16119 research outputs found
Sort by
Investigating object orientation effects across 18 languages
No full textMental simulation theories of language comprehension propose that people automatically create mental representations of objects mentioned in sentences. Mental representation is often measured with the sentence-picture verification task, wherein participants first read a
sentence that implies the object property (i.e., shape and orientation). Participants then respond to an image of an object by indicating whether it was an object from the sentence or not. Previous studies have shown matching advantages for shape, but findings concerning object orientation have not been robust across languages. This registered report investigated the match advantage of object orientation across 18 languages in nearly 4,000 participants. The preregistered analysis revealed no compelling evidence for a match
advantage for orientation across languages. Additionally, the match advantage was not predicted by mental rotation scores. Overall, the results did not support current mental simulation theories
Endometriosis - on the intersection of modern environmental pollutants and ancient genetic regulatory variants
Get PDFEndometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-driven inflammatory disorder affecting approximately 10% of reproductive-aged women globally. Despite increasing genomic insights into advanced-stage disease, the genetic underpinnings of early-stage endometriosis remain poorly understood, limiting opportunities for timely diagnosis and intervention. This study explores the contribution of regulatory variants, including those derived from ancient hominin introgression, and their interaction with modern environmental exposures in shaping endometriosis susceptibility. We conducted a dual-phase literature review to identify genes implicated in endometriosis pathophysiology and endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) sensitivity. Five genes (IL-6, CNR1, IDO1, TACR3, and KISS1R) were selected based on tissue expression, pathway involvement, and EDC reactivity. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data from the Genomics England 100,000 Genomes Project were analysed in nineteen females with clinically confirmed endometriosis. Variant enrichment, co-localisation, and linkage disequilibrium analyses were conducted, and functional impact was evaluated using public regulatory databases. Six regulatory variants were significantly enriched in the endometriosis cohort compared to matched controls and the general Genomics England population. Notably, co-localised IL-6 variants rs2069840 and rs34880821—located at a Neandertal-derived methylation site—demonstrated strong linkage disequilibrium and potential immune dysregulation. Variants in CNR1 and IDO1, some of Denisovan origin, also showed significant associations. Several of these variants overlapped EDC-responsive regulatory regions, suggesting gene-environment interactions may exacerbate risk. These findings propose a novel perspective of endometriosis susceptibility, in which ancient regulatory variants and contemporary environmental exposures converge to modulate immune and inflammatory responses. This integrative approach identified new potential biomarkers for early-stage detection of endometriosis
Online delivery of making every contact count training: impact on the public health workforce
Get PDFBackground/aims Making every contact count is an approach to communication that aims to support individual health choices through everyday interactions between healthcare professionals and service users. This study explored the experiences and perceptions of staff members who had undertaken an online version of making every contact count training, aiming to assess the efficacy of this mode of delivery. Methods A focus group was held with six individuals who had completed an online making every contact count training programme. The focus group was held online with one facilitator, using a semi-structured approach. Data were recorded, transcribed and analysed, using a reflexive thematic analysis approach to generate themes. Results Four themes were identified: the importance of a person-centred approach; the practical applications of training; the opportunity to reflect on one’s practice and conversations; and the challenges of the online training. Participants described gaining skills such as listening, reflection and using open discovery questions, which they had applied to practice. While online delivery was seen as potentially more convenient, problems related to technical difficulties and small group discussions were noted. conclusions Online delivery of making every contact count training can be an effective and convenient way of upskilling health and social care staff to deliver person-centred care, although further development is needed to overcome barriers to online training
Accounting for the sustainable development goals: walking the talk or managing impressions?
Get PDFPurpose – This paper examines the extent, quality, and tone of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) disclosures by UK FTSE 100 firms, assessing whether these reflect genuine commitment or serve impression management purposes.
Design/Methodology – A meaning-oriented content analysis of SDG-related disclosures from 75 FTSE 100 company reports is conducted. Drawing on the SDG Compass and KPMG’s SDG reporting criteria, we develop a multidimensional analytical framework to assess disclosure
scope, quality (semantic attributes and managerial orientation), and tone (thematic manipulation and structural emphasis).
