan economy, culture, heritage and the sustainability of sports across the country. Understanding how sports sponsorship is used to promote alcohol brands across Uganda is important to inform future policy decisions regarding alcohol marketing.Correspondence: Richard Ian Purves, Institute for Social Marketing and Health, https://doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.557 IJADR, 2025, 13(1), xx-x
Sorry for any Inconvenience Caused: Why Britain Messed up High Speed Rail
Full text linkHigh Speed 2—the planned new railway from London to the north of England—is one of the largest and most controversial public sector investment projects Britain has attempted in decades. Much has been written about the huge cost overruns that the project has suffered, and why this led to the eventual cancellation of the line beyond its first phase now under construction. In this article, we explore two under-appreciated aspects of this story: first, the (unintended) consequences of those forms of professional expertise privileged by decision making machinery, and second how the politics of charisma are essential in understanding how the project both came to prominence and subsequently fell from grace
Regenerative Approaches and Environmental Law: Beyond Sustainability?
Full text linkIntroduction: In this chapter, we explore the implications of regenerative approaches for environmental law – approaches that, in essence, involve the regeneration and restoration of nature. First, we analyze the relationship between regenerative and sustainability approaches. Second, we consider current instantiations of regenerative approaches in environmental law, focusing on the European Union (EU) Soil Health Law and the EU Nature Restoration Law. Third, we examine the regulation of corporate regenerative claims. Finally, we consider whether a new regenerative principle of environmental law may be emerging. We argue there might be advantages to such a principle, but that there are also barriers to consider
Early-life environmental enrichment promotes positive animal welfare for juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in aquaculture research
Full text linkEarly life experiences have long-lasting effects on behaviour and physiology, influencing development of adaptive natural behaviours. Enriching farmed environments encourages expression of natural behaviours in captive fish, promoting positive animal welfare, important for conducting valid and reproducible research and informing better management practices. Using juvenile Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar), we tested whether provision of environmental enrichment in early life improves welfare. Welfare indicators were measured comparing enriched to non-enriched tanks. Morphological (fin damage and body condition), physiological (plasma cortisol) and behavioural traits (activity, group cohesion, and neophobia) were recorded. Molecular expression of brain mRNA transcripts related to stress response, neuroplasticity and serotonergic system was analysed. Environmental enrichment did not affect morphological welfare indicators, activity, or cortisol. Enriched fish were more cohesive than non-enriched fish, less neophobic, with higher serotonergic turnover, suggesting enrichment mitigates against stress, promoting positive emotional states. Genes related to neuronal development and activity (bdnf and ndf1), cellular stress (hsp90 and hsp70), and serotonin synthesis (tph2) increased in enriched fish following stress, enhancing cognitive function. Our findings suggest early life environmental enrichment is advantageous for positive animal welfare by improving emotional states in captive environments, ensuring animals are free of negative experiences and able to access positive ones
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