Rewarding Research Articles

Professional nurses' perspectives of an ideal performance management process.

A well-managed performance management process can significantly influence professional nurses' job satisfaction and improve patient outcomes. Conversely, ineffective management of the process can lead to demotivation of the nursing staff. This study aimed to understand professional nurses' perspectives on an ideal performance management process. The study was conducted in a designated hospital in South Africa owned by a private healthcare group. The study population consisted of professional nurses involved in a performance management cycle. A descriptive qualitative research design with an appreciative inquiry approach was employed. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. Five focus groups of five professional nurses each were used to conduct interviews. The interviews lasted between 60 min and 80 min. The number of interviews conducted provided sufficient data for data saturation. The data were analysed using thematic analysis and the 5-D model of appreciative inquiry. Trusting relationships between management and professional nurses play an essential role in ensuring a tailored performance management process. Training of both professional nurses and managers, a sound reward system for high-performing employees, and a fair and transparent process that addresses challenges and promotes opportunities can promote a positive work environment. Professional nurses require support from their managers and top management. Involving professional nurses in the planning and implementation can ensure proper relationships exist and that constraints are appropriately addressed. Implementing the findings can improve the competencies of both managers and professional nurses to maintain a positive performance management process.

Selective Brain Activations and Connectivities Related to the Storage and Recall of Human Object-Location, Reward-Location, and Word-Pair Episodic Memories.

Different cortical systems to the hippocampus were activated using fMRI during different types of episodic memory task. For object with scene location episodic memory, the activations were high in cortical systems involved in spatial processing, including the ventromedial visual and medial parahippocampal system. These activations for the medial parahippocampal system were higher in the right hemisphere. The activations in the face and object processing ventrolateral visual cortical stream regions FFC, PIT, V8 and TE2p were higher in the object-location in scene task than the reward-location task, and were higher in the right hemisphere. For reward-location in scene episodic memory, activations were also high in the ventromedial visual cortical spatial stream to the hippocampus, but were also selectively high in storage in key reward cortical regions (ventromedial prefrontal 10r, 10v, 10d; pregenual anterior cingulate d32, p24, p32, s32; and medial orbitofrontal cortex reward-related pOFC, 11l, OFC). For word-pair episodic memory, activations were lower in the ventromedial visual and medial parahippocampal spatial cortical stream, and were higher in language-related regions in Broca's area (44, 45, 47l), and were higher in the left hemisphere for these regions and for the many highly connected inferior frontal gyrus regions in the left hemisphere. Further, effective connectivity analyses during the episodic memory tasks showed that the direction of connectivity for these systems was from early visual cortical regions V2-V4 to the ventromedial visual cortical regions VMV1-3 and VVC for spatial scene processing; was from the pregenual anterior cingulate and orbitofrontal cortex reward systems to the hippocampal system; and was from the FFC/V8/PIT system to TE2p in the visual inferior temporal visual cortex, which has connectivity to lateral parahippocampal TF, which in turn has forward effective connectivity to the hippocampus.

On (Possible) Traumatic Language of Video Games - Adults' Perspective

This study explores adults' perspectives on the potential traumatic language encountered in video games. It follows a prior investigation into the gamers' viewpoints on aggressive language within gaming environments. The research identifies aggressive language as a significant phenomenon that can distress users, particularly those without adequate coping mechanisms. Despite the negative aspects, video games are acknowledged for their entertainment value and contribution to social and communicative skill development, provided these environments are properly regulated. The current study addresses the escalating issue of video game addiction, especially among teenagers, signalling the associated behavioural, mental health, and social consequences. It delves into the elements that contribute to gaming addiction, such as escapism, reward systems, and social interactions within games. The research employs a questionnaire distributed to 54 adults, including parents, teachers, and psychologists, to measure their views on the impact of aggressive language in video games on children's development. Findings indicate that while many adults recognise the developmental benefits of video games, there is significant concern over the aggressive language children are exposed to, which can influence their real-life behaviour and language use. The study highlights the importance of parental monitoring and proactive engagement to mitigate the harmful effects of aggressive language in video games. It calls for comprehensive strategies, including stricter regulatory measures and educational interventions, to foster a safer and more beneficial gaming environment for young players.

