Unexpected Direction Research Articles

Handling Internet Activism During the Russian Invasion of Ukraine: A Campus Network Perspective

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 raised an enormous wave of Internet activism and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks launched with the help of common users across the world. In this article, we describe the events of the first days after the invasion from the perspective of the cybersecurity incident response team of Masaryk University in the Czech Republic. We observed hundreds of users intentionally participating in DDoS attacks against Russia from the university’s network. The campus network faced only minor issues in terms of service unavailability, but alerts flooded the cybersecurity team. Two dimensions of the events are highlighted. First, the large-scale attacks in an unexpected direction were highly unusual and brought technical challenges in network monitoring and intrusion detection. Second, hacktivism still violates the campus network’s terms of use and requires the cybersecurity team to communicate the issues very carefully with the community.

Understanding the Role of Physiological and Agronomical Traits during Drought Recovery as a Determinant of Differential Drought Stress Tolerance in Barley

The fast and efficient recovery could be an important trait defining the efficacy of plant drought adaptation. In this work, we aimed to develop a set of simple and appropriate physiological proxies that could be used as reliable indicators to predict plant drought responses and validate the role of specific physiological traits such as root length, stomata density, and residual transpiration, in the drought tolerance and recovery in barley. Eighty barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes were subjected to progressive droughting until the soil moisture level reached 10%, followed by rewatering. Plants were visually scored at the end of drought period and two weeks after rewatering. SPAD values and chlorophyll fluorescence Fv/Fm ratio were also measured, alongside with stomatal density (SD) and residual transpiration (RT). The same genotypes were germinated in paper rolls treated with 15% (w/v) of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 8000 by quantification of changes in the root growth patterns. Responses to drought stress varied among the genotypes, and drought tolerance and recovery scores were significantly correlated with each other. Changes in SPAD value, Fv/Fm ratio and root length were significantly correlated with the drought tolerance and recovery indices. Both indices correlated strongly with the SD and RT of irrigated plants, although in an unexpected direction. We have also correlated the extent of plants’ drought tolerance to their ability to grow in saline soils (a condition often termed a “physiological drought”) and found a positive association between these two traits. The fact that drought tolerant genotype also possessed higher salinity tolerance implies some common mechanisms conferring both traits. Plants having less SD and more RT under irrigated conditions showed higher drought tolerance. It is concluded that lower SD and higher RT under optimal conditions may be used as proxies for drought tolerance in barley.

Activity driven transport in harmonic chains

The transport properties of an extended system driven by active reservoirs is an issue of paramount importance, which remains virtually unexplored. Here we address this issue, for the first time, in the context of energy transport between two active reservoirs connected by a chain of harmonic oscillators. The couplings to the active reservoirs, which exert correlated stochastic forces on the boundary oscillators, lead to fascinating behavior of the energy current and kinetic temperature profile even for this linear system. We analytically show that the stationary active current (i) changes non-monotonically as the activity of the reservoirs are changed, leading to a negative differential conductivity (NDC), and (ii) exhibits an unexpected direction reversal at some finite value of the activity drive. The origin of this NDC is traced back to the Lorentzian frequency spectrum of the active reservoirs. We provide another physical insight to the NDC using nonequilibrium linear response formalism for the example of a dichotomous active force. We also show that despite an apparent similarity of the kinetic temperature profile to the thermally driven scenario, no effective thermal picture can be consistently built in general. However, such a picture emerges in the small activity limit, where many of the well-known results are recovered.

Combined impact of Medicare’s hospital pay for performance programs on quality and safety outcomes is mixed

BackgroundThree major hospital pay for performance (P4P) programs were introduced by the Affordable Care Act and intended to improve the quality, safety and efficiency of care provided to Medicare beneficiaries. The financial risk to hospitals associated with Medicare’s P4P programs is substantial. Evidence on the positive impact of these programs, however, has been mixed, and no study has assessed their combined impact. In this study, we examined the combined impact of Medicare’s P4P programs on clinical areas and populations targeted by the programs, as well as those outside their focus.MethodsWe used 2007–2016 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Databases for 14 states to identify hospital-level inpatient quality indicators (IQIs) and patient safety indicators (PSIs), by quarter and payer (Medicare vs. non-Medicare). IQIs and PSIs are standardized, evidence-based measures that can be used to track hospital quality of care and patient safety over time using hospital administrative data. The study period of 2007–2016 was selected to capture multiple years before and after introduction of program metrics. Interrupted time series was used to analyze the impact of the P4P programs on study outcomes targeted and not targeted by the programs. In sensitivity analyses, we examined the impact of these programs on care for non-Medicare patients.ResultsMedicare P4P programs were not associated with consistent improvements in targeted or non-targeted quality and safety measures. Moreover, mortality rates across targeted and untargeted conditions were generally getting worse after the introduction of Medicare’s P4P programs. Trends in PSIs were extremely mixed, with five outcomes trending in an expected (improving) direction, five trending in an unexpected (deteriorating) direction, and three with insignificant changes over time. Sensitivity analyses did not substantially alter these results.ConclusionsConsistent with previous studies for individual programs, we detect minimal, if any, effect of Medicare’s hospital P4P programs on quality and safety. Given the growing evidence of limited impact, the administrative cost of monitoring and enforcing penalties, and potential increase in mortality, CMS should consider redesigning their P4P programs before continuing to expand them.

