The idea that some abilities might be enhanced by adversity is gaining traction. Adaptation-based approaches have uncovered a few specific abilities enhanced by particular adversity exposures. Yet, for a field to grow, we must not dig too deep, too soon. In this paper, we complement confirmatory research with principled exploration. We draw on two insights from adaptation-based research: 1) enhanced performance manifests within individuals, and 2) reduced and enhanced performance can co-occur. Although commonly assumed, relative performance differences are rarely tested. To quantify them, we need a wide variety of ability measures. However, rather than using adaptive logic to predict which abilities are enhanced or reduced, we develop statistical criteria to identify three data patterns: reduced, enhanced, and intact performance. With these criteria, we analyzed data from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development to investigate how adversity shapes within-person performance across 10 abilities in a cognitive and achievement battery. Our goals are to document adversity-shaped cognitive performance patterns, identify drivers of reduced performance, identify sets of “intact” abilities, and discover new enhanced abilities. We believe principled exploration with clear criteria can help break new theoretical and empirical ground, remap old territory, and advance theory development.

Unhealthy food environments are major drivers of obesity and diet-related diseases(1). Improving the healthiness of food environments requires a widespread organised response from governments, civil society, and industry(2). However, current actions often rely on voluntary participation by industry, such as opt-in nutrition labelling schemes, school/workplace food guidelines, and food reformulation programmes. The aim of the REFORM study is to determine the effects of the provision of tailored support to companies on their nutrition-related policies and practices, compared to food companies that are not offered the programme (the control). REFORM is a two-country, parallel cluster randomised controlled trial. 150 food companies were randomly assigned (2:1 ratio) to receive either a tailored support intervention programme or no intervention. Randomisation was stratified by country (Australia, New Zealand), industry sector (fast food, other packaged food/beverage companies), and company size. The primary outcome is the nutrient profile (measured using Health Star Rating [HSR]) of foods and drinks produced by participating companies at 24 months post-baseline. Secondary outcomes include company nutrition policies and commitments, the nutrient content (sodium, sugar, saturated fat) of products produced by participating companies, display of HSR labels, and engagement with the intervention. Eighty-three eligible intervention companies were invited to take part in the REFORM programme and 21 (25%) accepted and were enrolled. Over 100 meetings were held with company representatives between September 2021 and December 2022. Resources and tailored reports were developed for 6 touchpoints covering product composition and benchmarking, nutrition labelling, consumer insights, nutrition policies, and incentives for companies to act on nutrition. Detailed information on programme resources and preliminary 12-month findings will be presented at the conference. The REFORM programme will assess if provision of tailored support to companies on their nutrition-related policies and practices incentivises the food industry to improve their nutrition policies and actions.

The diagnosis of functional constipation (FC) relies on patient-reported outcomes evaluated as criteria based on the clustering of symptoms. Although the ROME IV criteria for FC diagnosis is relevant for a multicultural population(1), how an individual’s lifestyle, environment and culture may influence the pathophysiology of FC remains a gap in our knowledge. Building on insights into mechanisms underpinning disorders of gut-brain interactions (formerly functional gastrointestinal disorders) in the COMFORT Cohort(2), this study aimed to investigate the differences in gastrointestinal (GI) symptom scores among participants with FC in comparison to healthy controls between Chinese and non-Chinese New Zealanders. The Gastrointestinal Understanding of Functional Constipation In an Urban Chinese and Urban non-Chinese New Zealander Cohort (GUTFIT) study was a longitudinal cohort study, which aimed to determine a comprehensive profile of characteristics and biological markers of FC between Chinese and non-Chinese New Zealanders. Chinese (classified according to maternal and paternal ethnicity) or non-Chinese (mixed ethnicities) adults living in Auckland classified as with or without FC based on ROME IV were enrolled. Monthly assessment (for 3 months) of GI symptoms, anthropometry, quality of life, diet, and biological samples were assessed monthly over March to June 2023. Demographics were obtained through a self-reported questionnaires and GI symptoms were assessed using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and Structured Assessment of Gastrointestinal Symptoms Scale (SAGIS). This analysis is a cross-sectional assessment of patient-reported outcomes of GI symptoms. Of 78 enrolled participants, 66 completed the study (male, n = 10; female, n = 56) and were distributed across: Chinese with FC (Ch-FC; n = 11), Chinese control (Ch-CON; n = 19), non-Chinese with FC (NCh-FC; n = 16), non-Chinese control (NCh-CON; n = 20). Mean (SD) age, body mass index, and waist circumference were 40 ± 9 years, 22.7 ± 2.5 kg/m2, and 78.0 ± 7.6 cm, respectively. Ethnicity did not impact SAGIS domain scores for GI symptoms (Ethnicity x FC severity interaction p>0.05). Yet, the constipation symptoms domain of the GSRS was scored differently depending on ethnicity and FC status (Ethnicity x FC interaction p<0.05). In post hoc comparison, NCh-FC tended to have higher GSRS constipation severity scores than Ch-FC (3.4 ± 1.0 versus 3.8 ± 0.8 /8, p<0.1) Although constipation symptom severity tended to be higher in NCh-FC, on the whole, ethnicity did not explain variation in this cohort. FC status was a more important predictor of GI symptoms scores. Future research will assess differences in symptom burden to explore ethnicity-specific characteristics of FC.