Cocaine taking and craving produce distinct transcriptional profiles in dopamine neurons.

Dopamine (DA) signaling plays an essential role in reward valence attribution and in encoding the reinforcing properties of natural and artificial rewards. The adaptive responses from midbrain dopamine neurons to artificial rewards such as drugs of abuse are therefore important for understanding the development of substance use disorders. Drug-induced changes in gene expression are one such adaptation that can determine the activity of dopamine signaling in projection regions of the brain reward system. One of the major challenges to obtaining this understanding involves the complex cellular makeup of the brain, where each neuron population can be defined by a distinct transcriptional profile. To bridge this gap, we have adapted a virus-based method for labeling and capture of dopamine nuclei, coupled with nuclear RNA-sequencing, to study the transcriptional adaptations, specifically, of dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) during cocaine taking and cocaine craving, using a mouse model of cocaine intravenous self-administration (IVSA). Our results show significant changes in gene expression across non-drug operant training, cocaine taking, and cocaine craving, highlighted by an enrichment of repressive epigenetic modifying enzyme gene expression during cocaine craving. Immunohistochemical validation further revealed an increase of H3K9me3 deposition in DA neurons during cocaine craving. These results demonstrate that cocaine-induced transcriptional adaptations in dopamine neurons vary by phase of self-administration and underscore the utility of this approach for identifying relevant phase-specific molecular targets to study the behavioral course of substance use disorders.

The affective response to positive performance feedback is associated with motor learning.

Motor skill learning and performance are improved when successful actions are paired with extrinsic rewards, such as money. Positive feedback indicating successful task performance is thought to induce intrinsic reward associated with goal attainment, evidenced by increases in positive affect that correlate with neural reward signaling. However, it is not clear whether the subjective, internal reward processes elicited by positive feedback promote motor learning and performance.Here, we tested the hypothesis that intrinsic reward elicited by positive feedback promotes motor learning and performance. Participants practiced a visuomotor interception task using a joystick, and received feedback during practice indicating success or failure depending on their accuracy. During practice, the accuracy demands were adapted to control and vary the frequency of positive feedback across randomly ordered blocks of practice at either 50%, 70%, or 90%. Performance was measured for each condition as the average accuracy during practice. Learning was estimated by measuring the accuracy pre and post practice in the absence of feedback. We queried participants periodically on their enjoyment of the task to index affective responses to performance feedback.The intrinsic reward elicited by positive feedback, operationalized by the increase in enjoyment immediately following positive versus negative feedback, was positively correlated with learning from pre to post practice. However, increasing the overall amount of positive feedback by lower accuracy demands did not improve performance. These results suggest that experiencing intrinsic reward due to positive feedback benefits motor learning only when it is contingent on good performance.

Research on the diffusion and control of unsafe behaviors among chemical industry park enterprises based on the SEIR evolutionary game model

In order to control the diffusion of unsafe behaviors among chemical industrial park enterprises, a Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) evolutionary game model is constructed based on the theory of epidemiology and evolutionary game theory. By exploring the game relationship between emergency management departments and safety assessment agencies, the paper analyzes the diffusion paths and evolutionary patterns of unsafe behaviors in chemical industrial park enterprises under different behavioral strategies adopted by both parties. Furthermore, it examines the process and patterns of system evolution to a positive stable state, and conducts multi-scenario simulation and analysis. The results indicate that the interactive behaviors of "strict regulation" by emergency management departments and "high-quality safety assessment" by safety assessment agencies are more conducive to controlling the diffusion of unsafe behaviors among chemical industrial park enterprises. Improving the efficiency of emergency management departments, establishing an attractive and constraining reward and punishment system to guide safety assessment agencies in conducting high-quality safety assessments, and stimulating the initiative of chemical industrial park enterprises in safety behaviors will be more conducive to forming an integrated, coordinated, and mutually constraining mechanism for work safety governance.

Stay focused! Exploring the compulsive nature of alcohol-related attentional bias in severe alcohol use disorder.

