Rewarding Research Articles

Etiopathogenesis in Neuropsychological Aspects of Mood Disorders and Self-Harming Behavior in Adolescents: A Review

The average prevalence of self-harm in school-age adolescents in the world is 17.20% with bipolar spectrum disorders (37%) apparently higher than among adolescents with depressive disorders (13%). Based on etiopathogenesis, neuropsychological factors are associated with the emergence of mood disorders and self-harm behavior. The method used is the preparation of this article review was carried out through the process of searching, collecting data, and analyzing several articles from Science Direct, Proquest, Pubmed, and Google Scholar. The extracted data were analyzed to summarize the findings related to the etiopathogenesis of mood disorders and self-harm behavior in adolescents reviewed from a neurophysiological aspect. Discussion: Based on the results of the analysis of several articles, the etiopathogenesis of mood disorders and self-harm behavior in adolescents reviewed from a neurophysiological aspect is related to the influence of neurotransmitters and changes in the functional structure of the brain. The related neurotransmitters are serotonin, dopamine, GABA, glutamate, norepinephrine, and histamine. In adolescents who are not accompanied by psychological maturity, it can cause conflicts that result in emotional stress and distress as well as the emergence of negative emotions related to changes in brain function and structure related to brain neuroplasticity and disruption of the reward and punishment system in the limbic system.

Implementasi Reward ASYIK dalam Meningkatkan Rasa Percaya Diri Anak Kelompok A di TK Negeri Tegal Menteng Jakarta Pusat

This research aims to increase self-confidence in Group A children at TK Negeri Tegal, Menteng, Jakarta Piusat, through the implementation of the "ASYIK" reward system. The research subjects were 30 children aged 4-5 years. The method used was classroom action research conducted in two cycles. Initial observations showed that the children's confidence level only reached 40%, far below the 80% target. After implementing the "ASYIK" reward, there was a significant increase from 37.5% in cycle 1 activity 1 to 80% in cycle 2 activity 2. The success of the intervention was marked by 12 out of 15 children in class A achieving the Very Well Developed (BSB) criteria. The improvement in children's self-confidence was evident, where before the intervention only 4 children had BSB scores, increasing to 5 children after cycle 1, 8 children (60%) after cycle 2 activity 1, and finally 12 children (80%) after cycle 2 activity 2. The results of this study indicate that the implementation of the "ASYIK" reward is effective in increasing self-confidence in Group A children at TK Negeri Tegal Menteng, Jakarta Pusat.

Psychosocial and Longevity Factors as Predictors of Length of Stay in the Seafaring Profession

This study examines the psychosocial factors, longevity factors, and length of stay of millennial Filipino seafarers toward their maritime careers. A sample of 300 millennial seafarers were selected through purposive and convenience sampling techniques. The research instrument consisted of three sections: 1) assessing psychosocial factors; 2) evaluating longevity factors; and, 3) length of stay in the seafaring profession. Due to COVID-19 constraints, respondents were asked to answer the questionnaire via an online. Results indicated that millennial seafarers generally experience positive psychosocial conditions onboard, with high mean scores for psychological support, civility and respect, and involvement and influence. However, areas like recognition and reward, and growth and development showed slightly lower scores. In terms of longevity factors, all indicators were agreed upon by the respondents with high mean scores on empowered decision and workplace enjoyment factors. Findings have further revealed that fair reward systems and valued opinions have no significant influence on career duration, though with very small positive correlations on length of sea experience. Statistical analysis using Pearson correlation revealed significant positive relationships between psychosocial factors and longevity factors. Specifically, recognition and reward, growth and development, and organizational culture had strong correlations with fair reward systems. Multiple linear regression identified workload management, workplace enjoyment, and fair reward system as significant predictors of the length of sea service. The above findings have entailed a number of measures to be undertaken by concerned stakeholders. This includes strict compliance to a humane and acceptable levels of duties and responsibilities onboard, fixed hours of work based on the IMO guidelines, a well-crafted program that highlights provisions on proper workload management directly addressing the working conditions of Filipino seafarers, promotion of social and recreational activities onboard to guarantee workplace enjoyment of Filipino seafarers, and a reward system that maximizes their benefits in exchange of the hard work and perils they undergo in fulfilling the demands of a seafaring work.