Findings – SDG reporting is widespread but predominantly symbolic. Most firms emphasise a narrow set of high-profile goals (notably SDGs 8, 12, 13), with disclosures often framed in overly optimistic language, reinforcing favourable corporate narratives. Crucially, our targeted
analysis reveals that many SDG sub-targets are poorly aligned with existing sustainability reporting frameworks, limiting their operational relevance. We demonstrate that these structural deficiencies, coupled with managerial apathy, foster superficial engagement and constrain meaningful accountability.
Originality/value – This study reframes symbolic SDG engagement as the outcome of both managerial choices and structural limitations within the SDG architecture. It contributes to SDG disclosure literature by developing a composite framework that integrates disclosure scope, quality, and narrative tone—offering a multidimensional lens for evaluating sustainability reporting. By extending the analytical lens beyond headline goals, it offers fresh insights into the institutional and managerial conditions that legitimise symbolic reporting. These insights are particularly salient as deliberations on the post-2030 sustainable
development agenda gather momentum.
Practical implications – The paper calls for the development of more specific, business relevant SDG sub-targets and performance indicators, enhanced assurance practices, and stronger alignment of post-2030 frameworks with established sustainability reporting standards
Cross-validation of two independent methods to analyze the sequence of segmental contributions in the cervical spine in extension cineradiographic recordings.
Get PDFBACKGROUND: The sequence of segmental contributions (SSC) offers insight into cervical spine motion, yet accurately analyzing these movements remains challenging. This study compares two tracking methods, developed at two independent centers (AECC and MUMC), to establish their agreement and reliability in measuring SSCs across segments C4 to C7. Understanding spinal biomechanics is crucial for future research into cervical spine pathology and dysfunction. METHODS: Twelve asymptomatic participants (ages 18-35 for "young" and 55-70 for "elderly") performed flexion-extension movements. MUMC + utilized self-directed motion, while AECC used a guided protocol. To ensure comparability, 26 frames from the second half of each extension movement were analyzed. Agreement was assessed using ICCs, Spearman's Rho, and Bland-Altman analysis. Although the sample size is small, a post-hoc power analysis indicated sufficient power, supported by a high volume of analyzed data points. FINDINGS: High intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for the cumulative vertebral rotation (0.97), cumulative intervertebral rotation (0.97) and relative intervertebral rotation (0.93) indicated strong agreement between the two methods. Bland-Altman analysis showed minimal median differences (< 0.2˚) but wider limits of agreement at C6-C7. Normative SSC patterns appeared in 77.8% of younger participants but were absent in elderly participants. INTERPRETATION: This study confirms the reliability of SSC measurement between the two methods, laying the foundation for broader applications. SSC patterns observed in young adults follow a normative pattern, in alignment with previous research. The absence of a fixed pattern in elderly participants could indicate age-related changes or sample variation, warranting cautious interpretation due to the small sample size. Future studies with larger, diverse samples and AI-driven approaches could enhance SSC analysis, enabling better clinical relevance
High trophic similarity between non-native common carp and gibel carp in Turkish freshwaters: Implications for management
Get PDFAlthough the detrimental ecological and economic effects of introducing freshwater fish species have been extensively documented, non-native freshwater fishes continue to be introduced in large numbers globally to enhance fisheries and aquaculture. In Turkey, stocking of common carp Cyprinus carpio is practised to provide food security for people and job security for artisanal fishers, resulting in a country-wide distribution. These stockings, however, increase the risk of accidental introductions and have led to introductions and subsequent invasions of gibel carp Carassius gibelio, a globally invasive and highly detrimental fish species. Here, we assessed the growth types, body conditions and trophic interactions via bulk carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis of common and gibel carp in both natural and artificial water bodies in Turkey. The results indicated that common and gibel carp express similar growth types and body conditions in all waters and have similar trophic ecologies. This leads to substantial trophic niche overlaps in waters where they co-occur, with the potential for strong interspecific competition. Considering the ongoing stocking of common carp for fishery enhancement, we recommend to specifically target these stockings in waters where gibel carp has already become invasive. Our findings, indeed, suggest that common carp releases have the potential to hamper invasive gibel carp populations by increasing the competitive interactions between the two species
Sustainable internal communication and digital trends amidst an energy crisis: can a middle ground be found in South Africa?