Prominent models postulate that alcohol-related attentional bias (AB), emerging from the overactivation of the reward system, plays a key role in severe alcohol use disorder (sAUD) and is independent from voluntary control. We determined whether AB is indeed compulsive or can be modulated by the control/inhibition system. Patients with sAUD (17 women, 13 men, mean age of 47, White) and matched healthy controls (16 women, 14 men, mean age of 44, White) performed a visual probe task with behavioral (reaction time) and eye-tracking (first fixation location and duration, second fixation location, dwell time) measures. They also performed an avoidance task, requiring to focus on a target by voluntarily inhibiting eye movements toward alcohol/nonalcohol/nonappetitive distractors and measuring overt (break frequency) and covert (fixational eye movements) attentional processes. Patients with sAUD exhibited an avoidance AB indexed by (a) reduced attentional resources dedicated to alcohol-related stimuli, namely, reduced dwell time (p = .040) and second fixation (p = .001) toward these stimuli; (b) increased inhibitory processes, namely, easier inhibition of saccades toward alcohol measured by lower break frequency (p < .001); and (c) covert eye movements posited further away from alcohol. In contradiction with theoretical models, our two tasks did not show any AB toward alcohol in sAUD. Instead, patients exhibited an avoidance AB indexed by increased inhibitory processes as well as reduced overt and covert attentional resources dedicated to alcohol-related stimuli. These results question the theoretical and clinical role of AB, as measured through reliable eye-tracking tasks, in sAUD. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Olfactory dysfunction decreased local field potential in the reward system and increased EtOH consumption in mice

The relationship between olfactory dysfunction and alcohol intake is unobvious. Chronic alcohol intake results in reduced olfactory acuity and olfactory discrimination and addiction in humans. However, alcohol is a beverage with distinctive odors, which usually works as a cue to induce addictive memories and craving behavior. Whether olfactory impairment increase or decrease alcohol consumption remains an important but unclear issue. In this study, we measured ethanol (EtOH) consumption in the two-bottle choice EtOH drinking test, two bottle choice EtOH/sucrose drinking test and the drinking in the dark (DID) test during the olfactory loss. We also recorded local field potentials (LFPs) from the brain reward system, the ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (NAc), and piriform cortex (Pir) one and four weeks after the induction of olfactory epithelium lesions using zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) in mice. The results showed that the EtOH consumption and preference were increased during the period of olfactory dysfunction. 1 week after the olfactory injury, LFP powers in the reward system at low- and high-gamma bands decreased significantly, coherence between the Pir and the reward system was also decrease. 4 weeks after the ZnSO4 treatment, LFP powers were reversed, but the coherence between VTA and NAc was decreased, indicating lasting effects post-recovery. This study demonstrates that olfactory dysfunction increased EtOH consumption in mice, which was accompanied by decreased LFP power and coherence in the reward system, which suggest that olfactory deficits changed activities in the reward system and could alter reward-seeking behaviors, which provide insights into the neurobiology of alcohol addiction.

A Vision-based Robotic Navigation Method Using an Evolutionary and Fuzzy Q-Learning Approach

The paper presents a Fuzzy Q-Learning (FQL) and optical flow based autonomous navigation approach. The FQL method takes decisions in an unknown environment and without mapping, using motion information and through a reinforcement signal into an evolutionary algorithm. The reinforcement signal is calculated by estimating the optical flow densities in areas of the camera to determine whether they are “dense” or “thin” which has a relationship with the proximity of objects. The results obtained show that the present approach improves the rate of learning compared with a method with a simple reward system and without the evolutionary component. The proposed system was implemented in a virtual robotics system using the CoppeliaSim software and in communication with Python.

