The hidden geometry of the brain

The human brain connectome is a topologically complex, spatially embedded network. One of the characteristic, basic, nonrandom rules on which brain topology relies on is the tendency of brain networks nodes to cluster into modules with high efficiency and short path length, thus reflecting an intrinsic small-world behavior, functionally segregated (local clustering) and integrated (global efficiency) [1]. Although network topology seems to be somehow connected to network geometry, one of the most challenging issues of the current network science is to infer the hidden geometry from the mere topology of a complex network. Here in, aiming at disclosing the latent geometry of the brain, we apply coalescent embedding – a novel advanced technique able to map a given network in the hyperbolic space inferring the node angular coordinates - on different structural brain networks [2]. Interestingly, we show that we can unsupervisedly reconstruct the intrinsic brain geometry with an incredible level of accuracy and that it strongly resembles the known brain anatomy. As a matter of fact, the first rule of organization of brain networks emerging in the hyperbolic space is their structural segregation into two distinct sections corresponding to the left and right hemispheres, which is a simple concept yet quite neglected in previous studies on brain connectomics. In addition, we demonstrate that the human structural brain networks exhibited a significant different geometry in two age range-specific groups. Finally, we show that the intrinsic geometry of Parkinson’s Disease patients is significantly altered compared to the healthy subjects as revealed by two novel latent geometry markers. The present study may bridge the gap between brain networks topology and geometry and may open a completely new scenario towards the realization of latent geometry network markers for the evaluation of brain disorders

Energy Estimation of Cosmic Rays with the Engineering Radio Array of the Pierre Auger Observatory

The Auger Engineering Radio Array (AERA) is part of the Pierre Auger Observatory and is used to detect the radio emission of cosmic-ray air showers. These observations are compared to the data of the surface detector stations of the Observatory, which provide well-calibrated information on the cosmic-ray energies and arrival directions. The response of the radio stations in the 30 to 80 MHz regime has been thoroughly calibrated to enable the reconstruction of the incoming electric field. For the latter, the energy deposit per area is determined from the radio pulses at each observer position and is interpolated using a two-dimensional function that takes into account signal asymmetries due to interference between the geomagnetic and charge-excess emission components. The spatial integral over the signal distribution gives a direct measurement of the energy transferred from the primary cosmic ray into radio emission in the AERA frequency range. We measure 15.8 MeV of radiation energy for a 1 EeV air shower arriving perpendicularly to the geomagnetic field. This radiation energy -- corrected for geometrical effects -- is used as a cosmic-ray energy estimator. Performing an absolute energy calibration against the surface-detector information, we observe that this radio-energy estimator scales quadratically with the cosmic-ray energy as expected for coherent emission. We find an energy resolution of the radio reconstruction of 22% for the data set and 17% for a high-quality subset containing only events with at least five radio stations with signal.Comment: Replaced with published version. Added journal reference and DO

Measurement of the Radiation Energy in the Radio Signal of Extensive Air Showers as a Universal Estimator of Cosmic-Ray Energy

We measure the energy emitted by extensive air showers in the form of radio emission in the frequency range from 30 to 80 MHz. Exploiting the accurate energy scale of the Pierre Auger Observatory, we obtain a radiation energy of 15.8 \pm 0.7 (stat) \pm 6.7 (sys) MeV for cosmic rays with an energy of 1 EeV arriving perpendicularly to a geomagnetic field of 0.24 G, scaling quadratically with the cosmic-ray energy. A comparison with predictions from state-of-the-art first-principle calculations shows agreement with our measurement. The radiation energy provides direct access to the calorimetric energy in the electromagnetic cascade of extensive air showers. Comparison with our result thus allows the direct calibration of any cosmic-ray radio detector against the well-established energy scale of the Pierre Auger Observatory.Comment: Replaced with published version. Added journal reference and DOI. Supplemental material in the ancillary file

Can we believe judgements of human physical attractiveness?