Young children, especially those under one year of age, are at higher risk of choking on food due to their body’s immature physiology and chewing, swallowing and coughing ability(1). In 2020, the Ministry of Education mandated the Ministry of Health’s food-related choking guidance for babies and young children at early learning services (ELS), adding it to the licensing criteria(2). Some ELS managers reported that this policy may negatively influence the food and nutrition environment within ELS(3).This study aimed to assess the impact of the food-related choking policy on the food and nutrition environment within ELS. Data were collected using an online Qualtrics questionnaire from ELS in four District Health Board regions: Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes, and Auckland (N = 1066), sourced from the Ministry of Education, Education Counts database. Responses were received from 179 ELS (17%) and most reported making changes due to the food-related choking guidance. The main changes were to the food provided by the ELS (75%), education for whānau/family (73%), and supervision of children (70%). Over half of the centres reported adjusting staff duties to allow for increased supervision of eating (60%) and changed/ceased celebrations or fundraisers (58%). Over half of the respondents (55%) reported that changes to reduce the risk of food-related choking had affected the ‘cultural kaupapa’ (plan/policy) of the ELS. A key theme from written responses was that centres had ‘not come together as whānau’, which refers to reduced hosting of centre events/celebrations within the centre and externally with children and whānau (families). The main reason appeared to be that the food restrictions in the guidance made the management of ‘shared kai (food)’ too difficult. Approximately two-thirds of centres (61%) reported removing foods from menus, and around half (49%) modified the texture of foods. Fifty-one per cent of ELS reported that there had been no change in parent-supplied food. The main foods removed from ELS menus were fruit, vegetables, hard crackers, sausages/other meats, and popcorn. Soft fruit, e.g., canned fruit, soft crackers, and soft meats (hamburger patties, mince, luncheon, and ham), were the main foods added to menus. ELS have responded to most of the new food-related choking guidance requirements regarding food provision, texture modification, and supervision; however, some ELS may need support to implement fully. Ceasing shared kai events at ELS has reduced opportunities to engage with whānau and limits cultural expression, connection and reciprocal learning and teaching about food and nutrition between the centre and whānau as outlined in Te Whariki Early Childhood Curriculum. Improved communication and support for parents and ELS to implement the recommendations for home and centre-supplied foods is needed. Together with sufficient funding for supervision and nutrition education to support children’s learning and cultural needs around food.

