Reflex Model Research Articles

Unpacking reflexivity, psychological empowerment, and agile project dynamics among information systems professionals

AbstractIn this study, we examine the reflexivity modes of information systems (IS) professionals and integrate the IS context—including structural, technological, and social properties—with IS professionals' biographical, inner dialogues to theorise about the role of reflexivity modes in their experiences of psychological empowerment. Through the lens of Archer's (2007) three‐stage model of reflexivity and different modes of reflexivity (communicative, autonomous, meta, and fractured), we investigate the experiences of psychological empowerment and project dynamics among IS professionals in IS development work by zooming in on 6 years of three IS professionals' work lives. Our findings make several contributions to theory and practice. First, we elucidate the interplay between reflexivity and psychological empowerment. Second, we show how different IS professionals' approach similar structural, technological, or social circumstances differently (such as agile work practices), depending on their reflexive inner dialogues. This includes showing how different reflexivity modes, focused on various properties of the IS context (structural, technological, and social), becomes entangled with interpersonal dynamics and IS project dynamics.

‘Two sides of the one coin’: using reflection to examine co-production of human rights education within higher institutions in Ireland

ABSTRACT Encompassing human rights-based approaches within mental health service delivery is essential to supporting the recovery of service users, their family members/carers/supporters. This is being increasingly led by social workers due to their role in responding to psychosocial challenges. This is seen in today’s mental health services through their work in safeguarding service users and addressing familial concerns regarding all aspects of life. It is also evidenced in their openness to the concept of personal recovery—a movement aimed at defending and improving human rights for service users and their family members/carers/supporters through the recognition of international legislation. Recent debates within social work education have explored whether our critical and radical roots are declining or absent in practice. One argument for this has been the increasing pressures coming from neoliberal policies. This paper describes how both authors approached several co-produced sessions with social work students at an Irish university regarding mental health recovery and social work. The authors provide insight into this approach, including a description and exploration of a model of reflexivity used during this process which can be used by other educators, students, and practitioners [CS is an Assistant Professor of Social Work,MJN is a Consumer Academic].

20S-Ginsenoside Rh2, the major bioactive saponin in Panax notoginseng flowers, ameliorates cough by inhibition of NaV1.7 and TRPV1 channel currents and downregulation of TRPV1 expression

Ethnopharmacological relevancePanax notoginseng flowers, which are the buds of the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Sanqi, are widely used in China for their cough-ameliorating properties, with demonstrated therapeutic effects in the treatment of both acute and chronic coughs. However, both the antitussive mechanism and active compound basis of P. notoginseng flowers remain poorly understood. Aim of the studyWe investigated the antitussive effects of P. notoginseng flowers, identified the bioactive constituents responsible for alleviating cough symptoms, and elucidated the underlying pharmacological mechanisms. Materials and methodsWe analyzed the major chemical constituents of aqueous extracts of P. notoginseng flowers using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and quantitatively analyzed the key component, 20S-ginsenoside Rh2, using high-performance liquid chromatography. Using a cough reflex model in healthy mice and an ovalbumin-induced, highly sensitive guinea pig cough model, we verified the suppressive effects of P. notoginseng flowers and their saponin constituents on coughing. Furthermore, we explored the mechanisms of action of the key ion channels, NaV1.7 and TRPV1, using whole-cell patch-clamp techniques and molecular docking. Finally, the therapeutic mechanisms of P. notoginseng flowers on pathological cough were revealed using hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting. ResultsThe active components of P. notoginseng flowers were primarily protopanaxadiol-type saponins, among which 20S-ginsenoside Rh2 had the highest content (51.46 mg/g). In the mouse model, P. notoginseng flowers exhibited antitussive effects comparable to those of pentoxyverine citrate. Although its main saponin component, 20S-ginsenoside Rh2, showed slightly weaker effects, it still demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition of channel activity. The whole-cell patch-clamp technique and virtual molecular docking showed that Rh2 might exert its effects by directly binding to the NaV1.7 and TRPV1 channels. In the guinea pig model, P. notoginseng flowers and their saponin components not only reduced cough frequency and prolonged the latency period before cough onset, but also significantly inhibited tracheal and pulmonary inflammation and the overexpression of TRPV1. Conclusions20S-Ginsenoside Rh2, the major bioactive saponin in P. notoginseng flowers, exhibits potent antitussive effects. The potential mechanism of action of 20S-Ginsenoside Rh2 in the treatment of cough may involve inhibiting NaV1.7 and TRPV1 channel currents through direct binding to core protein active sites and downregulating TRPV1 expression.