Machine Learning Algorithm for Enhanced Cybersecurity: Identification and Mitigation of Emerging Threats

Machine learning (ML) methodologies have significantly transformed cybersecurity by offering sophisticated instruments that not only identify but also avert and alleviate cyber threats. This research study seeks to examine the convergence of machine learning and cybersecurity, focusing on diverse methodologies and their use in enhancing cybersecurity measures. The study examines several machines learning methods, including Graph Neural Networks, Adversarial Learning, Federated Learning, Explainable AI, and Reinforcement Learning. Every algorithm is essential for enhancing the identification and mitigation of cyber assaults. Graph Neural Networks facilitate the modelling of intricate linkages within cybersecurity data. It aids not just in forecasting future events but also in identifying anomalies and analyzing network traffic. Adversarial Learning assists in training machine learning models to address the difficulty of producing misleading input data that can deceive any model, hence enhancing their efficacy. Federated Learning is examined as a method for training machine learning models across decentralized networks while preserving data privacy and enhancing model accuracy. Explainable AI methodologies primarily offer transparency and interpretability in machine learning-driven cybersecurity decisions, which are crucial for comprehension and confidence in automated security systems. Reinforcement Learning is focused on a trial-and-error methodology, wherein the model acquires new tasks through a system of rewards and penalties. These sophisticated algorithms jointly improve the effectiveness, precision, and clarity of cybersecurity protocols, offering strong protection against emerging cyber threats.

Pre-choice midbrain fluctuations affect self-control in food choice: A functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study.

Recent studies have shown that spontaneous pre-stimulus fluctuations in brain activity affect higher-order cognitive processes, including risky decision-making, cognitive flexibility, and aesthetic judgments. However, there is currently no direct evidence to suggest that pre-choice activity influences value-based decisions that require self-control. We examined the impact of fluctuations in pre-choice activity in key regions of the reward system on self-control in food choice. In the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanner, 49 participants made 120 food choices that required self-control in high and low working memory load conditions. The task was designed to ensure that participants were cognitively engaged and not thinking about upcoming choices. We defined self-control success as choosing a food item that was healthier over one that was tastier. The brain regions of interest (ROIs) were the ventral tegmental area (VTA), putamen, nucleus accumbens (NAc), and caudate nucleus. For each participant and condition, we calculated the mean activity in the 3-s interval preceding the presentation of food stimuli in successful and failed self-control trials. These activities were then used as predictors of self-control success in a fixed-effects logistic regression model. The results indicate that increased pre-choice VTA activity was linked to a higher probability of self-control success in a subsequent food-choice task within the low-load condition, but not in the high-load condition. We posit that pre-choice fluctuations in VTA activity change the reference point for immediate (taste) reward evaluation, which may explain our finding. This suggests that the neural context of decisions may be a key factor influencing human behavior.

Analysis of Organizational Culture in Improving the Performance of Educators and Educational Staff at Tanggamus Islamic Education College

This study aims to implement an organizational culture to support the achievement of set goals. Specifically, the study aims to analyze how implementing organizational culture enhances performance, as well as identify the factors that support and hinder this process. The research approach used in this study is descriptive qualitative. Collecting data from field studies is a crucial part of every research project. Data for the study was gathered through interviews, documentation, and observation. Educators and education staff may benefit from examining corporate culture, according to the study's findings. To be responsible, one must be free and independent, and one must also comprehend the duties of one another. Leadership: The organization's objectives and standards are laid out in a clear and concise manner. Incentives like pay raises and promotions are part of the reward system. How much horizontal or vertical communication there is depends on the communication system. The results of this study point to the importance of leadership in raising the efficiency and effectiveness of school staff and teachers. As a theoretical framework or point of reference, the results of this study can be used by universities to improve the performance of education workers and instructors. Furthermore, the researcher found that to establish a higher education institution operating in the Islamic field, universities must overcome both supportive and inhibiting factors. They also need the assistance of competent teaching and education personnel to implement quality enhancements, thereby creating a superior higher education institution.