Distinct pathophysiology has been identified with disorders of gut-brain interactions (DGBI), including functional constipation (FC)(1,2), yet the causes remain unclear. Identifying how modifiable factors (i.e., diet) differ depending on gastrointestinal health status is important to understand relationships between dietary intake, pathophysiology, and disease burden of FC. Given that dietary choices are culturally influenced, understanding ethnicity-specific diets of individuals with FC is key to informing appropriate symptom management and prevention strategies. Despite distinct genetic and cultural features of Chinese populations with increasing FC incidence(3), DGBI characteristics are primarily described in Caucasian populations(2). We therefore aimed to identify how dietary intake of Chinese individuals with FC differs to non-Chinese individuals with FC, relative to healthy controls. The Gastrointestinal Understanding of Functional Constipation In an Urban Chinese and Urban non-Chinese New Zealander Cohort (GUTFIT) study was a longitudinal case-control study using systems biology to investigate the multi-factorial aetiology of FC. Here we conducted a cross-sectional dietary intake assessment, comparing Chinese individuals with FC (Ch-FC) against three control groups: a) non-Chinese with FC (NCh-FC) b) Chinese without FC (Ch-CON) and c) non-Chinese without FC (NCh-CON). Recruitment from Auckland, New Zealand (NZ) identified Chinese individuals based on self-identification alongside both parents self-identifying as Chinese, and FC using the ROME IV criteria. Dietary intake was captured using 3-day food diaries recorded on consecutive days, including one weekend day. Nutrient analysis was performed by Foodworks 10 and statistical analysis with SPSS using a generalised linear model (ethnicity and FC status as fixed factors). Of 78 enrolled participants, 66 completed the study and 64 (39.4 ± 9.2 years) completed a 3-day food diary at the baseline assessment. More participants were female (84%) than male (16%). FC and ethnicity status allocated participants into 1 of 4 groups: Ch-FC (n = 11), Ch-CON (n = 18), NCh-FC (n = 16), NCh-CON (n = 19). Within NCh, ethnicities included NZ European (30%), non-Chinese Asian (11%), Other European (11%), and Latin American (2%). Fibre intake did not differ between Ch-FC and NCh-FC (ethnicity × FC status interaction p>0.05) but was independently lower overall for FC than CON individuals (21.8 ± 8.7 versus 27.0 ± 9.7 g, p<0.05) and overall for Ch than NCh (22.1 ± 8.0 versus 27.0 ± 10.4 g, p<0.05). Carbohydrate, protein, and fat intakes were not different across groups (p>0.05 each, respectively). In the context of fibre and macronutrient intake, there is no difference between Ch-FC and NCh-FC. Therefore, fibre and macronutrients are unlikely to contribute to potential pathophysiological differences in FC between ethnic groups. A more detailed assessment of dietary intake concerning micronutrients, types of fibre, or food choices may be indicated to ascertain whether other dietary differences exist.

The reading the mind in the eyes test (RMET) – which assesses the theory of mind component of social cognition – is often used to compare social cognition between patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls. There is, however, no systematic review integrating the results of these studies. We identified 198 studies published before July 2020 that administered RMET to patients with schizophrenia or healthy controls from three English-language and two Chinese-language databases. These studies included 41 separate samples of patients with schizophrenia (total n = 1836) and 197 separate samples of healthy controls (total n = 23 675). The pooled RMET score was 19.76 (95% CI 18.91–20.60) in patients and 25.53 (95% CI 25.19–25.87) in controls (z = 12.41, p < 0.001). After excluding small-sample outlier studies, this difference in RMET performance was greater in studies using non-English v. English versions of RMET (Chi [Q] = 8.54, p < 0.001). Meta-regression analyses found a negative association of age with RMET score and a positive association of years of schooling with RMET score in both patients and controls. A secondary meta-analysis using a spline construction of 180 healthy control samples identified a non-monotonic relationship between age and RMET score – RMET scores increased with age before 31 and decreased with age after 31. These results indicate that patients with schizophrenia have substantial deficits in theory of mind compared with healthy controls, supporting the construct validity of RMET as a measure of social cognition. The different results for English versus non-English versions of RMET and the non-monotonic relationship between age and RMET score highlight the importance of the language of administration of RMET and the possibility that the relationship of aging with theory of mind is different from the relationship of aging with other types of cognitive functioning.