A Legal Obligation on UK Employers to Conduct Labour Law Due Diligence: A Substantive Proposal

Abstract The use of non-financial reporting and due diligence legislation to force companies to address specific adverse effects of their operations has become an increasingly common tool for policymakers in recent years. To date, international legislative activity has mainly focussed on potential breaches of human rights and environmental obligations but has also included aspects of labour law. This article proposes a new law that adapts the concept of corporate due diligence to the field of labour law. The new law uses a reflexive model of legislation which is referred to as Labour Law Due Diligence. The under-resourced system of labour market enforcement in the UK and workers’ reluctance to use litigation to defend their rights means that persistent non-compliance by employers can go unpunished. Employers would be obliged to carry out an annual audit to assess whether they comply with key labour law obligations and make the results public. Non-compliant employers would need to remedy any unlawful practices within a year or face the prospect of enforcement action being taken against them. Through an evaluation of UK legislation which has attempted to force companies to address specific legislative goals through public disclosure of data, the article seeks to address the weaknesses of such legislation by involving stakeholders and introducing robust systems of enforcement.

ANALYSING MALICIOUS SOFTWARE SUPPORTING DDOS ATTACKS ON IOT NETWORKS

Background. With the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) networks in the digital age, the risk of cyberattacks, especially DDoS attacks, is also increasing. IoT devices such as smart refrigerators, thermostats, webcams and other Internet-connected home appliances are being targeted by attackers who can use them as part of a botnet to conduct DDoS attacks. These devices often have inadequate network security and are rarely updated, making them vulnerable. DDoS attacks can result in significant losses such as lost revenue, reputational damage and costs to restore services. So, the vulnerability of IoT networks to DDoS attacks and the need to develop effective protection measures is a pressing issue. Objective. The purpose of the paper is to analyse software that supports DDoS attacks in IoT networks. Provide general recommendations to help improve approaches to defence measures in IoT networks against DDoS-enabled malware. Methods. Five main DDoS attack models are considered: agent-handler model, reflexive model, IRC-based model, web-based model, and P2P-based model. Three most dangerous software capable of DDoS attacks on IoT networks are analyzed: Mirai, XOR.DDoS and Linux.Hydra. Results. There are many models and methods of DDoS attacks on IoT networks. The most dangerous are Mirai, XOR.DDoS and Linux.Hydra. Each of these software has its own specific characteristics and methods of carrying out attacks. The study also showed that there are several effective measures to counter these attacks, including setting strong passwords, regularly updating software, setting up traffic filters and restricting network access. Conclusions. Key aspects of DDoS attacks, their models and process steps are considered. The paper focuses on the three most dangerous software used to conduct such attacks and provides recommendations on how to counteract them.

Teacher Agency in the Pedagogical Uses of ICT: A Holistic Perspective Emanating from Reflexive Practice

This article discusses a case study on teacher agency about the pedagogical uses of information and communication technologies (ICTs). The investigation explored a school ecosystem that has developed a model of reflexive practice aimed at promoting teacher agency from a holistic and relational perspective. The primary case comprised six sub-cases using ICTs with students and deliberated on these uses by applying the reflexive model promoted within the school boundaries. Data were analyzed thematically. Observations of teaching practices with ICTs, reflexive practice sessions on ICT uses, and interviews with the heads of departments of the observed teachers yielded the relevance of collaborative agency in the context of the digital age as it brings together policy, theory, and practice. In line with the claims of relevant literature, the study shows that an articulated dialogue between these dimensions is relevant for using technologies in education according to the specificities of teachers’ institutional ecosystem.