6468 Once-Weekly Semaglutide and Taste Perception in Women with Obesity

Abstract Disclosure: M. Jensterle Sever: None. J. Kovac: None. A. Vovk: None. S. Battelino: None. T. Battelino: None. A. Janez: None. Objective: Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue that causes weight loss by reducing appetite and lowering the desire for energy-dense, salty, and spicy foods, thereby reducing energy intake. We hypothesized that semaglutide would improve the taste sensitivity and modulate the tongue transcriptomic profile associated with gustatory coding in women with obesity.Design: We conducted a 16-week, single-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 30 women aged 33.7 ± 6.1 years with a body mass index of 36.4 ± 4.4 kg/m2, randomized in a 1:1 ratio to once-weekly semaglutide 1.0 mg or a placebo (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04263415). Methods: Taste sensitivity was assessed by strips impregnated with different concentrations of four basic tastes. Biopsies of the tongue were performed for the gene expression analysis. The brain responses were evaluated by functional MRI with the sweet solution dripping onto the tongue before and after a standardized meal intake. Results: Semaglutide improved the taste sensitivity expressed as a mean (± SD) from 11.9 ± 1.9 points to 14.4 ± 1.0 points, with an estimated treatment difference (ETD) of 2.5 points [95% CI, 1.7 to 3.3]. Genes EYA, PRMT8, CRLF1, and CYP1B1, associated with taste signaling transduction pathways, neural plasticity, and renewal of taste buds in the tongue, exhibited differential RNA expression across all tests performed by a multi-tiered analytical pipeline. Semaglutide increased functional activity in the angular gyrus of the parietal cortex in response to tasting the sweet solution compared to the distilled water 30 minutes after a standardized meal intake (semaglutide vs. placebo, p&amp;lt;0.001). Angular gyrus functions as a cross-modal hub where converging multisensory information is combined and integrated to comprehend and give sense to events and stimuli, manipulate mental representations, and solve familiar problems. It expresses GLP-1 receptor and is a part of the default mode network associated with shifting attention between rewarding and neutral stimuli, which has reduced connectivity in people with obesity. Conclusion: The present study provided evidence that semaglutide improved taste sensitivity, altered gene expression in the tongue linked to taste perception, and altered functional brain activity in an integrative hub beyond hypothalamic and midbrain reward circuitry in response to the sweet taste stimulus. Future studies will clarify whether the efficacy of semaglutide in treating obesity is also a »matter of taste«. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Oxytocin differentially modulates reward system responses to social and non-social incentives.

Oxytocin has been shown to modulate behavior related to processing of monetary incentives and to regulate social and reproductive behavior, yet little is known about how oxytocin differentially influences neural responses to social and non-social incentives. We aimed to evaluate the effects of oxytocin administration on behavioral and neural responses to social and monetary incentives. Twenty-eight healthy adults (age 18-45 years) performed both monetary and social incentive tasks during blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) imaging. Intranasal oxytocin or placebo was administered before each scan using a double blind, randomized, cross-over design. Task performance and self-reported motivation and mood states were collected. Time-series analysis was conducted to assess the influence of oxytocin on the hemodynamic response in the ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra (VTA/SN) and nucleus accumbens (NAc). Oxytocin demonstrated a multifaceted effect on VTA/SN and NAc when processing reward incentives, with it increasing BOLD response in VTA/SN and decreasing BOLD response in NAc during social incentive anticipation. A reversal of this was shown with decreased BOLD responses in the VTA/SN and increased BOLD response in the NAc during monetary incentive anticipation. Our findings suggest a more nuanced purpose of oxytocin when evaluating reward incentive decision making. It is possible that while oxytocin does increase salience to rewards, that it is more important for cognitive control when determining short-term versus long-term benefits in rewards. Future studies should more closely examine the relationship between oxytocin and delay discounting.

TOOLS FOR EFFECTIVE CAREER DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT

