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The cognitive cerebellum: linking microstructure to cognitive functions in a healthy population
Get PDFBackground The cerebellum is recognized for its role in motor control. However, it also plays a crucial part in modulating circuits involved in cognition and affect. While studies conducted on people with cerebellar disorders highlight both structural and functional links with cognition, research on cerebellar structure in the healthy population remains sparse. To better clarify the cerebellum’s role and operational mode in cognition, this multi-scale study explores the relationship between cognitive functions and cerebellar macrostructure and microstructure in healthy individuals. Macrostructural analysis focused on grey matter (GM) and white matter (WM) volumes, while microstructural evaluation used fractional anisotropy (FA) values. Methods Using a large normative cohort, the study examined cerebellar GM and WM volumes in 151 participants and FA in 83 participants. Cerebellar GM and WM volumes and FA values were correlated voxel-wise against the following cognitive domains: long-term memory, abstract reasoning, language-related executive functions, processing speed, and impulsive decision-making. Results Significant positive correlations were found between FA in specific cerebellar regions and long-term memory (p = 0.030), abstract reasoning (p = 0.048), and language-related executive functions (p = 0.043). Additionally, cerebellar FA values negatively correlated in several clusters with reaction time (p = 0.001; p = 0.026; p = 0.045), indicating faster processing speed with higher FA. No significant associations were found between cerebellar GM/WM volumes and cognitive performance after Family Wise Error correction, except for a positive correlation between WM and reaction time (p = 0.023). Discussion These findings highlight the cerebellum's microstructure role in cognition. FA may reflect the efficiency of communication between cerebellar and cortical regions, thus allowing the cerebellum to improve cognitive performance by updating internal models and correcting discrepancies between predictions and outcomes
Breaking through the Frequency Response Limit in DAS Using UWFBG Arrays and DSTDM Method
No full textTypical fiber-optic distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) systems face a trade-off between frequency response and fiber length. Overcoming this trade-off without adding system complexity is a significant challenge. Furthermore, in practical applications, the demodulation equipment is often far from the sensing end, necessitating the use of a leading fiber that further constrains the frequency response. To date, this issue has not been adequately addressed in the literature. In this paper, we propose a novel solution by employing an ultra-weak fiber Bragg grating (UWFBG) array as the sensing fiber, distinct from the SMF used as the leading fiber, thereby enabling a time-division multiplexing (TDM) sensing principle. By optimizing the pulse width and double-pulse periodicity, effective sensing signals corresponding to different positions and probe pulses are interleaved in an orderly manner, facilitating a second stage of TDM. This dual-stage timedivision multiplexing (DSTDM) technique effectively overcomes the trade-off between fiber length and frequency response without requiring system modifications. Experimental results demonstrate a vibration sampling rate of 200 kS/s with a 10.18 km SMF leading fiber and a 1.02 km UWFBG array sensing fiber, achieving a 24- fold enhancement in sampling rate. This technique eliminates the influence of the leading fiber on the frequency response for the first time, significantly expanding the potential applications of DAS, particularly in scenarios involving long leading fibers
What Do Antenatal Women Want From Their Antenatal Education? A National Survey
Get PDFIntroduction: Antenatal education (ANE) equips pregnant women with knowledge and skills for pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period. It should facilitate preparation for the whole spectrum of the maternal journey and empower women to make informed decisions. This study aimed to explore the antenatal education needs and preferences of women who are currently pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Methods: A UK wide cross-sectional survey was conducted (September 2019 to July 2020), recruiting women living in the UK, above 16, who were currently pregnant or planning a pregnancy. The survey gathered demographic information, details of current or planned class attendance, preferred ANE providers and desired skills and information. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, and free-text responses underwent thematic analysis. Results: Of 553 participants included in the analyses, 77% preferred free National Health Service (NHS) classes and 60% planned to attend multiple class types, including paid options. Participants valued practical skills, particularly for labour and the postpartum period, and actively sought perinatal social networks. Multiparous women were less likely to attend classes, citing prior experience or practical barriers. Despite high interest in NHS classes, regional variations in availability and limited accessibility were noted. Conclusion: NHS antenatal classes are a trusted source of ANE, forming a core element of many women’s antenatal journey. However, inconsistent provision highlights the need for a standardised, comprehensive curriculum. Flexible delivery models and tailored content are crucial to address diverse needs, particularly for multiparous women and underrepresented groups. Enhanced accessibility could reduce inequalities in ANE provision and improve maternal outcomes