A key question in attractiveness studies is the validity of the reported results outside the narrow confines of the experimental paradigm used. Does the range of physical features in a set of pictures used to test attractiveness judgments predict the individual ratings of each body? Or does each stimulus have an attractiveness value independent of the range of attractiveness found in the image set of which it is a part? An additional problem is that because participants are often shown a relatively large array of images in a short space of time, this may produce perceptual biases which could cause a short-term shift in attractiveness preferences which are not usually found in real life mate choice decisions. To address this issue we asked 20 participants (10 male and 10 female) to judge the attractiveness of 20 digital photographs of female bodies. We then asked a different set of 400 people (who had not seen the body pictures) to judge the attractiveness of one of the bodies from the set (so each body was rated in isolation by 10 male and 10 female participants). We then compared the attractiveness judgement each body received when seen independently versus when it was seen within the context of a set of bodies. The results showed no significant difference between the two conditions which suggests that each body has an attractiveness value independent of the attractiveness of the other bodies with which it is viewed

Re-entry to nursing : student focus in the competence assessment service program

A positive student learning experience is ‘by any other name’ effective human resource development. It can be defined further as contextualised adult education. This paper reports on an educational program that is returning previously registered and enrolled nurses back to the health care workforce by successfully utilising key human resource development strategies that focus on communication, appropriate physical resources, leadership, shared responsibility, conflict management and pre-emptive problem solving. Students are the focus of the initiative that, owing to high industry demand for professional staff, aims to reduce the time and cost associated with the return-to-work experience of the individual. At the same time, it provides a valid and reliable return-to-work pathway. The program is based on the achievement of beginning-level competencies in relation to the Australian Nursing Council National Competency Standards for Registered Nurses of 2000. The project appears to provide students with an emancipatory experience by recognising and valuing their prior learning and experience as the basis for the development of a deep level of insight into the contemporary professional role and responsibilities. The new learning experience empowers students to re-enter practice with confidence and to embrace ongoing change

Collaborative voices: ongoing reflections on nursing competencies

In a rapidly changing Australian health care environment, providers of undergraduate nursing programs are continually upgrading their assessment methods to ensure that graduates are competent and safe to practice. Competence assessment is based on the existing Australian Nursing & Midwifery Council (ANMC) Competency Standards for Registered Nurses. It is acknowledged that there are issues surrounding the validity and reliability of current assessment methods, primarily due to organisational constraints both at the University and the service provider level. There are a number of highly reliable tools available that enable assessment of nursing students in the psychomotor domain. Assessment in other domains is less precise. This paper explores some of the issues relating to competence assessment processes in order to promote discussion and discourse between educators, facilities and policy makers. It is envisaged that increased debate will result in an enhanced level of academic and clinical preparation for the upcoming nursing workforce in this country

The precarious position of nursing education in the knowledge economy: A literature review and commentary

Nursing is a practice-based discipline, a recent profession to transfer its workforce preparation to the higher education sector. This discussion paper explores the perceptions of key stakeholders as to what nursing is and what nurses do, and how nurses are best educated to meet all stakeholders’ unique needs

Re-entry to nursing : student focus in the competence assessment service program

A positive student learning experience is ‘by any other name’ effective human resource development. It can be defined further as contextualised adult education. This paper reports on an educational program that is returning previously registered and enrolled nurses back to the health care workforce by successfully utilising key human resource development strategies that focus on communication, appropriate physical resources, leadership, shared responsibility, conflict management and pre-emptive problem solving. Students are the focus of the initiative that, owing to high industry demand for professional staff, aims to reduce the time and cost associated with the return-to-work experience of the individual. At the same time, it provides a valid and reliable return-to-work pathway. The program is based on the achievement of beginning-level competencies in relation to the Australian Nursing Council National Competency Standards for Registered Nurses of 2000. The project appears to provide students with an emancipatory experience by recognising and valuing their prior learning and experience as the basis for the development of a deep level of insight into the contemporary professional role and responsibilities. The new learning experience empowers students to re-enter practice with confidence and to embrace ongoing change

The precarious position of nursing education in the knowledge economy: A literature review and commentary

Nursing is a practice-based discipline, a recent profession to transfer its workforce preparation to the higher education sector. This discussion paper explores the perceptions of key stakeholders as to what nursing is and what nurses do, and how nurses are best educated to meet all stakeholders’ unique needs