In today’s environment, managing employees’ career development is becoming a key factor for the success and sustainable development of organizations, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of this article is to investigate current approaches to career management in SMEs and provide practical recommendations based on theoretical research and empirical evidence. The novelty of the study lies in the integrated approach to analyzing career management practices using both quantitative and qualitative methods. This allows for a deeper understanding of the impact of career development on employee motivation and retention in a resource-constrained and highly competitive environment. The research methodology includes reviewing existing literature and analyzing case studies from different industries to identify best practices and success stories. The use of mixed research methods, such as surveys and in-depth interviews, provides a more comprehensive view of current practices and their impact on employees. The results of the study show that career development management is critical to improve employee motivation and retention, which is particularly relevant for SMEs. Pay attention to aspects such as training and development, performance appraisal systems, reward systems and their impact on employee motivation. Training and development help to improve employees’ skills and adaptability to changes in the market, while appraisal systems such as 360-degree feedback and regular evaluations help to identify achievements and areas for improvement, forming individual development plans. A fair and competitive compensation system motivates employees and promotes employee retention. The author’s personal contribution is the design and implementation of an integrated research methodology that combines quantitative and qualitative methods, which provided comprehensive data and offered practical recommendations for SMEs. The article also discusses the factors that influence employee retention and the creation of a positive corporate culture, which contributes to their long-term professional growth and enhances companies’ competitiveness in the market. In an environment of rapid change and globalization, SMEs must pay special attention to human capital development to maintain competitiveness and achieve sustainable growth. The article provides recommendations for the implementation of effective career management programs and examples of successful practices from different sectors.

Teacher-Turnover In the Archdiocesan School System: A Basis for Faculty Retention Program

This study conducted an in-depth exploration into the phenomenon of teacher turnover within the nineteen member schools of the Tuguegarao Archdiocesan School System (TASS), focusing particularly on the interplay of motivation and hygiene factors and their impact on teacher retention. Utilizing a descriptive-correlational design and survey data gathered from 139 teachers who transitioned from TASS to public schools during the school years 2020-2021, 2021-2022, and 2022-2023, the research illuminated several critical aspects of the issue. There is a prevailing sense of motivation and satisfaction among TASS teachers regarding various aspects of their professional lives, particularly those linked to intrinsic rewards such as job fulfillment, recognition, and professional development opportunities. Results revealed that TASS schools generally perform well in providing hygiene factors, encompassing areas like working conditions, administrative policies, and interpersonal relationships. However, some areas are requiring significant attention, most notably concerning salary and benefits, suggesting that these factors contribute significantly to teacher attrition. There is a significant positive correlation between motivation and hygiene factors, indicating that enhancements in areas such as salary and benefits could not only elevate teacher satisfaction but also bolster their overall motivation levels. There is interconnectedness of these two factors in shaping the overall teacher experience and retention within TASS. The research proposes a comprehensive Faculty Retention Program tailored to the unique challenges and needs of TASS schools. This program underscores the importance of addressing both motivational and hygiene factors to cultivate a stable, supportive, and rewarding environment for educators within the Tuguegarao Archdiocesan School System.

Prediction by Young Autistic Children from Visual and Spoken Input.

Recent theoretical accounts suggest that differences in the processing of probabilistic events underlie the core and associated traits of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These theories hypothesize that autistic individuals are differentially impacted by disruptions in probabilistic input relative to neurotypical peers. According to this view, autistic individuals assign disproportionate weight to prediction errors such that novel input is overweighted relative to the aggregation of prior input; this is referred to as 'hyperplasticity' of learning. Prediction among autistic individuals has primarily been examined in nonverbal, visual contexts with older children and adults. The present study examined 32 autistic and 32 cognitively-matched neurotypical (NT) children's ability to generate predictions and adjust to changes in predictive relationships in auditory stimuli using two eye gaze tasks. In both studies, children were trained and tested on an auditory-visual cue which predicted the location of a reward stimulus. In Experiment 1 the cue was non-linguistic (instrumental sound) whereas in Experiment 2 the cue was linguistically-relevant (speaker gender). In both experiments, the cue-reward contingency was switched after the first block of trials, and predictive behavior was evaluated across a second block of trials. Results: Analyses of children's looking behavior revealed similar performance in both groups on the non-linguistic task (Exp. 1). In the linguistically-relevant task (Exp. 2), predictive looking was less disrupted by the contingency switch for autistic children than NT children. Results suggest that autistic children may demonstrate hyperplastic learning in linguistically-relevant contexts, relative to NT peers.

A Complex Relationship Among the Circadian Rhythm, Reward Circuit and Substance Use Disorder (SUD).