Interaction of spatial attention and the associated reward value of audiovisual objects

Reward value and selective attention both enhance the representation of sensory stimuli at the earliest stages of processing. It is still debated whether and how reward-driven and attentional mechanisms interact to influence perception. Here we ask whether the interaction between reward value and selective attention depends on the sensory modality through which the reward information is conveyed. Human participants first learned the reward value of uni-modal visual and auditory stimuli during a conditioning phase. Subsequently, they performed a target detection task on bimodal stimuli containing a previously rewarded stimulus in one, both, or neither of the modalities. Additionally, participants were required to focus their attention on one side and only report targets on the attended side. Our results showed a strong modulation of visual and auditory event-related potentials (ERPs) by spatial attention. We found no main effect of reward value but importantly we found an interaction effect as the strength of attentional modulation of the ERPs was significantly affected by the reward value. When reward effects were examined separately with respect to each modality, auditory value-driven modulation of attention was found to dominate the ERP effects whereas visual reward value on its own led to no effect, likely due to its interference with the target processing. These results inspire a two-stage model where first the salience of a high reward stimulus is enhanced on a local priority map specific to each sensory modality, and at a second stage reward value and top-down attentional mechanisms are integrated across sensory modalities to affect perception.

Differential role of negative and positive parenting styles on resting-state brain networks in middle-aged adolescents

Parenting styles encompass negative and positive approaches, potentially affecting adolescents' brain reward and emotion regulation systems. However, the association between parenting style and brain networks remains unknown. This study investigates the link between parenting style and functional connectivity (FC) within the reward and emotion regulation brain networks, using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). A total of forty-two middle-aged adolescents (26 males; 16 females) with no neurological or psychiatric symptoms participated in this study. We assessed parenting behaviors and extracted reward/emotion regulation FC from rs-fMRI. We examined the association between FC and parenting style, identified through principal component analysis. Correlation analysis investigated these links while controlling for sex. We delineated both positive (love-autonomy) and negative (hostility-control) parenting styles, accounting for 79 % of the explained variance in parenting behaviors. The negative parenting style displayed connections with FC within the reward system, particularly in the left nucleus accumbens (NAc), showcasing links to multiple frontal regions. Furthermore, it correlated with the social reward network, specifically the insula-NAc FC in bilateral hemispheres. Conversely, the positive parenting style exhibited an association with FC between the hippocampus and right lateral prefrontal cortex. Our findings support negative parenting's association with an immature reward system and suggest positive parenting's potential to enhance emotion regulation in brain function. These observations highlight two distinct parenting styles, including single-parenting behaviors. Thus, we advance understanding of each style's unique contributions to adolescent reward- and emotion regulation-related brain network development.

Altered dynamic functional connectivity of nucleus accumbens subregions in major depressive disorder: the interactive effect of childhood trauma and diagnosis.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) with childhood trauma represents a heterogeneous clinical subtype of depression. Previous research has observed alterations in the reward circuitry centered around the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in MDD patients. However, limited investigations have focused on aberrant functional connectivity (FC) within NAc subregions among MDD with childhood trauma. Thus, this study adopts analyses of both static FC (sFC) and dynamic FC (dFC) to examine neurobiological changes in MDD with childhood trauma. The bilateral nucleus accumbens shell (NAc-shell) and nucleus accumbens core (NAc-core) were selected as the seeds. Four participant groups were included: MDD with childhood trauma (n = 48), MDD without childhood trauma (n = 30), healthy controls (HCs) with childhood trauma (n = 57), and HCs without childhood trauma (n = 46). Our findings revealed both abnormal sFC and dFC between NAc-shell and NAc-core and regions including the middle occipital gyrus (MOG), anterior cingulate cortex, and inferior frontal gyrus in MDD with childhood trauma. Furthermore, a significant correlation was identified between the dFC of the left NAc-shell and the right MOG in relation to childhood trauma. Additionally, abnormal dFC moderated the link between childhood abuse and depression severity. These outcomes shed light on the neurobiological underpinnings of MDD with childhood trauma.

