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Crucial issues in non-verbal predication: A questionnaire
No full textWe propose here a typological questionnaire to orient the investigation of non-verbal predication. Each contributor answered the questionnaire, which helped highlight the salient features of non-verbal predication in each language or family
An archaeomalacological synthesis of people-mollusc engagement across the Coral Sea Cultural Interaction Sphere, Southwestern Pacific Ocean
No full textThe Coral Sea Cultural Interaction Sphere is a framework that has been used to investigate the deep time connections and patterns of inter-regional exchange between northeastern mainland Australia, the Torres Strait, and southern mainland Papua New Guinea and associated offshore islands to its southeast. This social and cultural exchange is visible archaeologically through the maritime networks that facilitated the flow of peoples, objects, technologies, and ideas across the Coral Sea region over at least the past 3,000 years. Although research has primarily focused on pottery and other material cultural classes, molluscs also played an equally significant role, both in subsistence and as raw material to create shell artefacts. To investigate the ways in which these people-mollusc engagements manifested across the Coral Sea Cultural Interaction Sphere, a systematic meta-analysis was undertaken on relevant archaeological and archaeomalacological literature on sites connected through these networks. Results of the study of molluscan assemblages from 96 sites reflect foraging strategies targeting local habitats. Artefactual shell present in these assemblages demonstrates selective uptake of objects across the Coral Sea region without evidence for shared uptake of artefact types throughout the entire study area, highlighting the complex and dynamic nature of the Coral Sea exchange networks and the role of decision-making by local communities in the spread of objects and technologies across vast distances. This study sets the stage for future research to address key gaps in the archaeological knowledge of people-mollusc engagement across the Coral Sea Cultural Interaction Sphere
GVT2RPM: An empirical study for general video transformer adaptation to remote physiological measurement
No full textRemote physiological measurement (RPM) is an essential tool for healthcare monitoring as it enables the measurement of physiological signs, e.g., heart rate, in a remote setting, via physical wearables. Recent advancements in facial video-based RPMs have leveraged video analysis to detect photoplethysmographic (PPG) changes by learning pixel variations across frames. Transformer architectures, known for their success in natural video understanding, have also been applied to facial video-based RPM. However, existing transformer-based RPM methods often rely on RPM-specific modules, such as temporal difference convolutions and handcrafted feature maps, to capture subtle physiological signals and enhance temporal feature extraction. While these customized modules can improve performance, they lack robustness across datasets and cannot be generalized to different transformer architectures due to their high degree of customization. In this study, we demonstrate that general video transformers (GVTs) can achieve state-of-the-art performance for RPM without the need of RPM-specific modules. This approach simplifies the design process and facilitates the rapid deployment of various GVT architectures for RPM tasks. We conducted an empirical investigation into how training designs, including data preprocessing and network configurations, influence the performance of GVTs in facial video-based RPM. Furthermore, we propose practical guidelines to adapt GVTs to RPM (GVT2RPM) without the need for RPM-specific modules. Our experiments, conducted on five datasets using both intra-dataset (training and testing on the same dataset) and cross-dataset (training and testing on different datasets) settings, demonstrate that the proposed GVT2RPM guidelines outperform existing RPM-specific counterparts in most of cases. In intra-dataset experiments, it reduced mean absolute error by 5.0% (UBFC-rPPG), 35.6% (MMPD-simple), and 38.2% (MMPD). In cross-dataset experiments, it achieved reductions of 4.3% (UBFC-Phys), 13.2% (MMPD-simple), 9.5% (MMPD), and 13.4% (RLAP). The results demonstrate that our guidelines can be applied across various GVT architectures and are robust to diverse datasets, making them a promising solution for advancing RPM methodologies
Use of optimized conventional and advanced sperm quality diagnostic tools to establish reproductive data in wild-caught redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus)
