Assessment of power spectral density of microvascular hemodynamics in skeletal muscles at very low and low-frequency via near-infrared diffuse optical spectroscopies

In this work, we used a hybrid time domain near-infrared spectroscopy (TD-NIRS) and diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) device to retrieve hemoglobin and blood flow oscillations of skeletal muscle microvasculature. We focused on very low (VLF) and low-frequency (LF) oscillations (i.e., frequency lower than 0.145 Hz), that are related to myogenic, neurogenic and endothelial activities. We measured power spectral density (PSD) of blood flow and hemoglobin concentration in four muscles (thenar eminence, plantar fascia, sternocleidomastoid and forearm) of 14 healthy volunteers to highlight possible differences in microvascular hemodynamic oscillations. We observed larger PSDs for blood flow compared to hemoglobin concentration, in particular in case of distal muscles (i.e., thenar eminence and plantar fascia). Finally, we compared the PSDs measured on the thenar eminence of healthy subjects with the ones measured on a septic patient in the intensive care unit: lower power in the endothelial-dependent frequency band, and larger power in the myogenic ones were observed in the septic patient, in accordance with previous works based on laser doppler flowmetry

Gender Differences in Attitudes towards Prevention and Intervention Messages for Digital Addiction

It has been suggested that excessive use of the internet and digital devices can lead to digital addiction (DA). In contrast to other industries such as the alcohol industry there appears to be very little expectation on the software industry to position itself as a primary actor in the development of DA; even though software providers have unique capabilities to engage with users in real time and in a personalised way through multi-modal interactive and intelligent prevention and intervention messages. One aspect of personalisation that has been demonstrated to be of importance in relation to DA and other compulsive behaviours is gender. This study consisted of a series of initial exploratory interviews followed by a survey of 150 respondents and several same-sex focus groups, the latter of which was recruited from a university student sample. Thematic and quantitative analyses were then conducted on the data gathered. Overall participants welcomed the idea of DA prevention and intervention messages, although they also demonstrated a clear preference for any DA prevention and intervention messages system to be adaptive and context aware. Some gender differences were evident, such as in terms for acceptance of messages generated by friends or the preference for graphical messages. The results of this study suggest that DA prevention and intervention messages may be useful to and welcomed by individuals who use digital technologies excessively. However, these users also appear to have expectations of what a successful DA prevention and intervention messages system should be able to achieve. Further research is needed on this emergent topic

A creative destruction approach to replication: implicit work and sex morality across cultures

How can we maximize what is learned from a replication study? In the creative destruction approach to replication, the original hypothesis is compared not only to the null hypothesis, but also to predictions derived from multiple alternative theoretical accounts of the phenomenon. To this end, new populations and measures are included in the design in addition to the original ones, to help determine which theory best accounts for the results across multiple key outcomes and contexts. The present pre-registered empirical project compared the Implicit Puritanism account of intuitive work and sex morality to theories positing regional, religious, and social class differences; explicit rather than implicit cultural differences in values; self-expression vs. survival values as a key cultural fault line; the general moralization of work; and false positive effects. Contradicting Implicit Puritanism's core theoretical claim of a distinct American work morality, a number of targeted findings replicated across multiple comparison cultures, whereas several failed to replicate in all samples and were identified as likely false positives. No support emerged for theories predicting regional variability and specific individual-differences moderators (religious affiliation, religiosity, and education level). Overall, the results provide evidence that work is intuitively moralized across cultures

Infidelity-Revealing Snapchat Messages Arouse Different Levels of Jealousy Depending on Sex, Type of Message and Identity of the Opposite Sex Rival

Research highlighting sex-differentiated jealousy resulting from imagined scenarios has now been reaffirmed when the infidelity-revealing message is discovered on a social media platform. Participants in the current study were presented with both sexually and emotionally charged infidelity-revealing scenarios featuring a same-sex sibling, a friend and a stranger in the format of a ‘Snapchat’ message. Men indicated significantly higher jealousy to sexual as opposed to emotional messages with the reverse pattern evident in women. Sex differences were also evident in the extent of jealousy elicited by ‘third-party’ identity. Women were significantly more jealous when the imagined infidelity occurred between their sister compared to both a best friend and a stranger with males showing significantly lower jealousy directed towards their brother compared to a stranger. These findings are supportive not only of a parental investment (PI) interpretation of sex differences in jealousy but also an interpretation consistent with aspects of inclusive fitness theory

ICAR: endoscopic skull‐base surgery

n/

Climate Change and Adaptation in South Eastern Europe: a background report

This publication has been prepared on behalf of UNEP in the framework of ENVSEC by Venice International University and Siena University. Zoï Environment Network has finalized, reviewed, layouted the study. Numerous organizations and experts from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia contributed to the publication. The financial support for the preparation has been provided by the governments of Austria and Finland

Climate change adaptation in South Eastern Europe – a background report

Climate change no longer needs to be presented as a global phenomenon likely to affect ecosystems and international security, being a notorious world renown threat and a top-priority driving the agendas of the politicians. However, in spite of the acknowledged urgency of properly and effectively fighting this phenomenon, a binding international agreement to fight climate change in the long term is still missing and it seems difficult to be reached. Some progress in this sense has been made, but the way ahead is neither short nor smooth. Furthermore, climate change, in order to be properly tackled, needs to be considered in an integrated way, as a part of the greater challenge of sustainable development. The linkages between climate change and sustainable development are highlighted in the most important legislative instruments concluded so far to fight climate change. The UNFCCC and the KP have been designed to play a key role in the pursuing of climate change objectives within the framework of sustainable development. In fact, their main achievements, such as the introduction of binding emission reduction commitments for developed countries, together with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and the flexible mechanisms, can be read as attempts to address environmental, social and economic instances in an integrated way. While mitigation seeks to limit climate change by reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and by enhancing “sink” opportunities, adaptation aims at reducing the vulnerability of natural and human systems against actual or expected climate change effects (IPCC, Climate Change 2007: Synthesis Report, Annex II). Adaptation entails an adjustment in natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli or their effects. From the sustainable development perspective, the response to climate change requires both mitigation and adaptation (COM(2009)147). The purpose of the present report is to specifically consider the adaptation challenge in South Eastern Europe (SEE) region. To this extent, the most relevant international and European adaptation options are presented, together with an in depth analysis of the present scenarios and the adaptation measures already undertaken or planned at the SEE level. More in particular, the first three chapters analyse the main adaptation challenges from a physical point of view, whilst the last two chapters concentrate on the policy perspective, with a presentation of the existing management and governance models and a proposal for future adaptation strategies in SEE