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DG-PIC: Domain Generalized Point-In-Context Learning for Point Cloud Understanding
Get PDFRecent point cloud understanding research suffers from performance drops on unseen data, due to the distribution shifts across different domains. While recent studies use Domain Generalization (DG) techniques to mitigate this by learning domain-invariant features, most are designed for a single task and neglect the potential of testing data. Despite In-Context Learning (ICL) showcasing multi-task learning capability, it usually relies on high-quality context-rich data and considers a single dataset, and has rarely been studied in point cloud understanding. In this paper, we introduce a novel, practical, multi-domain multi-task setting, handling multiple domains and multiple tasks within one unified model for domain generalized point cloud understanding. To this end, we propose Domain Generalized Point-In-Context Learning (DG-PIC) that boosts the generalizability across various tasks and domains at testing time. In particular, we develop dual-level source prototype estimation that considers both global-level shape contextual and local-level geometrical structures for representing source domains and a dual-level testtime feature shifting mechanism that leverages both macro-level domain semantic information and micro-level patch positional relationships to pull the target data closer to the source ones during the testing. Our DG-PIC does not require any model updates during the testing and can handle unseen domains and multiple tasks, i.e., point cloud reconstruction, denoising, and registration, within one unified model. We also introduce a benchmark for this new setting. Comprehensive experiments demonstrate that DG-PIC outperforms state-of-the-art techniques significantly
The Small War: Trophic interactions between small-bodied non-native and native characoids in the marginal zones of Neotropical reservoirs
Get PDFSmall-bodied characoids represent a significant portion of Brazil’s freshwater fish fauna, yet they remain understudied. In reservoirs, these species are highly abundant, colonise the marginal zone and are important in the aquatic food webs. In the lower Paranapanema River, the neighbouring reservoirs Rosana and Taquaruçu differ in their environmental conditions, but both host native and non-native characoids. This study describes the diet, feeding ecology and interactions of between co-existing native and non-native small-bodied characoids in both reservoirs, as well as their trophic responses to seasonal climatic variations (dry vs. wet season). Samples were collected quarterly between September 2018 and September 2020, with trawls, sieves and cast nets collecting fish in marginal zones and aquatic macrophyte beds. The stomach contents of 416 individuals from seven native and non-native characoids were analysed, with their prey classified into several food categories and resources. In the Rosana Reservoir, both native and non-native characoids were strongly reliant on allochthonous resources and their diet composition showed similar shifts between the wet and dry season. Conversely, in the Taquaruçu Reservoir, the characoids were more reliant on autochthonous resources and showed weak dietary shifts between seasons. Niche breadth and trophic overlap indices indicated diet specialisation and segregation in the characoids of the Rosana Reservoir, while, in Taquaruçu, they overlapped significantly, especially in the dry season. These results reveal considerable differences in the trophic interactions between native and non-native characoids in two Neotropical reservoirs, suggesting high context dependency in the ecological implications of introducing non-native species of these small-bodied fishes
Disfluency across the lifespan: An individual differences investigation
Get PDFIn this study, we had two main research objectives. The first was to examine age-related differences in the fluency of speech outputs, as prior research is filled with conflicting findings concerning whether older adults produce more disfluency compared to younger adults. The second objective was to examine several cognitive individual differences, and the relationship between them and the production of disfluency. One hundred and fifty-four adults completed a story re-telling task, and a battery of cognitive measures. Results showed that younger adults produced more um’s and fewer repetitions. With respect to individual differences, results showed that inhibition and set shifting were related to the tendency to produce repetitions, and inhibition and working memory were related to rates of uh production. Our results provide some clarification about mixed findings with respect to age and disfluency production. The individual differences results provide some clarification on theoretical arguments for disfluent speech in aging (e.g., Inhibition Deficit Hypothesis), and also for the role of executive functions in models of language production
Optimizing live streaming engagement through store atmospheric cues: exploring prosocial behavior and social comparison—insights from streamers and viewers
