19683 research outputs found
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Endophenotyping social cognition in the broader autism phenotype
No full textAbstract: Relatives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may display milder social traits of the broader autism phenotype (BAP) providing potential endophenotypic markers of genetic risk for ASD. We performed a case–control comparison to quantify social cognition and pragmatic language difficulties in the BAP (n = 25 cases; n = 33 controls) using the Faux Pas test (FPT) and the Goldman-Eisler Cartoon task. Using deep phenotyping we then examined patterns of inheritance of social cognition in two large multiplex families and the spectrum of performance in 32 additional families (159 members; n = 51 ASD, n = 87 BAP, n = 21 unaffected). BAP individuals showed significantly poorer FPT performance and reduced verbal fluency with the absence of a compression effect in social discourse compared to controls. In multiplex families, we observed reduced FPT performance in 89% of autistic family members, 63% of BAP relatives and 50% of unaffected relatives. Across all affected families, there was a graded spectrum of difficulties, with ASD individuals showing the most severe FPT difficulties, followed by the BAP and unaffected relatives compared to community controls. We conclude that relatives of probands show an inherited pattern of graded difficulties in social cognition with atypical faux pas detection in social discourse providing a novel candidate endophenotype for ASD.</p
Testing Different Message Styles about Unnecessary Antibiotics Using an Online Platform
No full textPatients’ expectations are a major contributor to the unnecessary prescribing of antibiotics, yet limited research has examined how physicians can calibrate these expectations. The studies we conducted tested how varying messages could impact patients’ expectations for antibiotics and their experience of medical appointments. All the participants read a short scenario about an appointment for mild sinusitis symptoms, with the patient’s expectation of antibiotics. In Study 1, the participants (n = 1069) were randomly assigned to read a positively framed, neutral, or negatively framed message regarding unnecessary antibiotics. In Study 2, the participants (n = 1073) read a message emphasizing either the societal or personal harms of unnecessary antibiotics, or a message without additional rationale. None of our pre-registered hypotheses were supported, but our exploratory analyses indicated that the societal message increased concern about antibiotic resistance. The participants who were more concerned about resistance were less likely to ask for antibiotics, more satisfied when the physician did not prescribe them, and more likely to recommend the physician to a friend. Discussing the consequences of the different courses of action did not appear to negatively impact physician–patient rapport. These studies demonstrate an inexpensive method with which to pre-test various messages about antibiotic consumption, and suggest that such messages are not negatively received by patients.</p
From COBIT to ISO 42001: Evaluating cybersecurity frameworks for opportunities, risks, and regulatory compliance in commercializing large language models
No full textThis study investigated the integration readiness of four predominant cybersecurity Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) frameworks – NIST CSF 2.0, COBIT 2019, ISO 27001:2022, and the latest ISO 42001:2023 – for the opportunities, risks, and regulatory compliance when adopting Large Language Models (LLMs), using qualitative content analysis and expert validation. Our analysis, with both LLMs and human experts in the loop, uncovered potential for LLM integration together with inadequacies in LLM risk oversight of those frameworks. Comparative gap analysis has highlighted that the new ISO 42001:2023, specifically designed for Artificial Intelligence (AI) management systems, provided most comprehensive facilitation for LLM opportunities, whereas COBIT 2019 aligned most closely with the European Union AI Act. Nonetheless, our findings suggested that all evaluated frameworks would benefit from enhancements to more effectively and more comprehensively address the multifaceted risks associated with LLMs, indicating a critical and time-sensitive need for their continuous evolution. We propose integrating human-expert-in-the-loop validation processes as crucial for enhancing cybersecurity frameworks to support secure and compliant LLM integration, and discuss implications for the continuous evolution of cybersecurity GRC frameworks to support the secure integration of LLMs.</p
Estimation of Optimal Hedge Ratio: A Wild Bootstrap Approach
No full textThis paper proposes a new approach to estimating the minimum variance hedge ratio (MVHR) based on the wild bootstrap and evaluates the approach using a spectrum of conservative to aggressive alternative hedging strategies associated with the percentiles of the MVHR’s bootstrap distribution. This approach is suggested to be more informative and effective relative to the conventional method of hedging solely based on a single-point estimate. Furthermore, the percentile-based MVHRs are robust to influential outliers, non-normality, and unknown forms of heteroskedasticity. The bootstrap percentile-based hedging strategies’ effectiveness is compared with those from the naïve method and the asymmetric DCC-GARCH model for a range of financial assets and commodities. The bootstrap percentile-based hedging technique is identified to outperform its alternatives in terms of hedging effectiveness, downside risk, and return variability, suggesting its superiority to other methods in both the literature and in practice
Unveiling Silent Consequences: Impact of Pulmonary Tuberculosis on Lung Health and Functional Wellbeing after Treatment
No full textBackground: Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health issue in India, with high incidence and mortality. The current literature on post-TB sequelae functional defects focuses heavily on spirometry, with conflicting obstruction vs. restriction data, lacks advanced statistical analysis, and has insufficient data on diffusion limitation and functional impairment. Objective: This study aimed to thoroughly evaluate post-tubercular sequelae after treatment, assessing chest radiology, spirometry, diffusing capacity, and exercise capacity. Methods: A total of 85 patients were studied at a university teaching hospital in Mysuru. The data collected included characteristics, comorbidities, smoking history, and respiratory symptoms. The investigations included spirometry, DLCO, chest X-rays with scoring, and 6MWT. Results: Of the patients, 70% had abnormal X-rays post-treatment, correlating with reduced lung function. Additionally, 70% had impaired spirometry with obstructive/restrictive patterns, and 62.2% had reduced DLCO, with females at higher risk. Smoking increased the risk of sequelae. Conclusions: Most patients had residual radiological/lung function abnormalities post-treatment. Advanced analyses provide insights into obstructive vs. restrictive defects. Ongoing research should explore pathogenetic mechanisms and therapeutic modalities to minimize long-term post-TB disability