Professional Identity Development of Black Doctoral Students in Counselor Education: A Reflexive Model

Professional Identity Development of Black Doctoral Students in Counselor Education: A Reflexive Model

“Fourth‐wall breakiness or whatevs”: Presumed self‐awareness in American superhero comics

AbstractStudies on reflexivity in the field of comics studies have been scarce and, more often than not, disconnected from each other, which has resulted in overlapping, and sometimes even contradicting, classifications of reflexive devices. Therefore, this article analyzes different instances of self‐awareness in American superhero comics, as it has become quite a popular feature in recent years. In order to systematize the corpus of American comics which feature self‐aware characters, Pardo's theoretical model of reflexivity results highly advantageous due to the fact that its transmedia categories provide a useful framework to explore those elements which are particular to comics narration, such as panels, speech balloons, splash pages, and more of the like. At the same time, this theoretical model connects comics' self‐consciousness to the larger storytelling tradition of Western culture—after all, some of the most important studies on reflexivity stem from literary and film studies, from scholars such as Alter, Hutcheon, Waugh, and Stam, to mention a few. This article, then, provides a theoretical review of key definitions from the field of reflexivity before applying said categories to a corpus of American superhero comics which includes titles such as The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Black Hammer, and Empowered, as well as some Bat‐Mite strips and a few Deadpool and Harley Quinn issues. The analysis mainly focuses on the diegetic disruptions that self‐aware characters trigger in comics—particularly considering the formal elements of the medium—to prove that reflexivity, despite having been deemed as a tool to tackle serious existential and ontological issues in canonical works, operates as a bridge which brings readers as close as possible to the fictional realities in their favorite superhero comics.

‘Virtual pivot point’ in human walking: Always experimentally observed but simulations suggest it may not be necessary for stability

The intersection of ground reaction forces near a point above the center of mass has been observed in computer simulation models and human walking experiments. Observed so ubiquitously, the intersection point (IP) is commonly assumed to provide postural stability for bipedal walking. In this study, we challenge this assumption by questioning if walking without an IP is possible. Deriving gaits with a neuromuscular reflex model through multi-stage optimization, we found stable walking patterns that show no signs of the IP-typical intersection of ground reaction forces. The non-IP gaits found are stable and successfully rejected step-down perturbations, which indicates that an IP is not necessary for locomotion robustness or postural stability. A collision-based analysis shows that non-IP gaits feature center of mass (CoM) dynamics with vectors of the CoM velocity and ground reaction force increasingly opposing each other, indicating an increased mechanical cost of transport. Although our computer simulation results have yet to be confirmed through experimental studies, they already indicate that the role of the IP in postural stability should be further investigated. Moreover, our observations on the CoM dynamics and gait efficiency suggest that the IP may have an alternative or additional function that should be considered.

Combining Reflexes and External Sensory Information in a Neuromusculoskeletal Model to Control a Quadruped Robot.

This article examines the importance of integrating locomotion and cognitive information for achieving dynamic locomotion from a viewpoint combining biology and ecological psychology. We present a mammalian neuromusculoskeletal model from external sensory information processing to muscle activation, which includes: 1) a visual-attention control mechanism for controlling attention to external inputs; 2) object recognition representing the primary motor cortex; 3) a motor control model that determines motor commands traveling down the corticospinal and reticulospinal tracts; 4) a central pattern generation model representing pattern generation in the spinal cord; and 5) a muscle reflex model representing the muscle model and its reflex mechanism. The proposed model is able to generate the locomotion of a quadruped robot in flat and natural terrain. The experiment also shows the importance of a postural reflex mechanism when experiencing a sudden obstacle. We show the reflex mechanism when a sudden obstacle is separately detected from both external (retina) and internal (touching afferent) sensory information. We present the biological rationale for supporting the proposed model. Finally, we discuss future contributions, trends, and the importance of the proposed research.