Extending the Dynamic Equilibrium Model of Paradox: Unveiling the dissipative dynamics in organizations

The dynamic equilibrium model of organizing has become an influential theoretical framework in paradox research. The model describes paradox management as tightrope-walking, as actors cope with paradoxical tensions through continuous microshifts. The underlying assumption is that once actors accept the paradox and support opposing poles in a consistently inconsistent manner, they can effectively manage organizational tensions. We argue that paradoxical tensions cannot be subsumed under managerial control in this way due to the emergent and unpredictable nature of paradoxes in organizations. Hence, in addition to needing to balance on a tightrope, the tightrope walker may find the rope suddenly pulled in an unexpected direction by a strong gust of wind. To advance theory development, we put forward the concept of dissipative equilibrium to better capture the temporary nature of balance and the continuous vigilance and interventions needed from management to (re)balance an organization in the presence of unexpected developments that are beyond management’s control.

Attitude Development of Elementary School Students with the Character Education-based Discovery Learning Model

Nowdays technological developments have had a major influence on the lives of Indonesian Muslim children. The change in attitude is going in an unexpected direction. Children tend to be negative in everyday life. The number of children who have the courage to show disrespect is increasing. In fact, violence against peers is increasingly emerging among elementary school age children. Therefore this study aims to analyze the role and influence of the character education-based discovery learning model on the development of attitudes of Indonesian Muslim children who are in elementary school. The research objective can be achieved by conducting experimental research with a two-way ANOVA test. The population of this research is fourth grade elementary school children. The research sample was taken by random sampling. The instruments used in this study were validation sheets, observation sheets, interviews, assessment sheets, student response questionnaires, and evaluation sheets among others. The research findings show that the character education-based discovery learning model has an effect on scientific thinking and the development of responsible and caring attitudes for Indonesian Muslim children. The role of the character education-based discovery learning model on the development of the attitudes of Indonesian Muslim children, namely the character education-based discovery learning model can build an attitude of responsibility and care in the learning process.

I (Don’t) want to consume counterfeit medicines: exploratory study on the antecedents of consumer attitudes toward counterfeit medicines

BackgroundSubstandard and falsified medicine (SFM) sales (an estimated > $200 billion) has become one of the worlds’ fastest growing criminal enterprises. It presents an enormous public health and safety challenge. While the developed world is not precluded from this challenge, studies focus on low-income countries. They emphasize supply chain processes, technological, and legal mechanisms, paying less attention to consumer judgment and decision-making aspects.MethodsWith attention to the demand side of the counterfeit medicines challenge, this survey of U.S. consumers (n = 427) sheds light on some of the social, psychological, and normative factors that underlie consumers’ attitudes, risk perceptions, and purchase intentions.ResultsConsumers who (a) self-report that they know about the problem, (b) are older, (c) view counterfeit medicine consumption as ethical, and (d) think their significant others would approve of them using such products are more inclined to perceive lower risks and have favorable purchase intentions. Risk averseness is also inversely related to the predicted outcomes.Perceived benefit of SFMs is a factor but has no effect when risk perception and aversion, attitudes, and subjective norms are factored into the model that predicts purchase intentions.ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that consumer knowledge (albeit in an unexpected direction), people’s expectations about what will impress their significant others, their ethical judgments about selling and consuming counterfeits, and their risk-aversion are associated with their decision-making about counterfeit medicines. The study offers insights into a demand-side approach to addressing SFM consumption in the U.S. Implications for public health, consumer safety, and brand advocacy education are discussed.

THE EFFECT OF SOCIAL DISTANCE FROM A CONSTRUAL LEVEL THEORY PERSPECTIVE: THE ROLE OF SELF-COMPASSION

The aim of this study is to examine the role of self-compassion in construing socially distant or near events within the framework of Construal Level Theory (CLT). It is hypothesized that as self-compassion scores increase, people who make decisions for themselves will give less importance to low-level features, and those who make suggestions for another person will give less importance to high-level features. In this study, the Self-Compassion Scale, the Behavior Identification Form and the task of choosing an assignment partner was used. Participants who were randomly assigned to one of the two conditions, were asked to either choose an assignment partner themselves or suggest an assignment partner for another person. In addition, they were asked to evaluate the importance of some characteristics of the two possible partners. The participants were 187 students (107 females, 80 males; Mage= 22.37, SDage = 3.10). The mixed ANOVA indicated that the effect of social distance on construal level was in an unexpected direction. Specifically, when individuals chose an assignment partner for themselves, the importance of the high-level feature was significantly greater as compared to the importance of the low-level feature. However, there was no significant difference between attribute importance when individuals made suggestions for another person. Hence, this study did not provide support for the premises of the CLT in general. Bootstrap analyses revealed that the interaction effect of social distance and self-compassion on the importance of the low-level feature was significant. In addition, regression analysis showed the relationship between self-compassion and trait construal level. It can be argued that this study presents a preliminary finding regarding the relationship between self-compassion and construal level.