Meta-analysis of cognitive outcomes in children and adults with early treated phenylketonuria - Results across functions
No full textMeta-analyses were used to track cognitive outcomes in early treated people with phenylketonuria. We compared impairment sizes and possible modulations by blood Phe in young adults and children/early adolescents. We identified results for 29 adult PKU groups and 21 child groups (N-participants = 904 and 460; mean age 27 and 11 years; mean current blood Phe: 1010; and 527; median 899 and 494; SD= =396 and 159) with 278 separate outcome measures available for adults and 175 for children. Results demonstrated a similar overall level of impairment across ages, corresponding to approximately 0.5 of a standard deviation difference from controls. However, children showed more homogeneous impairments across functions compared to adults who showed a larger difference between the most and least impaired measures and a stronger difference of impairment between speed measures (impaired) and accuracy measures (preserved). In both age groups, blood Phe level modulated the effect size of the impairment in several conditions, but speed of processing appeared to be affected more by childhood levels than current adult levels consistent with previous results. Results indicate that negative effects of PKU persist across the lifespan, but that adults with PKU may rely on relatively unaffected learning skills and on prioritization of resources to achieve good accuracy and good performance in tasks tapping crystallized intelligence, even if speed remains impaired. This has positive implications for educational and employment prospects, but it is unclear how positive trends generalize to the whole PKU population beyond groups engaged in research
Digital Masculinities in Crisis:Understanding Virtual Pathways to Male Extremism Across Communities
Get PDFThis paper introduces the Digital Masculinity Radicalisation Pathway (DMRP) framework to understand how digital spaces amplify threatened masculinity towards extremism. We explore how online environments reshape masculine identities by conducting a comparative analysis of 215 young men from ethnic majority and Muslim minority backgrounds in Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the UK. We observe support for a distinct Digital Masculinity Crisis driven by economic insecurity, cultural shifts, and digital dynamics (accelerated threats, new status hierarchies, blurred boundaries, and transnational grievance). Findings show algorithms and influencers amplify insecurities and normalise extremism. The DMRP model highlights digital spaces as both refuges and radicalising forces. Examining intersections of race, religion, and class with digital masculinity, we offer insights for sociological theory on gender, technology, and extremism. This research informs policy and practice, addressing online radicalisation by providing a novel understanding of virtual pathways to male extremism across diverse communities
2D–2D MoS2/g-C3N4 hybrid-loaded chitosan/PVA hydrogel for controlled curcumin delivery in diabetic wound healing
No full textDiabetic wounds are often chronic, delaying healing and increasing amputation risk. Curcumin (CR), known for therapeutic benefits, has been explored for such wounds. This study developed a novel chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) (CP)-based hydrogel incorporating molybdenum disulfide (MoS ), graphitic carbon nitride (g-C N ), and their 2D-2D hybrid (MoS /g-C N ) for CR delivery. The hybrid was synthesized via facile sonication and characterized using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. MoS /g-C N significantly enhanced hydrogel mechanical strength and drug release. The CP/MoS /g-C N /CR hydrogel exhibited higher toughness (3.35 ± 0.10 GJ/m ) than CP/MoS /CR (1.53 ± 0.51 GJ/m ) and CP/CR (0.01 ± 0.00 GJ/m ), attributed to hydrogen bonding with the CP matrix. The hydrogel released 77.96 % CR within 4 days, outperforming CP/g-C N /CR due to greater hydrolytic degradation at pH 6.8. Release followed Korsmeyer-Peppas and Higuchi models, indicating diffusion and polymer swelling. The hybrid hydrogel also showed strong antioxidant activity (88.86 ± 0.07 % DPPH scavenging activity), antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative strains, and cytocompatibility (78 ± 2 % viability in L929 fibroblasts after 72 h). These findings suggest that CP/MoS /g-C N /CR hydrogel is a promising candidate for efficient CR delivery, potentially enhancing diabetic wound healing