The power exchange between fluid and structure plays a significant role in the force production and flight efficiency of flapping wings in insects and artificial flyers. This work numerically investigates the performance of flapping wings by using a high-fidelity fluid–structure interaction solver. Simulations are conducted by varying the hinge flexibility (measured by the Cauchy number, $Ch$, i.e. the ratio between aerodynamic and torsional elastic forces) and the wing shape (quantified by the radius of the first moment of area, $\bar {r}_1$). Results show that the lift production is optimal at $0.05 < Ch \leq 0.2$ and larger $\bar {r}_1$ where the minimum angle of attack is around $45^\circ$ at midstroke. The power economy is maximised for wings with lower $\bar {r}_1$ near $Ch=0.2$. Power analysis indicates that the optimal performance measured by the power economy is obtained for those cases where two important power synchronisations occur: anti-synchronisation of the pitching elastic power and the pitching aerodynamic and inertial powers and nearly in-phase synchronisation of the flapping aerodynamic power and the total input power of the system. While analysis of the kinematics for the different wing shapes and hinge stiffnesses reveals that the optimal performance occurs when the timing of pitch and stroke reversals are matched, thus supporting the effective transfer of input power from flapping to passive pitching and into the fluid. These results suggest that careful optimisation between wing shapes and hinge properties can allow insects and robots to exploit the passive dynamics to improve flight performance.

We recently reported on the radio-frequency attenuation length of cold polar ice at Summit Station, Greenland, based on bi-static radar measurements of radio-frequency bedrock echo strengths taken during the summer of 2021. Those data also allow studies of (a) the relative contributions of coherent (such as discrete internal conducting layers with sub-centimeter transverse scale) vs incoherent (e.g. bulk volumetric) scattering, (b) the magnitude of internal layer reflection coefficients, (c) limits on signal propagation velocity asymmetries (‘birefringence’) and (d) limits on signal dispersion in-ice over a bandwidth of ~100 MHz. We find that (1) attenuation lengths approach 1 km in our band, (2) after averaging 10 000 echo triggers, reflected signals observable over the thermal floor (to depths of ~1500 m) are consistent with being entirely coherent, (3) internal layer reflectivities are ≈–60$\to$–70 dB, (4) birefringent effects for vertically propagating signals are smaller by an order of magnitude relative to South Pole and (5) within our experimental limits, glacial ice is non-dispersive over the frequency band relevant for neutrino detection experiments.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) has been a leader in weed science research covering topics ranging from the development and use of integrated weed management (IWM) tactics to basic mechanistic studies, including biotic resistance of desirable plant communities and herbicide resistance. ARS weed scientists have worked in agricultural and natural ecosystems, including agronomic and horticultural crops, pastures, forests, wild lands, aquatic habitats, wetlands, and riparian areas. Through strong partnerships with academia, state agencies, private industry, and numerous federal programs, ARS weed scientists have made contributions to discoveries in the newest fields of robotics and genetics, as well as the traditional and fundamental subjects of weed–crop competition and physiology and integration of weed control tactics and practices. Weed science at ARS is often overshadowed by other research topics; thus, few are aware of the long history of ARS weed science and its important contributions. This review is the result of a symposium held at the Weed Science Society of America’s 62nd Annual Meeting in 2022 that included 10 separate presentations in a virtual Weed Science Webinar Series. The overarching themes of management tactics (IWM, biological control, and automation), basic mechanisms (competition, invasive plant genetics, and herbicide resistance), and ecosystem impacts (invasive plant spread, climate change, conservation, and restoration) represent core ARS weed science research that is dynamic and efficacious and has been a significant component of the agency’s national and international efforts. This review highlights current studies and future directions that exemplify the science and collaborative relationships both within and outside ARS. Given the constraints of weeds and invasive plants on all aspects of food, feed, and fiber systems, there is an acknowledged need to face new challenges, including agriculture and natural resources sustainability, economic resilience and reliability, and societal health and well-being.