The Implementation of Reflexive Methodology and a Storyline in Dual-Language Field Research

This article attempts to illustrate the process of incorporating a model of reflexivity into dual- language field research as an alternative method of scientific enquiry. It also contributes to the ongoing discussion regarding how to approach reflexivity in a methodologically consistentmanner. The study is rooted in classical grounded theory and therefore it did not attempt to test or expand upon any existing or preconceived theory. However, it began with a research question on how mainstream curricula address the nature of minority cultural diversity. The research was conducted in primary schools in Texas in the United States, where dual-language curricula incorporate cultural aspects of students’ backgrounds. An overt non-participantobservation research technique was applied. The researcher was observing in an unobtrusive manner and making notes within the study environment. The codes and concepts emerging from the data were “put into dialogue” with the researcher’s voice, existing concepts and knowledge. The dialogue took place before, during, and after data collection as part of a literature review, and later to discuss the concepts and categories that emerged from the data. A storyline is used here to present the findings and emerging theories. This study demonstrates that the use of the model of reflexivity in GT research strengthens the rigor of the research process and the development of the researcher.

A Systematic Review of the Outcomes, Level, Facilitators, and Barriers to Deep Self-Reflection in Public Health Higher Education: Meta-Analysis and Meta-Synthesis

Based on 34 studies and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review consisting of a meta-analysis and a meta-synthesis to illustrate the various self-reflection formats used in public health higher education. Through this review, we aimed to (1) describe the range of self-reflection formats used in public health undergraduate education, (2) compare the level of reflectivity and outcomes of self-reflection according to the common formats of self-reflection used, and (3) compare the facilitators and barriers to deep self-reflection based on the common formats of self-reflection used. Most students were not engaging in reflection at a deep level according to the Mezirow's model of reflexivity. Both meta-analysis and meta-synthesis results revealed self-reflection enhanced self-confidence, professional identity, and professional development as well as improved understanding of public health related topics in these students. Future educational programmes should consider the common facilitators to deep self-reflection, i.e., advocacy on the importance of reflection by instructors and provision of guidance to students and the common barriers, i.e., perception by instructors/students to be time consuming and the imbalance in power relationship between instructors and students. Because perceptions of learning environments varied between institutions, programs, teachers and students, efforts to evaluate the implementation feasibility of these facilitators and barriers need to take place across the different levels. As a start, peer ambassadors or champions could be appointed at the student level to change the common perception that performing deep self-reflection was time consuming. Similarly, at the teacher level, faculty learning communities could be set up for like-minded educators to advocate on the importance of reflection and to share their experience on balancing the power relationship between instructors and students.Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42021255714.

Interaction Between Ropivacaine and a Self-Assembling Peptide: A Nanoformulation for Long-Acting Analgesia.

IntroductionRopivacaine as a conventional local anesthetic has been used more and more frequently in the treatment of postoperative pain, but its analgesic effect can only last for several hours. In order to fulfill the clinic requirement for long-term analgesia, a long-acting ropivacaine nanocrystal formulation was fabricated through the interaction between ropivacaine and a self-assembling peptide.MethodsTransmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, circular dichroism and fluorescence spectrometry were used to examine the structural changes caused by the interaction between ropivacaine and the peptide. Scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, X-ray diffraction and optical microscopy were used to characterize the ropivacaine-peptide nanocrystal. In vitro drug release and pharmacokinetics study were conducted to evaluate the slow-release profile of the nanocrystal formulation. A rodent cutaneous trunci muscle reflex model was used to evaluate the nociceptive blockade effects, and histological analysis was used to evaluate the local toxicity. A rodent plantar incisional pain model was used to evaluate the analgesic effect.ResultsSoluble ropivacaine monomers interacted with the Q11 peptide through π-π stacking and remolded its self-assembling structure, leading to the formation of drug/peptide nanoparticles which could be mineralized to form drug/peptide nanocrystals by adjusting the pH. Under physiological condition, the nanocrystals could release free ropivacaine slowly. As evaluated in rodent models, the anesthetic and analgesic effects of this formulation were significantly extended without causing toxicity.ConclusionBased on the interaction between ropivacaine and Q11, a controllable biomineralization process could be induced to obtain homogeneous nanocrystals, which could be used as an injectable long-acting analgesic formulation. This crystallization strategy utilizing the peptide-drug interaction also provided a promising pathway to fabricate long-acting formulations for many other small molecular drugs.

