Group-works: exploring multiplex networks, leadership and group performance

The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of “multiplex” (multiple overlapping) networks and leadership on group performance in a higher education setting. Using a combination of social network analysis and interviews, the authors employ a case study approach to map the connections between academic group members. This paper analyses the relationship between this mapping and academic performance. The authors identified two dimensions which influence group effectiveness: multiplex networks and distributed-coordinated leadership. Where networks are built across tasks, inter-relationships develop that lead to greater group performance. Where group members create a dense hive of interconnectivity and are active across all group tasks, and also informally, this increases the opportunity for knowledge sharing. When this is similarly experienced by a majority of group members, there is positive reinforcement, resulting in greater group effectiveness. This paper highlights the importance of the richness of formal ties in knowledge intensive settings. This paper is the first to differentiate between formal connections between colleagues related to different tasks within their role. This suggests that dense configurations of informal ties are insufficient; they must be coupled with strong ties around formal activity and demonstrative leadership

Phenotypic variability within the desminopathies: A case series of three patients

The DES gene encodes desmin, a key intermediate filament of skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle. Pathogenic DES variants produce a range of skeletal and cardiac muscle disorders collectively known as the desminopathies. We report three desminopathy cases which highlight the phenotypic heterogeneity of this disorder and discuss various factors that may contribute to the clinical differences seen between patients with different desmin variants and also between family members with the same variant

The future of single-use plastic bags: is the end in sight?

Consumers in England reduced their consumption of single-use plastic bags by 86% after the UK government introduced a 5p charge in 2015. This is in line with similar findings from the other countries of the UK, namely Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, which introduced charges in 2011, 2013 and 2014 respectively. This article looks at how successful this has been and which measures worked, as well as the success of “nudging” in other social movements, and suggests the use of nudging as a method to encourage long-term behavioural change towards the consumption of single-use plastic bags