The human brain not only controls the various physiological functions but is also the prime regulator of circadian rhythms, rewards, and behaviors. Environmental factors, professional stress, and social disintegration are regarded as the initial causative factors of addiction behavior. Shift work, artificial light exposure at night, and chronic and acute jet lag influence circadian rhythm dysfunction. The result is impaired neurotransmitter release, dysfunction of neural circuits, endocrine disturbance, and metabolic disorder, leading to advancement in substance use disorder. There is a bidirectional relationship between chronodisruption and addiction behavior. Circadian rhythm dysfunction, neuroadaptation in the reward circuits, and alteration in clock gene expression in the mesolimbic areas influence substance use disorder (SUD), and chronotherapy has potential benefits in the treatment strategies. This review explores the relationship among the circadian rhythm dysfunction, reward circuit, and SUD. The impact of chronotherapy on SUD has also been discussed.

Cultivating Innovative Work Behavior: Insights from HRM Practices Integration

Innovative Work Behavior (IWB) has a prominent space in various literature, but what cultivates it remains inconsistent and fragmented. This study posits that controlled Human Resource (HR) practices can foster Innovative Work Behavior (IWB). It used Reflective Thematic Analysis (RTA) to examine from the lens of Perceived Organizational Support (POS) and Learning Culture (LC) theories based on the insights of 10 expert-respondents across 8 industries. The findings revealed that the organization’s support and the synergy of HR practices such as Diversity Management (DM), Work Life Balance (WLB), and Training and Development (TD) significantly succeeded to cultivate IWB while Rewards and Recognition (RR) practices failed to cultivate the desired behavior. The study also showed that championing cultural diversity and observing employees’ balanced work-family time propelled innovative behavior. Likewise, Learning Culture (LC) as enhanced by TD, DM, and WLB practices escalated the employees’ IWB. The study recommends to strategize RR practices, focusing on intrinsic rewards that are linked to IWB and to enhance TD practices for sustainable learning. It further highlights the crucial role of organizational support through HRM practices and learning culture in cultivating IWB. Since IWB is multi-factored, an investigation on other factors not addressed in this study and longitudinal research must be conducted to ensure consistent findings. The future direction of this study should also focus on external factors such as technological advancement, market competition, and regulatory environment that shall redefine the organization’s core values and consequently frame employees’ Innovative Work Behavior. This study does not only contribute to the existing body of literature, but also offers significant insights for both HR and Innovation managers in their respective practices. Keywords: Innovative Work Behavior, HR Practices, Organizational Performance, Diversity Management, Work-Life Balance, Training and Development, Rewards and Recognition, Perceived Organizational Support (POS) Theory, Learning Culture (LC) Theory

LASP1 in the nucleus accumbens modulates methamphetamine-induced conditioned place preference in mice

Methamphetamine (METH) is a highly addictive and widely abused drug that causes complex adaptive changes in the brain’s reward system, such as the nucleus accumbens (NAc). LASP1 (LIM and SH 3 domain protein 1) as an actin-binding protein, regulates synaptic plasticity. However, the role and mechanism by which NAc LASP1 contributes to METH addiction remains unclear. In this study, adult male C57BL/6J mice underwent repeated METH exposure or METH-induced conditioned place preference (CPP). Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to determine LASP1 expression in the NAc. Furthermore, LASP1 knockdown or overexpression using adeno-associated virus (AAV) administration via stereotactic injection into the NAc was used to observe the corresponding effects on CPP. We found that repeated METH exposure and METH-induced CPP upregulated LASP1 expression in the NAc. LASP1 silencing in the NAc reversed METH-induced CPP and reduced PSD95, NR2A, and NR2B expression, whereas LASP1 overexpression in the NAc enhanced CPP acquisition, accompanied by increased PSD95, NR2A, and NR2B expression. Our findings demonstrate an important role of NAc LASP1 in modulating METH induced drug-seeking behavior and the underlying mechanism may be related to regulate the expression of synapse-associated proteins in the NAc. These results reveal a novel molecular regulator of the actions of METH on the NAc and provide a new strategy for treating METH addiction.