No full textThe Australian redclaw crayfish has great potential for aquaculture intensification and global market expansion. However, traditional production methods, subfertility, and high embryo mortality could curtail industry growth. Successful embryonic and post-embryonic development also depends on the paternal genetic contribution. Direct assessment of sperm quality can potentially determine the status of male fertility in decapod crustaceans. This study evaluated redclaw crayfish sperm quality using optimized conventional and advanced functional tools. Sexually mature male redclaw (n = 33) were collected from Ross River Dam in North Queensland, Australia, and subjected to electroejaculation to yield spermatophores for sperm quality assessment. Sperm concentration and count (haemocytometer), morphology (phase contrast), viability (Hoechst 33342/PI), DNA fragmentation (TUNEL), and total potential fertile sperm concentration (TPFSC) were determined. Spermatozoa had an elliptical shape of varying sizes and a presumptive fertilization-spike structure. The mean ± SEM sperm viability, DNA fragmentation, concentration, and TPFSC were 65.2 ± 3.9 %, 17.2 ± 2.5 %, 42.5 ± 5.1 × 104 cells/mL, and 23.6 ± 3.4 × 104 cells/mL, respectively. Spermatophore weight showed a positive association with sperm concentration (p = 0.001) and total potential fertile sperm concentration (TPFSC; p < 0.001), and a negative association with sperm DNA fragmentation (p = 0.022). Conversely, sperm viability showed no significant relationship with spermatophore weight (p = 0.188) but was negatively associated with body mass (p = 0.010). In conclusion, this study reported the first quantitative data on sperm morphometry and functional traits, validated species-specific diagnostic tools for sperm quality assessment, and provided insight into the relationships between sperm quality parameters and body or spermatophore weights. Our approach may inform the selection of fertile male broodstock and enhanced strategies for sperm harvesting in order to facilitate selective breeding programs for commercial redclaw aquaculture
Non-verbal predication in the world’s languages: A typological survey. Volume 2: Africa, Austronesia, Papunesia, Australia
No full textThe notion of predication is usually associated with the lexical class of verbs. However, the predicate function may also be expressed by Noun / Adjective / Adverb / Quantifier Phrases:
a. John is a doctor. b. The man is old. c. The boys are in the garden. d. Sam's friends are many.
Natural languages do, with respect to non-verbal predication, what they are expected to do in any compartment of grammar: they sharply diverge in their behavior.
This book offers a wide typological overview of how languages deal with non-verbal predication (henceforth: NVP). After the pioneering works by Hengeveld (1992) and Stassen (1997), no other work has attempted to provide a comprehensive overview of this pervasive syntactic phenomenon. Hence, the need for this book
Zircon U-Pb ages and Lu-Hf isotopic systematics in granites from Mt Isa Inlier − evidence of prolonged reworking of an active continental margin during the final assembly of the Nuna (Columbia) supercontinent
No full textThe Mount Isa Inlier, located along the eastern margin of the North Australia Craton (NAC) preserves a long history of intrusive activity linked to the assembly of the Nuna supercontinent. The intrusive rocks in the Inlier formed during six igneous events between ca. 1880 and 1490 Ma. Intrusive rocks in the south-western part of the Inlier (Dajarra region) were previously assigned ages of ca. 1680–1650 Ma without direct U-Pb geochronological constraints. New U-Pb zircon ages from granitic rocks in the Dajarra region reveal intrusive events at ca. 1860 Ma, ca. 1820–1780 Ma, ca. 1710–1690 Ma, and ca. 1670–1650 Ma corresponding to the Kalkadoon, Argylla, Wonga-Burstall and Sybella Igneous Events, respectively. These results indicate that these granites are much older than previously thought and have important implications for intrusive relationships and stratigraphic correlations. Zircon Hf isotopic compositions show negative ɛHf(t) values (+0.0 to −5.5) at ca. 1860 Ma, mixed values (−5.3 to + 8.4) at ca. 1820–1780 Ma, and unradiogenic signatures at ca. 1710–1690 Ma (−8.1 to −0.1) and ca. 1650 Ma (−5.1 to −4.3). These isotopic data indicate that the magmas were generated predominantly by internal reworking of older crust with limited juvenile input. The magmatic belts corresponding to the Kalkadoon and Argylla Igneous Events can be correlated with coeval igneous events in the NAC and the South Australia Craton (SAC) and may have formed in response to a northerly dipping subduction system located along the southern margin of the NAC. The Wonga-Burstall and the Sybella Igneous Events may have formed in response to a westward dipping subduction system developed along the eastern margin of the NAC during the final stages of Nuna assembly. The new geochronological and isotopic data presented here fill in an important gap in the magmatic history of the Mount Isa Inlier and contributes towards a more comprehensive understanding of tectonic activity along the eastern margin of the NAC and the final assembly of the Nuna supercontinent
Play-based Ecotourism Experiences for Children: A tri-method Approach
No full textLike adults, children possess individual expectations and pursue specific experiences when involved in tourism activities. Research suggests the importance of tailored approaches in children's tours, advocating for integrating play-based experiences to engage them. This study concentrates on play as the fundamental activity in eco-tours for children. Employing a triangulation methodology, insights are collected from two primary sources. Firstly, semi-structured interviews with Iranian tour guides have been conducted to elucidate the utilisation of diverse activities to enhance children’s ecotourism experiences. Secondly, participant observations of children's ecotours in Iran have been conducted to ascertain the nature of activities integrated into such tours. Thematic content analysis is employed using the experience economy framework. By differentiating all types of play within the experience economy realm, we identified the key elements for designing a favourable ecotour experience, offering children what is called a “sweet spot”. Industry implications and future research directions are also provided