러시아 연방의 정보-심리작전과 재귀 통제(Reflexive Control)

How does reflexive control affect state security and destabilize the government and entire society? And why is it currently so important in the concepts of information warfare, one of many features of the 21st century warfare? Reflexive control is the process of transmitting specially crafted and probabilistic information to the enemy center, which is aimed at making a decision favorable to the aggressor. This operation can be successful only if the adversary does not realize that the premises on the basis of which it takes a given action are the result of external interference. In order to minimize the probability of discovering this manipulation, the entity applying reflexive control is obliged to create so-called reflexive models imitating the process of reasoning, self-awareness and potential behavior of the opponent. Each decision is a resultant of a subjective image existing in the consciousness of the decision maker, which is a mosaic of various elements. The subjective image of the situation in a given conflict available to each party is shaped primarily by the so-called information-psychological operation, which within the concept of reflexive control is obliged to provide the most precise information necessary to create the so-called reflexive model reflecting the opponent and imitating his behavior in a given situation. The aim of this article is to explain the theoretical foundations, genesis and application of reflexive control methods in the sphere of information warfare, focusing on Russia’s information-psychological operation. (Chonnam National University / budennyi@gmail.com)

Association between Outcomes of Physical activities and Sports on Work-Life Balance of Employees

The desire to succeed in a rapidly changing work environment is overwhelming. This study aims to emphasize the importance of work-life balance and to examine the relationship between work-life balance and happiness. Focusing on physical activities and workplace health among the various ways for employee health is one way to ensure employee health and productivity. Managing long working hours in personal life increases employee stress. It consists of various fields related to the IT industry, computer, and digital information. IT professionals are the most in-demand members of today's labor market, as the industry's largest companies fight to expand the adoption of digital technologies. Employers are continually striving to ensure that their employees do their jobs in the best possible way without getting tired. Employee Work-Life Balance is measured by the employee's mental and physical investment in the workplace. You are dedicated to your work in terms of time, energy, and level of motivation to work towards achieving organizational success. This paper purposes to measure happiness and employee work-life balance as a measure of physical activity. Smart-PLS 3.2.8 creates a conceptual reflex model using measures of physical activity and happiness and work-life balance as survey components.

메타언어와 메타화용: 언어의 자기관련성에 대한 재고찰

The goal of this paper is to re-examine some key aspects of linguistic reflexivity from the perspective of metapragmatics. The range of metapragmatic phenomena includes not only metalinguistic and metacommunicative commentary, but also reflexive properties resulting from indexicals and pragmatic markers. Moreover, metapragmatic reflexivity is linked to language ideologies and enregisterment. By considering these aspects, this paper attempts to improve Roman Jakobson’s original model of linguistic reflexivity (M/M, C/C, N/C, C/M), resulting in a model of five types (M→M, M→C, M(M), C(M), C({C}). This new typology of linguistic reflexivity is characterized by the relational dimensions of explicit/implicit and contiguous/simultaneous/governing.

Towards Spatial Reflexivity: Knowledge and Perspectives on (the Teaching of) Competences to use Geomedia Maturely

Reflection and reflexivity are key concepts in geomedia education. Reflexive geomedia competences (such as reflection on basic technical concepts and spatial constructions, reflexivity in appropriation of space and towards one’s own learning processes, as well as general reflexive competences) enable learners to gain deeper insights into geographical issues and more mature participation in everyday spatial decision making. The pedagogical target of teaching reflection and reflexivity requires teachers who have the professional training to do so. However, little research has been done on university lecturers’ knowledge of and perspectives on spatial reflexivity. This contribution therefore develops a competence model of spatial reflexivity, and empirically explores teachers' starting points for teaching reflexivity. It does so by analysing 17 in-depth qualitative interviews with German university teachers and teacher trainers.

A Biorealistic Computational Model Unfolds Human-Like Compliant Properties for Control of Hand Prosthesis.

Objective: Human neuromuscular reflex control provides a biological model for a compliant hand prosthesis. Here we present a computational approach to understanding the emerging human-like compliance, force and position control, and stiffness adaptation in a prosthetic hand with a replica of human neuromuscular reflex. Methods: A virtual twin of prosthetic hand was constructed in the MuJoCo environment with a tendon-driven anthropomorphic hand structure. Biorealistic mathematic models of muscle, spindle, spiking-neurons and monosynaptic reflex were implemented in neuromorphic chips to drive the virtual hand for real-time control. Results: Simulation showed that the virtual hand acquired human-like ability to control fingertip position, force and stiffness for grasp, as well as the capacity to interact with soft objects by adaptively adjusting hand stiffness. Conclusion: The biorealistic neuromorphic reflex model restores human-like neuromuscular properties for hand prosthesis to interact with soft objects.