Subverting bank corporate governance: A tale of an interplay between sociocultural legacies and neo-patrimonialism in a developing country
No full textThis paper investigates corporate governance in developing countries by examining how formal and informal social relations shape governance practices in Sri Lanka’s banking sector. Relying on a grounded theory approach and drawing upon interviews, focus groups and documentary analysis, we develop a substantive theory of Subverting Bank Corporate Governance. The theory depicts how formally enacted governance mechanisms primarily manages the uncertainties of a politicised economy rather than resolve presumed conflicts between financiers, regulators and executives. Power dynamics exercised through the state, alongside politically connected elites, foster reciprocal obligations to secure factional support, thereby leading to a context where board objectivity is undermined while covert conflicts of interest are managed. Empirically, we highlight the limitations of mainstream corporate governance principles in such contexts. Formal theory-wise, path dependency firstly illuminates the role of historical legacies in sustaining past economic, ownership and managerial arrangements within contemporary structures. Moreover, neo-patrimonialism highlights the role of clientelism, political entrepreneurship and discretionary exercise of state power. Methodologically, we demonstrate the value of grounded theory in uncovering distinctive governance systems and practices. We call for a more nuanced understanding of governance arrangements in developing countries and exhort policymakers to reflect on the design of conducive strategies and reforms
Disease Pattern, Risk factors of Antimicrobial Resistance in Patients with Pneumococcal Infection in Hong Kong Population
Get PDFBackground Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents significant challenges for the effective treatment of pneumococcal diseases (PD), disease prevalence and vaccine effectiveness caused by S. pneumoniae. Objectives To describe the pattern of AMR among isolates from PD patients reported in the Hong Kong population from 2012-2021, and to explore the risk factors associated with AMR among patients hospitalised with PD compared to those with susceptible isolates. Methods PD-related hospitalizations were identified and grouped into IPD or non-IPD patients. Electronic health records were collected to calculate the healthcare resource utilisation relevant to each IPD/non-IPD patient. We compared the characteristics of patients with IPD/non-IPD caused by non-susceptible isolates (cases) and those without (controls) using multivariable logistic regression model looking for risk factors for AMR. Results The PD incidence trend was stable from 2012 to 2019 with a sudden decrease in 2020, coinciding with the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, 80% of patients had S. pneumoniae which were non-susceptible to ≥1 antibiotic. The percentage of non-susceptibility found to tetracyclines, macrolides, penicillins, fluoroquinolones, were 85%, 79%, 23% and 2% respectively. 46% of the patients with serotyping results were serotype 3. Significantly increased odds of AMR infection were found among the non-IPD patients aged 2-17 when compared to older patients (18-64 years). Conclusion S. pneumoniae infections should focus on children and adolescents of school age. Despite the introduction of PCV13 in 2011, serotype 3 and AMR continued to threaten people in the community. Serotype 3-infected patients accounted for nearly half of PD patients with serotyping results
Risk management in sustainable building projects: A systematic literature review and scientometric analysis
No full textGiven the extensive research on risk management in sustainable projects, there is a need to comprehensively synthesize the extant literature to enhance current research development and practical application. Therefore, the current study conducts a systematic literature review and scientometric analysis of risk management in sustainable building projects to identify mainstream research topics, research gaps, and future research directions. By following the PRISMA framework, 61 journal articles were finally retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science databases. In addition, scientometric analyses such as keywords and countries/regions co-occurrence analysis were conducted. The results identified four mainstream topics, including (1) risk management in green building, (2) supply chain risk management for sustainable projects, (3) application of building information modeling (BIM) in risk management of sustainable construction projects, and (4) risk assessment of sustainable construction projects. Moreover, this study developed a framework identifying four key research gaps and future research directions. Ultimately, the current study contributes to broadening the academic discourse on risk management in sustainable building projects as well as providing risk management strategies and policies towards a sustainable built environment
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