The Influence of the Reward and Punishment System on Improving Service Quality at the BPJS Health Office

This research aims to determine the influence of the reward and punishment system on improving service quality at the Gorontalo Province Health BPJS Office. The analytical method used is a quantitative method, with primary data sources and secondary data and uses a deductive approach. The population in this study were all employees of the BPJS Health Office of Gorontalo Province with a total of 42 respondents. The sampling technique used a saturated sampling technique. Based on the results of the analysis, it can be seen that the t count of the Reward Variable is obtained t count 5.419 > t table 1.682 and with a significance level of 0.000 < 0.05, so in this case the Ha1 hypothesis is accepted, which means that Rewards have a significant effect on improving the quality of service at the Gorontalo Province Health BPJS Office. Meanwhile, giving punishment has no significant effect on improving the quality of services at the Gorontalo Province BPJS Health Office. This is proven by the tcount of 0.311 which is smaller than the ttable value of 1.682 indicating a significance level value of 0.757 which is greater than 0.05, so the hypothesis (Ha2) is rejected. which means that the Punishment system has no significant effect on the level of Service Quality at the Gorontalo Province Health BPJS Office. Based on the results of the ANOVA test, the calculated F value was 10.535 with a significance level of 0.000. The Fcount value is compared with the Ftable value, namely 3.23 so that Fcount > Ftable is obtained or by paying attention to the significance level F=0.000 which means ≥ 0.05, which means there is a simultaneous influence between Reward and Punishment on Improving Employee Quality at the Provincial BPJS Health Office Gorontalo.

USO DE SUBSTÂNCIAS PSICOATIVAS E EFEITOS ADVERSOS: DISTÚRBIOS DECORRENTES DO USO DE ÁLCOOL, CAFEÍNA, CANNABIS, COCAÍNA E NICOTINA.

Introduction: Introduction: The frequent use of psychoactive substances causes harm to the health and quality of life of users, due to the activation of the brain’s reward system by such drugs. Objective: Identify the adverse effects caused by the use of the following substances: alcohol, caffeine, cannabis, crack and nicotine. Methodology: This is an integrative review of the literature, with studies published between 2017 and 2023, in Portuguese and English. Results and Discussion: Thirty articles were selected that addressed the effects resulting from the use of the five substances studied, and several damages to the human body were verified with the continuous consumption of these substances. Several adverse reactions were identified, with recurrence of the effects between the different substances. The presence of disorders was found in seven different body systems, and the most affected systems are the nervous, vascular, cardiac, gastrointestinal and respiratory systems, in addition to skin disorders and gestational disorders. Final Considerations: The study made it possible to expand knowledge on the subject, understand the adverse effects resulting from the use of psychoactive substances and how this understanding is of great help to nursing professionals, since they have close contact with patients and can identify symptoms early.

Does B2B salespeople’s love of money attitude mediate the relationships between a growth mindset, a fixed mindset, grit, and job performance?

Purpose To most people, money is a motivator, which is robustly true for salespeople. A high love of money attitude predicts university students’ poor academic performance in a business course and cheating in laboratory experiments and multiple panel studies, but money (income) itself does not predict dishonesty. Extrinsic reward undermines intrinsic motivation. Very little research has incorporated the grit construct in the sales literature and explored the relationship between grit and the love of money. Further, a growth mindset and a fixed mindset may also impact salespeople’s job performance. This study aims to explore a brand-new theoretical structural equation model (SEM) and investigate the relationships between individual characteristics (growth and fixed mindsets and grit orientation) and job performance directly and indirectly through a mediator – salespeople’s love of money attitude. Design/methodology/approach This study uses Qualtrics and collects data from 330 business-to-business (B2B) salespeople across several industries in the USA. This study uses a formative SEM model to test this study’s hypotheses. Findings First, there are significant correlations among grit, a growth mindset and a fixed mindset, revealing no construct duplication or redundancy. Second, both a growth mindset and grit indirectly enhance job performance through the love of money attitude – a mediator, offering a brand-new discovery. Third, counter-intuitively, a growth mindset and grit do not directly improve job performance. Fourth, grit is significantly and negatively related to the love of money attitude, adding a new twist to this study’s theoretical model. Fifth, a fixed mindset undermines job performance directly but is unrelated to the love of money. Overall, B2B salespeople’s love of money attitude (employee demand) undermines sales personnel’s self-reported job performance (organization demand) in the organization and employee’s supply and demand exchange relationship. Originality/value The findings reveal that a growth mindset, a fixed mindset and grit contribute differently to sales personnel’s love of money attitude and job performance in this study’s theoretical model. The love of money serves as a mediator. A commonly accepted belief is that money is a motivator. Money (income) itself and the love of money attitude are two separate constructs. This study’s novel discoveries provide the essential missing monetary-aspirations-to-job-performance link in the literature – ardent monetary aspiration undermines self-reported job performance. This study offers inspiration to help decision-makers make happy, healthy and wealthy decisions and improve performance.

