Memory Profiles in Schizophrenia: A Neuropsychological Comparison with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Previous research has demonstrated various neuroanatomical and neuropsychological abnormalities in schizophrenia. Although results vary depending on population characteristics, medication status, imaging methodology, and choice of cognitive assessment measures, overall results suggest decreased cerebral volume within frontal and temporal lobes and in individual structures, particularly hippocampus, within these regions; abnormal connectivity within fronto-temporal networks; and deficits in executive function, working memory, processing speed, and memory, with verbal memory deficits more reliably demonstrated than non-verbal impairment. In particular, left-hemisphere hippocampal-dependent verbal memory impairments have been proposed to be a core feature of schizophrenia, as these deficits are reliably demonstrated in first-episode, medication-na\xefve patients, chronic in- and outpatients, and at-risk populations such as individuals with prodromal schizophrenia symptoms and first-degree relatives of patients with schizophrenia. Verbal memory deficits have also been reliably demonstrated in patients with left-hemisphere temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), and those who have undergone temporal lobe resection (TLR). Given the known localization of structural abnormalities in TLR groups and their relation to deficits in memory, it seemed reasonable to compare memory and other neuropsychological functions in schizophrenia and TLR groups to determine whether similar profiles emerged which might provide additional evidence of significant left-hemisphere involvement in the development and maintenance of schizophrenia. A comprehensive neuropsychological battery was administered to a total of 43 schizophrenia, left and right TLR, and control participants. Consistent with hypotheses, the schizophrenia and left TLR groups performed worse than controls on verbal memory, and the right TLR group performed worse than controls on non-verbal memory tasks, with a trend in the predicted direction for the schizophrenia group. Patients with schizophrenia also performed worse than controls on working memory, motor skills, and processing speed, as predicted. Hypotheses were not supported regarding overall memory profiles: the left and right TLR groups showed the expected interactive performance on verbal versus non-verbal memory, but the schizophrenia group was not found to have a memory profile similar to that of the left TLR group. Overall, results suggested that the cognitive profile of schizophrenia may best be represented as a complex interaction pattern rather than a hemisphere-specific model as seen in TLE

Comparing Linkages Between Descriptive Norms and Current and Intended Outdoor Water Conservation

The study presented here was used for evaluating how theory of planned behavior variables (attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms) and perceptions of others\u27 outdoor water conservation (descriptive norms) related to individuals\u27 own conservation and intent to conserve. The theory of planned behavior predicted current and intended conservation similarly. Descriptive norms from close-peer and state referent groups improved predictions of current practices but not behavioral intentions. Descriptive norms may be more influential when Extension clients are establishing routines pertaining to outdoor water conservation (e.g., installing a new landscape). Extension professionals should strategically communicate a conservation norm at similar opportune times

Teaching and learning about child rights: a study of implementation in 26 countries

In 2014 UNICEF’s Private Fundraising and Partnerships Division (PFP) published the Child Rights Education Toolkit which outlines a rights-based approach to developing child rights education (CRE) with a focus on formal education in early childhood education settings, primary and secondary schools. UNICEF PFP also commissioned the Centre for Children’s Rights in Queen’s University Belfast to undertake a baseline survey of CRE across countries with National Committee presence. The research was designed around the following questions: 1. To what extent are countries with a National Committee presence implementing CRE? 2. Where CRE implementation is advanced, what factors have supported this process? 3. Where CRE implementation is not advanced, what factors are hindering implementation? The research consisted of two strands of activity, first an on-line survey and secondly a series of case studies. The on-line survey was designed to collect data in relation to these three research questions and the survey questions were constructed around a series of themes identified in an initial literature review. The survey was distributed to national experts (identified by UNICEF National Committees) and provides an overview of the extent to which CRE is embedded in formal education settings and teacher education in 26 countries. These responses were enhanced with additional desk research to provide an overview of CRE in each country. The case studies were constructed to explore specific aspects of work in seven countries with a National Committee presence

Associating Importance with Behavior: Providing Direction for Water Conservation Communication

This study identified differences in characteristics of High Water Users (HWUs) based on their perceived importance of plentiful water and their engagement in water conservation behaviors. Differences in the characteristics of high water users based on the level of importance they associated with plentiful water and their engagement in water conservation behaviors were identified. Communication needs and interests of HWUs were also identified. The Situational Theory of Publics (STP) was applied to explore why HWUs might perceive plentiful water to be important but may not feel personally responsible and may perceive barriers to changing their behaviors. Significant differences were found in terms of gender and race between the four primary groups of respondents identified (High Importance/High Engagement, Low Importance/High Engagement, Low Importance/Low Engagement and High Importance/Low Engagement). The High Importance/Low Engagement group was identified as an important and potentially high impact public for communicators

Agricultural Scientists’ Perceptions of Working with Reporters

Mass media is the main source of scientific information for most Americans, but inaccuracy of reporting has threatened the public’s understanding of science. Perceived media bias and fake news has also made the public skeptical of the media, and scientists’ perceptions are no different. Because scientists are the most trusted source for scientific information in America, it is important they remain willing to work with the media. This study used the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to explore scientists’ perceptions of working with reporters, including their attitude, subjective norms, behavioral control, and intent to engage with the media in the future. In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 tenure-track faculty at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) in spring 2018. These participants represented low, moderate, and high communicators. The findings from this study indicated mostly negative attitudes toward reporters due to skepticism in their ability to accurately report science. Behavioral control was also limited due to time and ability constraints, but participants recommended trainings as ways to increase behavioral control. Subjective norms were somewhat mixed, with some positive norms from mentors but perceived negative norms from the public. Despite negative attitudes toward reporters, intent to engage with the media was mixed. However, subjective norms and behavioral control were often discussed as reasons to not engage with reporters. The findings from this study offered recommendations for both practice and research to help foster positive relationships between scientists and reporters