External validity of individual differences in multiple cue probability learning : the case of pilot training

International audienceIndividuals differ in their ability to deal with unpredictable environments. Could impaired performances on learning an unpredictable cue-criteria relationship in a laboratory task be associated with impaired learning of complex skills in a natural setting? We focused on a multiple-cue probability learning (MCPL) laboratory task and on the natural setting of pilot training. We used data from three selection sessions and from the three corresponding selected pilot student classes of a national airline pilot selection and training system. First, applicants took an MCPL task at the selection stage (N = 556; N = 701; N = 412). Then, pilot trainees selected from the applicant pools (N = 44; N = 60; N = 28) followed the training for 2.5 to 3 yrs. Differences in final MCPL performance were associated with pilot training difficulties. Indeed, poor MCPL performers experienced almost twice as many pilot training difficulties as better MCPL performers (44.0% and 25.0%, respectively)

Dietary factors associated with obesity indicators and level of sports participation in Flemish adults : a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Obesity develops when energy intake continuously exceeds energy expenditure, causing a fundamental chronic energy imbalance. Societal and behavioural changes over the last decades are held responsible for the considerable increase in sedentary lifestyles and inappropriate dietary patterns. The role of dietary fat and other dietary factors in the aetiology and maintenance of excess weight is controversial. The purposes of the present study were to investigate the dietary factors associated with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), and to analyse whether dietary intake varies between subjects with different levels of sports participation. METHODS: Data for this cross-sectional study, including anthropometric measurements, 3-day diet diary and physical activity questionnaire, were collected by the Flemish Policy Research Centre Sport, Physical Activity and Health (SPAH) between October 2002 and April 2004. Results of 485 adult men and 362 women with plausible dietary records were analysed. Analyses of covariance were performed to determine the differences in dietary intake between normal weight, overweight and obese subjects, and between subjects with different levels of sports participation. RESULTS: Total energy intake, protein and fat intake (kcal/day) were significantly higher in obese subjects compared to their lean counterparts in both genders. Percentage of energy intake from fat was significantly higher in obese men compared to men with normal weight or WC. Energy percentages from carbohydrates and fibres were negatively related to BMI and WC in men, whereas in women a higher carbohydrate and fibre intake was positively associated with obesity. Alcohol intake was positively associated with WC in men. Subjects participating in health related sports reported higher intake of carbohydrates, but lower intake of fat compared to subjects not participating in sports. CONCLUSION: This study supports the evidence that carbohydrate, fat, protein and fibre intake are closely related to BMI and WC. The sex differences for dietary intake between obese men and women might reflect the generally higher health consciousness of women. Alcohol intake was only associated with WC, emphasizing the importance of WC as an additional indicator in epidemiological studies. Besides enhancing sports and physical activity, it is necessary to improve the knowledge about nutrition and to promote the well-balanced consumption of wholesome food

Cognition and piloting performance: offline and online measurements

In aeronautics, the notion that cognitive performance is correlated with accident rates raises the importance of implementing more efficient cognitive selection procedures for pilot candidates. The Cambridge Neuropsychological Testing Automated Battery (CANTAB) has established sensitivity to a range of cognitive functions and their neurobiological substrates. The ability of CANTAB to predict success during pilot training courses (notably based on the evaluation of flight performance) will be examined and compared to that of tests currently in use by one of the leading French civil aviation schools (ENAC) for their pilot candidate selection procedures. Ultimately, the goal is to inform the development of an optimized pilot selection tool that taps into the cognitive functions and underlying neural circuitries required for successful piloting activities. Moreover, through the implementation of a dual-task paradigm, this study aims to provide guidelines for future cockpit instrumentation designs better adapted to the human brain, in a further attempt to reduce accident rates

Peribiliary glands are key in regeneration of the human biliary epithelium after severe bile duct injury

Peribiliary glands (PBG) are a source of stem/progenitor cells organized in a cellular network encircling large bile ducts. Severe cholangiopathy with loss of luminal biliary epithelium has been proposed to activate PBG, resulting in cell proliferation and differentiation to restore biliary epithelial integrity. However, formal evidence for this concept in human livers is lacking. We, therefore, developed a novel ex vivo model using precision-cut slices of extrahepatic human bile ducts obtained from discarded donor livers, providing an intact anatomical organization of cell structures, to study spatiotemporal differentiation and migration of PBG cells after severe biliary injury. Post-ischemic bile duct slices were incubated in oxygenated culture medium for up to a week. At baseline, severe tissue injury was evident with loss of luminal epithelial lining and mural stroma necrosis. In contrast, PBG remained relatively well preserved and different reactions of PBG were noted, including PBG dilatation, cell proliferation and maturation. Proliferation of PBG cells increased after 24 h of oxygenated incubation, reaching a peak after 72 h. Proliferation of PBG cells was paralleled by a reduction in PBG apoptosis and differentiation from a primitive and pluripotent (Nanog+/Sox9+) to a mature (CFTR+/secretin receptor+) and activated phenotype (increased expression of HIF-1α, Glut-1, and VEGF-A). Migration of proliferating PBG cells in our ex vivo model was unorganized, but resulted in generation of epithelial monolayers at stromal surfaces. CONCLUSION: Human PBG contain biliary progenitor cells and are able to respond to bile duct epithelial loss with proliferation, differentiation, and maturation to restore epithelial integrity. The ex vivo spatiotemporal behaviour of human PBG cells provides evidence for a pivotal role of PBG in biliary regeneration after severe injury. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

The Impact of Microfinance on Gender Equality in India

This paper explores the impacts of microfinance on gender equality in India by examining its effects through the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It begins with an overview of the history of microfinance globally and is followed by an in-depth explanation of the current microfinance landscape in India. This paper then uses a case study approach to collect qualitative data that contributes to this discussion on microfinance and gender equality. By studying the stories of four women and their experiences using the services provided by microfinance institutions, the paper illustrates how microfinance contributes to the advancement of the specific targets outlined under several UN Sustainable Development Goals

Communities of Faith: The Presence of the Spirit in Congregational Dynamics and the Practice of Stewardship

The Doctor of Ministry project thesis that follows is a product of many years experience, both in the local pastorate and in service to the wider church. It addresses its author's passion and conviction regarding the work of stewardship and congregational development. Its approach and direction is focused upon what the author maintains has been an often-neglected aspect of theology within the denominational tradition of The United Church of Canada-that which concerns the presence of the Spirit. In this light, the thesis' focus is turned towards a closer examination of congregational dynamics and the practice of stewardship where, respectively, the Spirit is held to dwell and work. Following the introductory first two chapters, the examination begins in the earnest in chapter three, where the author considers the Foundational Perspectives that underlie the thesis' consideration of community, the Spirit, and stewardship. Particularly in this chapter, theological and historical, as well as ecclesiastical and sociological insights, gleaned from many and diverse sources, are shared and expanded upon. In chapters four and five, the author intensifies the focus on the subjects of congregational dynamics and the practice of stewardship respectively. It is in these chapters that, supported by available statistical data, the findings of a "congregational leadership" survey involving the participation of churches in Dufferin-Peel and Halton Presbyteries, west of Toronto, are analysed and utilized, in assessing the situation, and prescribing measures and strategies that may enhance the health and vitality of these prospective "communities of faith." The conclusion reached by this study contends that, focusing at the local level, future efforts aimed at improving the state of local churches must be both holistic and comprehensive, as well as emphasizing the need to acknowledge and trust in the presence of the Spirit.Doctor of Ministry (DMin