19683 research outputs found
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Effects of aperiodic neural activity on sleep-based emotional memory consolidation across the lifespan
No full textSleep neurophysiology undergoes significant changes across the lifespan, which coincide with age-related differences in memory, particularly for emotional information. However, the mechanisms that underlie these effects remain poorly understood. One potential mechanism is the aperiodic component, which reflects "neural noise", differs across age, and is predictive of perceptual and cognitive processes. In this study, we investigated how intrinsic (i.e., resting-state) aperiodic neural activity modulates sleep-based emotional memory consolidation across the human lifespan. In a within-subjects, repeated measures design, forty-two participants aged 7–72 years (M = 26.60, SD = 17.45; 26 female) completed a learning and baseline recognition emotional memory task before a 2hr afternoon sleep opportunity and an equivalent period of wake. Recognition accuracy was also assessed post-delay. We found that aperiodic slopes follow a u-shaped trajectory across the lifespan: slopes flatten from childhood to young adulthood, before steepening thereafter, with this effect most prominent in frontal regions. Age-related differences in aperiodic slopes also explained interindividual differences in emotional memory consolidation, with less age-related flattening of slopes associated with stronger consolidation of negative stimuli post-sleep but not post-wake. Lastly, independent of aperiodic activity, age-related differences in NREM oscillatory activity predicted emotional memory consolidation. These findings suggest that the efficiency of sleep-based emotional memory consolidation is modulated by age-related differences in aperiodic neural and NREM oscillatory activities, providing novel insights into the neurophysiological mechanisms underpinning emotional memory across the lifespan.</p
Cybersecurity risk and firm investment efficiency
No full textThis paper examines the relationship between cybersecurity risk and firm investment efficiency. It documents that cybersecurity risk contributes to overinvestment but does not influence underinvestment. The results remain robust after considering endogeneity concerns and alternative model specifications. We also identify key underlying mechanisms driving the relationship, including empire-building, external monitoring, and information asymmetry. Specifically, the impact of cybersecurity risk on overinvestment is more pronounced among firms with greater empire-building tendencies, weaker external monitoring, and higher information asymmetry.</p
Reflections on the Australian Human Rights Commission: lessons from asylum policy
No full textAbstract: As the 40th anniversary of the Australian Human Rights Commission nears, we draw on the lessons from the AHRC’s work on asylum and refugee policy to identify areas of strength and of weakness in its contemporary context. We begin by describing the role of the AHRC in asylum and refugee policy. We then examine three key areas. First, we examine the independence of the AHRC, and the institutional and other protections needed to sustain this. Second, we examine structural features impacting on the effectiveness of the AHRC in promoting human rights. Third, we examine the AHRC’s role as an enabler and connector within the international and national human rights frameworks.</p
Abrupt historical change in the nature of a Ramsar Wetland: Seaford Swamp, greater Melbourne, Australia
No full textContext: Seaford Swamp is a back-of-dune wetland on the eastern side of Port Phillip Bay in greater urban Melbourne. It is a fresh marsh dominated by the reed Phragmites australis that is expanding into open water.Aims: Three sediment cores were collected to determine the ecological history of the wetland.Methods: The cores were analysed for diatoms and pollen and dated using 14C and 210Pb.Key results: The longest core showed an abrupt change from marine–brackish to saline and ultimately the present fresh condition. Saltmarsh declined and was replaced by reed, sedge and rush species. Cores from the centre and south of the wetland showed a similar history, albeit more variable in the south, yet still reflecting a sustained change from marine–estuarine conditions to fresh–brackish. The 7000-year record showed considerable stability despite known climatic and sea-level changes.Conclusion: The abrupt change in condition appeared to correspond with hydrological engineering of the site from 1870 for agricultural and urban development. Increased catchment runoff, including from urban areas, are likely to have sustained the freshwater state.Implications: The marine–estuarine state represents an alternate condition of the swamp that may broaden options for management under future sea-level rise.</p
Manifestation and Measurement of Atypical Depression: A Scoping Review