Get PDFPurpose: Live Streaming Marketing has emerged as a transformative medium, facilitating real-time product promotion and brand messaging and reshaping consumer engagement. However, knowledge of the impact of Store Atmospheric cues within live streaming contexts remains scarce. This research delves into the dynamic interplay between streamers and viewers across diverse live streaming platforms, with a focus on the impact of distinct atmospheric cues. It also seeks to explore prosocial behavior and integrate elements of social comparison theory. Design/methodology/approach: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 14 streamers and 26 viewers. Participants who were active on streaming platforms and had experience of multiple live streaming sessions were purposively identified. The thematic coding approach and NVivo 12 software were employed to gain a nuanced understanding of live streaming dynamics. Findings: Our findings highlight the significant role of emerging atmospheric cues in shaping immersive streaming experiences and fostering prosocial behavior. Additionally, we observed three formats of upward social comparisons between streamers and viewers, wherein viewers compared themselves with streamers and peers, and streamers engaged in comparisons with more experienced counterparts. This finding contributes to a sense of digital community and positive interactions because of live streaming adoptions. Originality/value: By extending the application of social comparison theory, this study provides valuable insights for practitioners and scholars, enriching the understanding of both streamers’ and viewers’ psychological behavior and the dynamics of virtual retail settings
Social and non-social directional cues differentially orient attention by learned habit
Get PDFIntroduction: Since an early age, we are implicitly motivated to use the direction of eye gaze of others to learn about the environment, and we orient our attention in space based on this directional signal. Similarly, we orient our attention based on the direction of arrow signs. In both cases, the mechanisms underlying attentional orienting rely on the activity of brain areas involved in endogenous attention; however, orienting by gaze direction also relies on brain areas involved in exogenous attention. Research questions: To date, it remains unclear whether the acquisition of attentional habit, which can also guide attention in ways that are not purely endogenous or exogenous, is similar for gaze and arrow or rather differs in some important way. We aimed to assess whether learning implicit regularities implemented with exogenous, arrow, and gaze stimuli guides attention in space. Methods: Using the Posner paradigm, we conducted a series of behavioral experiments with exogenous, arrow, and gaze cues. Unbeknownst to participants, specific regularities, namely cue predictive validity and probability cueing, were implemented through blocks (baseline, learning, testing). Results and discussion: The findings showed that predictive validity alone is not sufficient to engender habitual attention for all types of cues. However, it becomes effective when combined with probability cueing. Importantly, a learned habit with gaze cues engenders unique effects on attention compared to other cues. Conclusion: Socially relevant directional signals, such as gaze, can bias spatial attention more effectively than perceptual or non-social directional stimuli
General dementia training for the social care workforce: A systematic review
Get PDFAIM: The aim of this systematic review was to assess and synthesize the global evidence on existing general dementia training and education for the social care workforce. DESIGN: Mixed-methods systematic review. DATA SOURCES: Systematic searches on five databases (PubMed, APA PsychINFO, CINAHL Plus, Scopus, Web of Science) were conducted for articles published between 2010 and July 2024. METHODS: Each abstract and full text was screened by two research team members, with conflicts of inclusion dissolved by a third team member. Data were extracted and studies narratively synthesized by the group into comparisons of content, delivery mode, workforce and outcomes/impact. RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies from 13 mainly high-income countries were included in this review. Most studies provided training to care home staff, with studies using remote, in-person and blended training delivery modes. While the focus was on generic dementia education, various interventions have been evidenced in the social care workforce, to different effects. Most changes in outcomes were reported for staff knowledge and confidence, while evidence on impacts on people with dementia is limited and mixed. CONCLUSION: There are various types of in-person and remote dementia training available for the social care workforce, with overall positive impacts on knowledge and change in care delivery. Evidenced interventions need to be implemented across countries and have the potential to improve dementia knowledge, particularly in lower- and middle-income countries where evidence and the social care workforce are limited. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: Findings provide clear recommendations on the value and benefit of diverse dementia training on the social care workforce, care delivery and limited but emerging evidence on service user outcomes. Nurses are key parts of the staff working in social care settings, including care homes and would thus benefit from the identified dementia training. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Two former unpaid carers and three voluntary sector staff helped interpret the findings and reviewed drafts of the manuscript. They are co-authors