Verbascum blattaria L., commonly known as moth mullein, naturalized in the USA that produces white or yellow flowers could be considered as a potential ornamental plant. However, genetic characterization using molecular markers and leaf morphology, colourimetric analysis and flowering of V. blattaria influenced by low temperature treatments was not investigated to evaluate as a potential horticultural and landscape plant use. The basal leaves developed during the rosette-growth stage were oblanceolate with an obtuse leaf apex and incisions at the margin. Leaves produced on the stem during the reproductive development were ovate or lanceolate with an obtuse or acute leaf apex. Regardless of the colour of the petiole and leaf blade during the rosette-growth stage, there were no differences in the sequences of nuclear ribosomal ITS and chloroplast interspacer. All plants produced creamy white flowers with a purplish base corolla. All leaves formed during the vegetative and reproductive development were glabrous. Numerous stalked glandular trichomes were observed in the sepal, pedicel and bracts. Seeds started to germinate in 10 days at 25°C and reached the plateau in 30 days after sowing. The earliest flowering occurred in 131 days when the plants received 20 days of low temperature treatment (CD) (20 CD), producing 76 flowers, the highest number compared to the number of flowers produced by plants that received 0, 40 and 60 CD. Plants that received 20 CD exhibited early flowering, probably because of the early transition from vegetative growth to reproductive development, as judged by the short stem to the first flower.

To increase inclusivity, diversity, equity and accessibility in Antarctic science, we must build more positive and inclusive Antarctic field work environments. The International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration (ITGC) has engaged in efforts to contribute to that goal through a variety of activities since 2018, including creating an open-access ‘Field and Ship Best Practices’ guide, engaging in pre-field season team dynamics meetings, and surveying post-field season reflections and experiences. We report specific actions taken by ITGC and their outcomes. We found that strong and supported early career researchers brought new and important perspectives regarding strategies for transforming culture. We discovered that engaged and involved senior leadership was also critical for expanding participation and securing funding to support efforts. Pre-field discussions involving all field team members were particularly helpful for setting expectations, improving sense of belonging, describing field work best practices, and co-creating a positive work culture.

Dissociative symptoms present transdiagnostically and are related to poor clinical outcome. Research into the biological correlates of dissociation remains limited. This editorial summarises and discusses papers from this themed series of BJPsych Open that contribute to unravelling the biological correlates of dissociative symptomatology with the aim of improving treatment and treatment outcome.

U.S. soybean farmers are currently grappling with dicamba herbicide drift. Using a network diffusion framework that accommodates key features of soybean farmer networks, we estimate the damages incurred from dicamba drift across different regions. Under our baseline assumptions, we estimate an average yield loss of 3% and predict sizable levels of forced switching to dicamba-resistant seed in response to drift. The relative importance of drift on damage and seed choice holds across a range of economic and network assumptions. In the absence of policy, this damage may cause regional adoption rates of dicamba-resistant soybean seed to increase.

Peer support interventions for dietary change may offer cost-effective alternatives to interventions led by health professionals. This process evaluation of a trial to encourage the adoption and maintenance of a Mediterranean diet in a Northern European population at high CVD risk (TEAM-MED) aimed to investigate the feasibility of implementing a group-based peer support intervention for dietary change, positive elements of the intervention and aspects that could be improved. Data on training and support for the peer supporters; intervention fidelity and acceptability; acceptability of data collection processes for the trial and reasons for withdrawal from the trial were considered. Data were collected from observations, questionnaires and interviews, with both peer supporters and trial participants. Peer supporters were recruited and trained to result in successful implementation of the intervention; all intended sessions were run, with the majority of elements included. Peer supporters were complimentary of the training, and positive comments from participants centred around the peer supporters, the intervention materials and the supportive nature of the group sessions. Attendance at the group sessions, however, waned over the intervention, with suggested effects on intervention engagement, enthusiasm and group cohesion. Reduced attendance was reportedly a result of meeting (in)frequency and organisational concerns, but increased social activities and group-based activities may also increase engagement, group cohesion and attendance. The peer support intervention was successfully implemented and tested, but improvements can be suggested and may enhance the successful nature of these types of interventions. Some consideration of personal preferences may also improve outcomes.