Intrinsic Rewards for Exploration Without Harm From Observational Noise: A Simulation Study Based on the Free Energy Principle.

In reinforcement learning (RL), artificial agents are trained to maximize numerical rewards by performing tasks. Exploration is essential in RL because agents must discover information before exploiting it. Two rewards encouraging efficient exploration are the entropy of action policy and curiosity for information gain. Entropy is well established in the literature, promoting randomized action selection. Curiosity is defined in a broad variety of ways in literature, promoting discovery of novel experiences. One example, prediction error curiosity, rewards agents for discovering observations they cannot accurately predict. However, such agents may be distracted by unpredictable observational noises known as curiosity traps. Based on the free energy principle (FEP), this letter proposes hidden state curiosity, which rewards agents by the KL divergence between the predictive prior and posterior probabilities of latent variables. We trained six types of agents to navigate mazes: baseline agents without rewards for entropy or curiosity and agents rewarded for entropy and/or either prediction error curiosity or hidden state curiosity. We find that entropy and curiosity result in efficient exploration, especially both employed together. Notably, agents with hidden state curiosity demonstrate resilience against curiosity traps, which hinder agents with prediction error curiosity. This suggests implementing the FEP that may enhance the robustness and generalization of RL models, potentially aligning the learning processes of artificial and biological agents.

Automated architectural spatial composition via multi-agent deep reinforcement learning for building renovation

This paper focuses on utilizing deep reinforcement learning technology to explore how to achieve automated architectural space composition under established built environment conditions to address the extensive demands of old building renovation. A reinforcement learning platform has been develop0065d, centered around the multi-agent deep deterministic policy gradient (MADDPG) algorithm. The paper leverages functional blocks as agents within Grasshopper to simulate existing architectural structures and their interactions, establishing a task-based reward system to guide the design process. Furthermore, data exchange between algorithmic and modeling software is facilitated through UDP communication. Training results using typical frame structure spaces indicate a significant increase in cumulative rewards around the 650,000th training step, effectively achieving the given design tasks. The paper demonstrates the potential of automated architectural space composition methods, based on deep reinforcement learning, to enhance design efficiency, optimize spatial arrangements, and promote human-machine collaborative design in building renovations.

Examining the perception of undergraduate health professional students of their learning environment, learning experience and professional identity development: a mixed-methods study

BackgroundThe quality of the learning environment significantly impacts student engagement and professional identity formation in health professions education. Despite global recognition of its importance, research on student perceptions of learning environments across different health education programs is scarce. This study aimed to explore how health professional students perceive their learning environment and its influence on their professional identity development.MethodsAn explanatory mixed-methods approach was employed. In the quantitative phase, the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure [Minimum–Maximum possible scores = 0–200] and Macleod Clark Professional Identity Scale [Minimum–Maximum possible scores = 1–45] were administered to Qatar University-Health students (N = 908), with a minimum required sample size of 271 students. Data were analyzed using SPSS, including descriptive statistics and inferential analysis. In the qualitative phase, seven focus groups (FGs) were conducted online via Microsoft Teams. FGs were guided by a topic guide developed from the quantitative results and the framework proposed by Gruppen et al. (Acad Med 94:969-74, 2019), transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed using NVIVO®.ResultsThe questionnaire response rate was 57.8% (525 responses out of 908), with a usability rate of 74.3% (390 responses out of 525) after excluding students who only completed the demographic section. The study indicated a “more positive than negative” perception of the learning environment (Median [IQR] = 132 [116–174], Minimum–Maximum obtained scores = 43–185), and a “good” perception of their professional identity (Median [IQR] = 24 [22–27], Minimum–Maximum obtained scores = 3–36). Qualitative data confirmed that the learning environment was supportive in developing competence, interpersonal skills, and professional identity, though opinions on emotional support adequacy were mixed. Key attributes of an ideal learning environment included mentorship programs, a reward system, and measures to address fatigue and boredom.ConclusionsThe learning environment at QU-Health was effective in developing competence and interpersonal skills. Students' perceptions of their learning environment positively correlated with their professional identity. Ideal environments should include mentorship programs, a reward system, and strategies to address fatigue and boredom, emphasizing the need for ongoing improvements in learning environments to enhance student satisfaction, professional identity development, and high-quality patient care.