Digitalization and inclusiveness of HRM practices: The example of neurodiversity initiatives
No full textThe transformation of the intelligence ecosystem associated with the digital transformation represents a critical juncture for diversity and inclusion (D&I). We present a multidisciplinary perspective on digital transformation and D&I that demonstrates that, in the context of automated decision making, where algorithmic biases and the standardisation of thought represent new risks, neurodiversity initiatives become a cornerstone for advancing D&I. Based on interviews with neurodiversity experts, we identify innovative ways to efficiently configure an inclusive organisational design targeting neurodiversity by leveraging technologies. We identify several properties of technologies that support D&I in neurodiversity initiatives: the neutralisation of biases during interviews, the development of digital support for physical and mental well-being and the facilitation of different cognition modes. Finally, we critically discuss the risks and opportunities offered by various technologies in terms of performance evaluation, new forms of dominance, and design of a digital ecosystem for mental well-being
Thinking with HIV in pandemic times: A diffractive reading of COVID-19 and mpox
No full textDiscussions about the social impacts of COVID-19, and most recently, mpox (formerly monkeypox), have been informed by the legacy of the HIV epidemic. Yet despite awareness of the importance of avoiding exclusionary depictions of ‘at-risk’ populations, some public discourses have drawn on framings that imply certain groups are risky disease vectors who threaten the health of an imagined ‘general’ public. Drawing on Barad's concept of diffraction and Treichler's classic work, How to Have Theory in an Epidemic, we offer a diffractive reading of contemporary pandemic discourses through the lens of HIV. We suggest that thinking with HIV provides an important analytic device for exploring how the history and cultural imaginaries of HIV are threaded through contemporary pandemic discourses and serve to reinforce existing social inequalities. In particular, we highlight the ways in which contemporary discourses on COVID-19 and mpox function as dividing practices, arguing that they produce particular exclusions in relation to already marginalised populations, including queer communities, minority ethnic communities, homeless people and those in residential care. We conclude with reflections on the lessons of the HIV epidemic for forging more compassionate responses to contemporary disease outbreaks.</p
Development of an intervention for patients following an anterior cruciate ligament rupture: an online nominal group technique consensus study
No full textObjectives: (1) To develop an intervention for to support patients diagnosed with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture with decision-making regarding treatment. (2) To define evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of patients following an ACL rupture. Design: Nominal group technique consensus study. Setting: Online meetings with patients and key stakeholders working and receiving treatment in the National Health Service, UK. Participants: Consensus meetings composed of eight voting participants and five non-voting facilitators. Voting participants included five clinicians, one outpatient therapy manager and two patients with experience in an ACL rupture and reconstructive surgery. Non-voting facilitators supported group discussions and/or observed study procedures. This included a clinical academic expert, two methodology experts and two patient representatives. Method: Two online meetings were held. Pre-elicitation material was distributed ahead of the first meeting. Premeeting voting was conducted ahead of both meetings. A draft of the shared decision-making intervention and recommendations were shared ahead of the second meeting. Components were discussed and ranked for inclusion based on a 70% agreement threshold. Results: The meetings led to the development of a shared decision-making intervention to support treatment decision-making following an ACL rupture. The intervention includes two components: (1) a patient information leaflet and key questions diagram and (2) option grid. The evidence-based recommendations encompass core components of treatment reaching the 70% threshold agreed by the group. The recommendations cover: (1) advice and education, (2) exercise guidance, (3) intervention delivery, (4) outcome measure use and (5) shared decision-making. Conclusion: This study has successfully developed a shared decision-making intervention to support ACL treatment decision-making, ready for testing in a future feasibility study. Evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of patients following ACL injury, ready for testing in a National Health Service (UK) setting, are also presented.</p
A holistic pathway to biosensor translation
No full textPoint-of-care (POC) biosensors have enormous potential to help guide and inform clinical decisions at a patient's location. They are particularly relevant to underserved populations, and people living in remote locations where healthcare infrastructure and resources are often limited. The translation of effective POC biosensors into commercial products is rapidly growing across many research fields. A significant quantity of scientific articles focused on the fundamental, applied, and proof-of-concept aspects of biosensing are reported each year. However, this extensive body of work is not reflected in the comparatively small number of commercial biosensors available on the market. Here, we discuss key aspects of the biosensor translation process including the selection of analytical biomarkers in various body fluids, clinical trials, regulatory approval, consumer engagement, manufacturing and scale-up strategies, health economics, and legal and ethical considerations
Biochemical and ultrastructural studies on endosperm cell walls
No full textA thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy to the Department of Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia.</p