Get PDFPurpose: This study aims to explore the impact of current trends like the development of digital communication channels and a greater focus on sustainability, together with external pressures such as a growing electricity crisis on how internal communication is practiced, by using South African internal communication as context. Design/methodology/approach: Two rounds of qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with senior internal communication practitioners and consultants to provide a robust view of the research problem. Findings: It was found that external pressures and trends were viewed as more important than incorporating the broader definition of sustainability into the practice of internal communication. It became clear that internal communication must negotiate seemingly opposing demands like moving to digital communication, while facing electricity shortages and balancing economic pressures with stakeholder inclusion in messages. The findings suggest that internal communication cement organisational survival but should embody the environmental and social elements of sustainability. Originality/value: The study contributes new insights to the importance of internal communication during crisis times, like the energy crisis in this study. Internal communication should embody the wider sustainability discussion during periods when challenging external forces are at work
Eco-innovation across SMEs in European macro-regions
Get PDFSustainability is one of the key global economic priorities as all countries face the critical climate change challenge. In this paper we examine it in terms of Eco-Innovation (EI) from the perspective of the “business innovation modes” and study it in relation to macro-regional geographies in Europe. We analyse the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) EI performance based on the adoption of a few archetypical business innovation modes, namely, the science and technology-based mode (STI), the learning-by-doing, by-using and by-interacting modes (DUI) or a combination of these two. These modes represent distinct bundles of practices adopted by firms based on their access to resources, skills and capabilities within and outside the firm. Therefore, this analysis diverges from most analyses focused on the impact of technology-push and demand-pull EI drivers. In this strand of literature, derived from research on innovation systems, these modes have been shown to produce a differentiated impact on innovation outputs. Our study is based on a sample of more than 15,000 business observations taken through the Eurostat Community Innovation Survey (CIS) 2014, the last European CIS survey with a section on eco-innovation. The results show different modes/practices applied in selected institutional and technological contexts (macro-regions) with varying rates of success. These findings deliver useful insights on the effectiveness of such business practices in stirring eco-innovation. In doing this, this study points out the role of the institutional and technological context on business EI practices in these macro-regions. Overall, this paper is a comprehensive study of the effectiveness of specific business innovation modes in different institutional contexts. The literature on innovation modes and innovation systems benefits by expanding its analysis from the general field of regular innovation to eco-innovation
The Role and Impact of Sporting Mega-Events in the Context of Soft Power
Get PDF“Mega-events” are characterized as expansive cultural gatherings. They include both sporting and commercial elements, and they collectively exert significant global influence and appeal. “Sporting mega-events”, in particular, represent a central component of such gatherings and serve as key expressions of national soft power on the world stage. “Soft power” encompasses practices and behaviors aimed at cultivating relational capital, and according to Nye, effective soft power strategies rely on streamlined processes and a blend of tangible and intangible resources to communicate influence, negotiate power, and achieve desired outcomes. In the context of sporting mega-events, soft power operates through cooperation and the alignment of shared interests rather than coercion, thereby appealing to international audiences, and governments therefore strategically host these events to enhance their global standing and secure diplomatic and economic benefits
Restoration of river connectivity enables long-distance spawning migrations in a potamodromous fish
Get PDFRivers across the world are increasingly fragmented due to anthropogenic barriers, with the restoration of connectivity often using fish passes. Fish passes are, however, usually designed for anadromous species, despite ecologically important non-anadromous species being present in the communities impacted by fragmentation. To assess the outcomes for non-anadromous fishes of the installation of multiple fish passes and weir modifications, the movements of the potamodromous European barbel Barbus barbus were evaluated in the lower River Severn basin, western Britain, which was fragmented by six weirs (two on a tributary, four on the Severn mainstem). Movements of individual fish were measured using long-life acoustic transmitters, with stable isotope analysis assisting the assessment of individual variability in movements. The movements of three tagging groups were measured: barbel tagged in 2015 (n = 19; no fish passes/modifications), 2018 (n = 19; tributary weirs modified), and 2020/21 (n = 20; all Severn mainstem weirs fitted with fish passes). No fish in the 2015 group passed the weirs on the Severn mainstem, despite approaches, and only one fish in the 2018 group passed the most downstream weir during high water conditions in winter. Following the opening of all fish passes in early 2021, individuals in the 2020/21 group moved above all the weirs via the fish passes between April and June (the spawning season). These fish then moved upstream for up to 110 km, and some were detected returning downstream. These spawning migrations potentially have high ecological and evolutionary significance, indicating that reconnection schemes designed for anadromous fishes also benefit potamodromous fishes