Cell type-specific Multi-Omics Analysis of Cocaine Use Disorder in the Human Caudate Nucleus.

Structural and functional alterations in the brain's reward circuitry are present in cocaine use disorder (CocUD), but their molecular underpinnings remain unclear. To investigate these mechanisms, we performed single-nuclei multiome profiling on postmortem caudate nucleus tissue from six individuals with CocUD and eight controls. We profiled 31,178 nuclei, identifying 13 cell types including D1- and D2-medium spiny neurons (MSNs) and glial cells. We observed 1,383 differentially regulated genes and 10,235 differentially accessible peaks, with alterations in MSNs and astrocytes related to neurotransmitter activity and synapse organization. Gene regulatory network analysis identified the transcription factor ZEB1 as exhibiting distinct CocUD-specific subclusters, activating downstream expression of ion- and calcium-channels in MSNs. Further, PDE10A emerged as a potential drug target, showing conserved effects in a rat model. This study highlights cell type-specific molecular alterations in CocUD and provides targets for further investigation, demonstrating the value of multi-omics approaches in addiction research.

Positive leadership, incentive and reward system, and work efficiency in Chinese higher vocational colleges

Positive leadership, incentive and reward system, and work efficiency in Chinese higher vocational colleges

The Contribution of the Brain-Gut Axis to the Human Reward System.

The human reward network consists of interconnected brain regions that process stimuli associated with satisfaction and modulate pleasure-seeking behaviors. Impairments in reward processing have been implicated in several medical and psychiatric conditions, and there is a growing interest in disentangling the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. The brain-gut axis plays a regulatory role in several higher-order neurophysiological pathways, including reward processing. In this context, the aim of the current review was to critically appraise research findings on the contribution of the brain-gut axis to the human reward system. Enteric neuropeptides, which are implicated in the regulation of hunger and satiety, such as ghrelin, PYY3-36, and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), have been associated with the processing of food-related, alcohol-related, and other non-food-related rewards, maintaining a delicate balance between the body's homeostatic and hedonic needs. Furthermore, intestinal microbiota and their metabolites have been linked to differences in the architecture and activation of brain reward areas in obese patients and patients with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. Likewise, bariatric surgery reduces hedonic eating by altering the composition of gut microbiota. Although existing findings need further corroboration, they provide valuable information on the pathophysiology of reward-processing impairments and delineate a novel framework for potential therapeutic interventions.

Evaluating the Value of a Geology Degree: An Economic and Societal Analysis

In an era where the economic returns on investment in higher education are increasingly scrutinized, the question arises: Is a geology degree worth it? This paper tends to provide answers to this inquiry through comprehensive economic analysis to evaluate the financial viability and broader benefits of obtaining a geology degree. The analysis begins by examining the economic landscape for geologists, including their earning potential, employment opportunities, and career advancement trajectories. Data from national labor statistics, industry reports, and academic studies are synthesized to provide a nuanced understanding of the financial outcomes associated with a geology degree. Factors such as geographic location, industry specialization, and level of education are considered to capture the variability in economic outcomes among geology graduates. This paper also explores the non-monetary benefits of a geology degree, such as job satisfaction, intellectual fulfilment, and contributions to societal challenges like natural resource management, environmental conservation, and hazard mitigation. These aspects contribute to a holistic evaluation of the degree's value proposition, balancing economic returns with intrinsic rewards. Furthermore, the analysis addresses trends in the geology job market, including the impacts of technological advancements, environmental regulations, and global economic shifts on career opportunities for geologists. Insights into emerging fields within geology, such as geotechnical engineering, hydrogeology, and environmental consulting, are also discussed to illuminate evolving career pathways and specialization opportunities. Through this multidimensional examination, the paper aims to provide valuable insights to prospective students contemplating a geology degree, educators shaping curricula, and policymakers concerned with higher education and workforce development. By integrating economic principles with empirical data and qualitative perspectives, this study offers a robust framework for understanding a geology degree's economic implications and broader societal contributions in contemporary contexts.