Risks to the future health and productivity of tropical estuaries under climate change and increasing human development
No full textThe wet-dry tropics of much of northern Australia, from Cape York to the Kimberley, contain some of the most pristine tropical estuaries globally. These estuaries have been under-researched, but provide a unique opportunity to understand the functioning of estuaries prior to intensive human impacts. The region is also under pressure from land-based development and climate change. Therefore we review, for the first time, the current knowledge of the ecology of these estuaries, then examine the potential effect of these stressors on the health and functioning of these estuaries. Flow alteration to provide water for irrigated agriculture is the development activity most likely to have a significant impact on estuaries in this region in the short- to medium-term. This flow alteration will reduce sediment and nutrient loads downstream, and reduce the scale of wet season flooding into saltmarshes and mangroves adjacent to estuaries. Faunal growth and reproduction in these systems is strongly cued to flow events and therefore are likely to be affected by flow alteration. Climate change impacts, such as extended droughts, will exacerbate the reduced flow from water development. Sea level rise and increased evapotranspiration are likely to have major impacts on the ecological functioning and habitat structure of estuaries. Our review demonstrates that our knowledge of the ecology of many of these estuaries remains limited, and therefore we identify key knowledge gaps related to the physical, chemical and biological attributes of estuaries which impede our ability to accurately predict future impacts of land-based development and climate change
Transcriptomic changes during induction of tetrasporogenesis in the red seaweed Asparagopsis armata
No full textThe red seaweed Asparagopsis armata, recognised for its ability to reduce methane emissions from enteric fermentation when incorporated as a ruminant feed additive, is a key target for aquaculture development. However, despite advancements in this field, there remains a critical gap in understanding the internal mechanisms governing reproduction in A. armata. In this study, we examined transcriptomic changes throughout the induction of tetrasporogenesis, with a primary focus on metabolism, and specifically on genes and pathways related to plant growth regulators and environmental signal processing. Considerable variability in gene expression was observed leading up to and during the initiation of tetrasporogenesis. Notably, genes associated with polyamine metabolism, particularly the candidate ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) gene previously linked to seaweed reproduction, were highly upregulated leading up to tetrasporogenesis. Enriched pathways related to environmental signalling were identified, including the phosphatidylinositol signalling system and associated phospholipase C enzymes, along with marked upregulation of genes encoding membrane-associated photoreceptors. Pathways associated with carbon metabolism and steroid hormone production also showed significant enrichment throughout the induction of tetrasporogenesis, although a significant portion of the genes involved in these pathways have unknown function. These findings collectively offer a detailed overview of the processes underlying tetrasporogenesis in A. armata, facilitating further targeted investigations into the internal regulation of seaweed reproductive biology
Learning to thrive through autonomy: a thematic analysis of the role of recalled parental autonomy in the transition to motherhood
No full textBecoming a mother requires the continual redefinition of current self-identity. This can be challenging for women who struggle being autonomous due to unfulfilled core emotional needs from early interactions with primary caregivers. Existing literature on the impact of early experiences on motherhood is largely quantitative and focuses on adverse childhood experiences and broad parenting constructs. Informed by the findings of our quantitative study (Leong et al., 2024), this secondary predominately qualitative study explored primiparous mothers’ perceptions of both adverse and positive experiences of parental autonomy, and how they draw upon those experiences in early motherhood. The sample comprised 15 first-time mothers in their first-year post-birth, aged 18–36, recruited in Singapore from a large mixed-method study which examined the impact of early experiences of being parented on postnatal mental health. Referencing specific interactions on the Positive Parenting Schema Inventory (PPSI; Louis et al., 2020a) and the Young Parenting Inventory Revised (YPI-R2; Louis et al., 2018), semi-structured interviews were conducted with the mothers on their perceptions of parental autonomy and how those experiences impacted their parenting style, sense of competence and postnatal mental health. Interview transcripts were analysed drawing upon guidelines and principles of reflexive thematic analysis. Three broad themes were generated; (i) making sense of autonomy; (ii) learning to thrive through autonomy; and (iii) striving for balance through autonomy. The findings highlight the instrumental role of parental autonomy and culture in the transition to motherhood and inform the design and implementation of postnatal mental health services, parenting programmes and future research