Portable Hyperspectral Imaging (pHI) for the enhanced recording of archaeological features and deposits
Get PDFThe impact of regulatory business environment on SME's funding choices in developing countries - evidence from Africa
Get PDFWhile it is known that some elements of the business environment (BE), such as macroeconomic conditions, impact access to finance and the funding choices of SMEs, very little is known whether other elements of the BE – such as the institutional setting and the regulatory business environment (RBE) – influence access to (or supply of) finance and the funding choices of SMEs. Using a World Bank Enterprise Surveys panel sample (2003-2020) from 30 African countries and employing Propensity Score Matching (PSM) methods, it is noted that while an enabling institutional setting and RBE in Africa increases access to external finance for SMEs, SMEs still opt for retained earnings over funding from banking and non-banking financial institutions for their working capital. This funding behaviour can be explained by that SMEs located in enabling RBEs have increased productivity and financial performance and so can employ larger amounts of retained earnings for their operations. Furthermore, even though more accessible in enabling RBEs, external finance remains unaffordable for most SMEs in Africa. These findings indicate the need to tailor interventions to make varied finance more accessible and affordable for SMEs in developing countries
A Global Account of Established Non-Native Fish Species
Get PDFThe introduction of non-native aquatic species has fundamentally transformed aquatic assemblages, primarily due to human activities, such as aquaculture, fisheries enhancement, aquarium trade, the creation of artificial corridors, and deliberate and accidental releases. Despite growing concern for biological invasions, there is no overall global appraisal of successful non-native fishes. This study compiled a comprehensive dataset from several global sources to examine the taxonomic diversity, geographical distribution, introduction pathways, and ecological impacts of non-native freshwater and marine fishes. Our dataset includes 1535 established non-native fish species in 193 countries (82% of the global coverage), with Leuciscidae, Cichlidae, Salmonidae, and Cyprinidae being the most represented families. Although the incline in first reportings appears almost linear, annual reporting has been declining for decades, suggesting fish introduction rates are decreasing. The main introduction pathways are aquarium trade, aquaculture, fishery augmentation, and the creation of artificial corridors. The importance of introduction pathways substantially differed between freshwater species (primarily the aquarium trade and aquaculture) and marine species (corridors). While extensive records exist for hundreds of non-native fish species, information on their impact types and impact mechanisms remains available only for a third of these species, highlighting broad knowledge deficiencies. Available impact information indicates that non-native fish species may threaten native biodiversity through primarily competition and predation as dominant mechanisms. The magnitude of highest-risk invasions suggests remediation is possible through urgent proactive policy and management interventions. This comprehensive global evaluation of established fish species and their ecological effects thus addresses critical data deficiencies, strengthens risk assessment frameworks, and supports the development of targeted biosecurity policies on priority pathways, approaches essential for helping mitigate the environmental and economic impacts of non-native fish introductions
Exploring the role of university entrepreneurial ecosystem in shaping conditional student entrepreneurship
Get PDFThis study explores how conditional student entrepreneurs perceive and experience the elements of the university entrepreneurial ecosystem that shape their entrepreneurial activities in an emerging economy. Qualitative data from 35 conditional student entrepreneurs across four Nigerian public universities revealed that while formal university programmes offered little direct support, the actual functioning university entrepreneurial ecosystem for conditional student entrepreneurs rested on informal, peer-based pillars: perceived accessibility of resources, community-based support, and entrepreneurial platforms. The combined influence of the three informal pillars of the university entrepreneurial ecosystem fosters two critical outcomes: adaptive resilience, where students develop flexibility and problem-solving capacity to navigate constraints, and entrepreneurial identity formation, where students internalize the role of the entrepreneur and gain confidence in pursuing micro-businesses to persist in their education. Our findings contribute to educational, policy, and practical implications by providing a detailed understanding of how the university entrepreneurial ecosystem can foster start-ups, sustainability and persistence among conditional student entrepreneurs in an emerging economy