Research on Employee Job Satisfaction Caused by Performance Management System

Performance management system is a key component of organizational management, which has a significant impact on employees' job satisfaction. Through the literature review, this study explored the theoretical basis of the performance management system, mainly including management by objectives theory, expectation theory, and the balanced scorecard. Performance management can improve employees' job satisfaction by clarifying goal setting, fair performance evaluation, effective feedback mechanism and reasonable reward system. This paper further puts forward the strategy of optimizing the performance management system, and is committed to providing theoretical support and practical guidance for enterprises to develop more effective management methods.

Perspectives of Female Physicians Who Lead in the Public Health Sector in India – A Qualitative Study

abstract Introduction: This qualitative, research studies female physicians in leadership roles to identify reasons for their underrepresentation. Materials and Methods: Fourteen female physicians in leadership positions in India’s federal and state ministries of health were purposively sampled and interviewed online. Results: Female physician face cultural, organisational and structural barriers. Familial expectations and imbibed, internalised responsibility to prioritise family hold them back. The rigid bureaucracy makes their workplaces non-inclusive. Microaggressions and implicit gender bias abound. A formalised training system and a performance-based reward system are absent. The enabling factors are family support, incidental learning, being emotionally intelligent and passion for their work. Conclusions: Action at the societal, medical education and public health system structural level can motivate female physicians to assume for leadership positions.

Faculty Mindset, Goal Orientation, and Likelihood of Seeking Feedback About Teaching

Growth mindset and learning goal orientation are related to positive outcomes and experiences for both students and instructors in the higher education context. The present study examined growth mindset and learning goal orientation toward teaching as predictors of instructors’ likelihood of seeking feedback about their teaching. Considering that all feedback may not be perceived as equally valuable, we also examined the sources from which instructors were likely to seek feedback. Full-time faculty members (n = 103) responded to measures of general mindset, teaching mindset, teaching goal orientation, and likelihood of seeking feedback about teaching from multiple sources. They reported being more likely to seek feedback from students and department colleagues than from more distant colleagues. Learning goal orientation mediated the relationship between teaching mindset and likelihood of seeking feedback from students; instructors with more of a learning goal orientation reported a more growth-oriented mindset for teaching and greater likelihood of seeking feedback from students. We conclude that instructors who are learning goal-oriented are more likely to perceive teaching as a skill to be developed and thus are more likely to seek feedback, especially from students and close colleagues. Professional development programs (and reward systems in universities) may do well to focus on encouraging learning goal orientation in order to improve instructor performance.

State-dependent connectivity in auditory-reward networks predicts peak pleasure experiences to music.

Music can evoke pleasurable and rewarding experiences. Past studies that examined task-related brain activity revealed individual differences in musical reward sensitivity traits and linked them to interactions between the auditory and reward systems. However, state-dependent fluctuations in spontaneous neural activity in relation to music-driven rewarding experiences have not been studied. Here, we used functional MRI to examine whether the coupling of auditory-reward networks during a silent period immediately before music listening can predict the degree of musical rewarding experience of human participants (N = 49). We used machine learning models and showed that the functional connectivity between auditory and reward networks, but not others, could robustly predict subjective, physiological, and neurobiological aspects of the strong musical reward of chills. Specifically, the right auditory cortex-striatum/orbitofrontal connections predicted the reported duration of chills and the activation level of nucleus accumbens and insula, whereas the auditory-amygdala connection was associated with psychophysiological arousal. Furthermore, the predictive model derived from the first sample of individuals was generalized in an independent dataset using different music samples. The generalization was successful only for state-like, pre-listening functional connectivity but not for stable, intrinsic functional connectivity. The current study reveals the critical role of sensory-reward connectivity in pre-task brain state in modulating subsequent rewarding experience.