Predictive Temporal Analytics Method in Situational Modeling of the Evolution of Complex Systems

The article discusses the main characteristics of complex systems, as well as the structures, domains and interactions occurring in the course of evolution. The main properties of complex systems are defined to include openness, non-ergodicity, disequilibrium, activity and multiplicity of goals. The classification attributes are defined to include free energy, anthropic factor, incomplete observability, computational irreducibility, dominant coded interactions, dynamic structure and transformable environments. A variety of primary entities, which form complex systems, are represented by two classes, possible individuals and abstract individuals. The space-time structure as a 6D continuum is formulated; spatial and temporal vacuums and quanta of interaction are defined. The three-dimensional time is presented in terms of three orthogonal components: coordinate time, structural time and discrete time. The coordinate time corresponds to the variability of a system when individuals move in space; the structural time corresponds to the variability of a system when the structure of individuals changes; the discrete time corresponds to the variability of the system caused by informational interaction between or within individuals. A model of a one-time ideal event and a continuous event is defined. The interaction between individuals is presented through a two-way reflexive model of cyclic interaction of an actor and an acceptor. The occurrence of post-causes and post-effects of physical interactions is shown to result in unpredictable chains of effects. The essence of the predictive temporal analytics method is presented. The use of the method involves the construction of a six-dimensional hypergraph of cause-and-effect relations with subsequent analysis of a body of causes and effects. The optimal way of evolution of a system is considered a way that maximizes diversity (in terms of liberty of actions, states, goals achieved) and minimizes the energy costs in a certain time perspective.

Comparison of Threshold and Tolerance Nociceptive Withdrawal Reflexes in Horses.

Simple SummaryNociception is the physiological basis of the complex experience of pain. An established model for its quantification in equine studies is based on the nociceptive withdrawal reflex evoked by electrical stimulation of a sensory nerve. The reflex is recorded via electromyography and it is common to determine the threshold at which a nociceptive-specific reflex activity can be observed. In the present study, the classical methodology was expanded for a deeper understanding of the physiology of nociceptive reflexes in horses. First, for each individual horse, a threshold was determined as the minimal stimulation intensity able to evoke a nociceptive withdrawal reflex. Second, the stimulation intensity was stepwise increased up to tolerance, which was defined as the stimulus that is able to elicit the maximal tolerable behavioral reaction. The characteristics of the reflex activity on the electromyographic records were compared for threshold and tolerance stimulation intensities. At tolerance, the reflex became faster and wider than at threshold, indicating that either a spinal summation mechanism or the recruitment of faster sensory fibers occurs in response to high-intensity noxious stimuli. A novel endpoint (i.e., tolerance) can now be considered when applying the nociceptive withdrawal reflex model in equine studies.The nociceptive withdrawal reflex (NWR) is used to investigate nociception in horses. The NWR threshold is a classical model endpoint. The aims of this study were to determine NWR tolerance and to compare threshold and tolerance reflexes in horses. In 12 horses, the NWR was evoked through electrical stimulation of the digital nerve and recorded via electromyography from the deltoid. Behavioral reactions were scored from 0 to 5 (tolerance). First, the individual NWR threshold was defined, then stimulation intensity was increased to tolerance. The median NWR threshold was 7.0 mA, whereas NWR tolerance was 10.7 mA. Upon visual inspection of the records, two main reflex components R1 (median latency 44 ms) and R2 (median latency 81 ms) were identified at threshold. Increasing stimulation intensity to tolerance led to a significant increase in the amplitude and duration of R1 and R2, whereas their latency decreased. At tolerance, a single burst of early, high-amplitude reflex activity, with a median latency of 39 ms, was detected in 15 out of 23 stimulations (65%). The results of this study suggest that (1) it is feasible to determine NWR tolerance in horses and (2) high-intensity stimuli initiate ultrafast bursts of reflex activity, which is well known in practice and has now been quantified using the NWR model.