No full textBackground: Atypical depression (AD) is one of the commonly experienced depressive subtypes and is predicted to become more prevalent despite the term ‘atypical’, implying that the condition is rare. Objective: This scoping review synthesises the evidence on the manifestation and measurement of AD. Design: Quantitative studies published in English that mentioned atypical depression (and related terms) in adults were identified by searching the online databases CINAHL, MEDLINE Complete, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science. Results: A total of 4498 studies were screened, and data were extracted from 56 publications (N = 139,924). During the review process, five key areas were explored: (a) unique symptomatology, (b) prevalence, (c) group differences, (d) comorbidity and factors associated with AD and (e) the use of existing measures of AD. Mood reactivity and vegetative symptoms were identified as distinct features of the subtype. AD was more common among females and young adults and comorbid with various physiological and psychological conditions. Limited information is available regarding the associated social factors. Moreover, AD is measured using limited, non-standardised, and inconsistent approaches. Conclusions: Although the evidence confirms that AD is a distinct subtype of major depressive disorder (MDD), it is under-researched. Further research specifically focused on AD is now needed to gain a better understanding of psychosocial aspects of AD and develop psychometrically sound measures to enable accurate screening and diagnosis.</p
Small organic ligands for the ecdysone receptor – agrochemicals, gene switches, and beyond
No full textWhile pesticides are essential for the world to meet its increasing demand for food, off-target toxicity in humans and other species is an ongoing environmental issue. There is a strong motivation for developing more selective pesticides that can target pest insects, for example, while being benign for beneficial insects such as bees, and other nontarget species more generally. The ecdysone receptor is absent in vertebrates so constitutes a very useful target for green insecticides. It has also been found to be an extremely useful gene switch in molecular biology. While the natural ecdysone ligands are complex steroidal compounds, a wide range of simpler synthetic agonists and antagonists have been developed. Here we review the diversity of chemotypes that have been shown to bind productively to the ecdysone receptor and have found application as insecticides and gene switches. We discuss the similarities and differences in these chemotypes, the origin of which is the remarkable flexibility of the ligand binding domain in the receptor. We provide a perspective on the discovery of further useful chemotypes with potentially higher binding and selectivity between pest and beneficial insects.</p
Riding the storm: AI-driven spillover effects across technology, commodities, and conventional markets
No full textThe rising prevalence of artificial intelligence emphasizes the need to understand the complex dynamics and risks within data-driven environments, particularly in light of the challenges related to the ‘black box’ nature of many AI systems. This study delves into the downside risk contagion between innovative technology assets (e.g., AI, Metaverse, Fintech), energy markets (e.g., oil, natural gas), gold, and conventional markets (e.g., stocks, bonds) from July 2018 to December 2023. Using advanced econometric techniques, the research uncovers critical insights into market behavior during turbulent times. The results reveal a significant increase in market connectedness during crises, particularly during the COVID-19 outbreak. Notably, strong connectedness is observed among innovative technology sectors, while weaker links are evident between bond and technology markets. Furthermore, natural gas exhibits weak connectivity with other markets, highlighting its potential for diversification. Another key finding shows that natural gas and Bitcoin emerge as the riskiest assets, while gold, AI, and Metaverse maintain more stable tail risk profiles over time. These findings offer valuable insights for investors, financial advisors, and portfolio managers navigating volatile market environments.</p
Experiences and Functional Health Outcomes Associated with a Walking Football Program in Rural Older Adults: A Pilot Study
No full textBackground: This pilot study aimed to investigate the experiences of participating in a brief walking football intervention among rural older adults and explore the functional health outcomes of participation. Methods: This multi-methods study saw 13 older adults (7 males/6 females, 63.2 ± 9.4 years) complete 1-h of walking football per week for six weeks. Pre- and post-intervention, participants underwent assessments of body composition, as well as functional assessments using the Senior Fitness Testing Battery. On completion of the walking football intervention, all participants joined in a semi-structured focus group interview to explore their experiences of participation. Results: Thematic analysis of focus group data identified three themes that captured participant’s experiences, including: (1) “Opportunity to jump back in with what we can physically do”, (2) Social connection and feeling “part of something bigger”, and (3) “It’s how our brain is engaged”. Trivial changes were observed in assessments of body composition (0.07–0.08) and flexibility (0.02–0.19). Furthermore, small-to-large magnitude changes were observed for several functional health outcomes suggestive of improved walking capacity (0.72–1.6), agility (−0.9) and upper and lower body muscular strength (0.49). Conclusions: Rural older adults reported experiencing perceived health and well-being improvements from participation in a brief walking football intervention, with functional health benefits also evident; however, further suitably powered evidence is highly warranted.</p
Futures of Substance - Executive Summary and Briefing Papers
No full textThis study, conducted in partnership with Thorne Harbour Health, investigates lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) people’s experiences with and understandings of alcohol and other drug use, with a focus on how LGBTIQ+ people who use alcohol and other drugs come to view their use as a concern, and how they seek support.</p