Creatinine] can change in an unexpected direction due to the volume change rate that interacts with kinetic GFR: Potentially positive paradox.

[Creatinine] was proved to change in the opposite direction of the kinetic GFR (GFRK), but does the [creatinine] also change in the opposite direction of the volume rate? If volume is administered and the [creatinine] actually goes up, then the two changes move in the same direction and their ratio is positive, paradoxically. The equation that describes [creatinine] as a function of time was differentiated with respect to the volume rate. This partial first derivative has a global maximum that can be positive under definable conditions. Knowing what makes the maximum positive informs when the derivative will be positive over some continuous domain of volume rate inputs. The first derivative versus volume rate curve has a maximum and a minimum point depending on the GFRK. If GFRK is below a calculable value, then the curve's minimum vanishes, letting it descend to ‐∞ and not allowing the derivative to ever be positive. If GFRK lies between a lower and a higher calculable value, then the curve's maximum vanishes, letting the derivative diverge to +∞, though the clinical scenario is unrealistic. If GFRK is above the higher calculable value, then the curve's absolute maximum can become positive by decreasing the creatinine generation rate or increasing the initial [creatinine]. The derivative is potentially positive under these clinically realizable circumstances. The combination of parameters above can align in septic patients (low creatinine generation rate) with kidney failure (high initial [creatinine]) who are put on continuous dialysis (high GFRK). If a first derivative is positive, removing more volume can improve the [creatinine] and, dismayingly, giving more volume can worsen the [creatinine]. This paradox is explained by a covert interplay between the ambient [creatinine] and GFRK that excretes creatinine faster than its volume of distribution declines.

PROMOTING DIGITAL DIPLOMACY THROUGH EDUCATION

The implementation of information and communication technologies in the field of international relations has generated important changes, including the emergence of digital diplomacy, which is accompanied by all the challenges of a new beginning. In this article we aim to analyze the extent to which diplomacy is prepared to deal with the contemporary world. In the same we will argue for the need to reconstruct the diplomats' training model so that it can become competitive regardless of the unexpected direction society could follow. From our point of view, the Romanian research organizations (INCD and universities with related specifics) are the ones that must give the directions to follow in conceptualizing the training programs for digital diplomats (including those formed before the emergence of the new platforms and tools dedicated to communication with the public).

Parental-perceived home and neighborhood environmental correlates of accelerometer-measured physical activity among school-going children in Uganda.

The benefits of physical activity (PA) on children's health and well-being are well established. However, many children do not meet the PA recommendations, increasing their risk of being overweight, obese, and non-communicable diseases. Environmental characteristics of homes and neighborhoods may constrain a child's ability to engage in PA, but evidence is needed to inform country-specific interventions in understudied low-income countries. This study assessed the associations between parental-perceived home and neighbourhood, built environment characteristics, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among children in Kampala city, Uganda. In this cross-sectional study, data were obtained from 256 children (55.5% girls) aged between 10 and 12 years and their parents. Children's MVPA was measured using waist-worn ActiGraph accelerometers. The environments were assessed using a valid self-reported parent survey. Linear regression models with standard errors (clusters) were used to analyze the relationship between environmental variables and children's MVPA. Sex-specific relationships were assessed using sex-stratified models. Play equipment at home (β = -2.37, p <0.001; unexpected direction), residential density (β = 2.70, p<0.05), and crime safety (β = -5.29, p <0.05; unexpected direction) were associated with children's MVPA. The sex-specific analyses revealed more inconsistent patterns of results with a higher perception of land use mix associated with less MVPA in girls (irrespective of school type attended), and higher perceptions of sidewalk infrastructure (β = -12.01, p <0.05) and walking and cycling infrastructure (β = -14.72, p <0.05) associated with less MVPA in girls attending public schools only. A better perception of crime safety was associated with less MVPA among boys and girls attending private schools (β = -3.80, p <0.05). Few environmental characteristics were related to children's MVPA in Uganda, and findings were largely inconsistent, especially among girls. Future studies are needed to understand the ecological determinants of health-related PA behaviors among children in Uganda.

The Routes of Neolithisation: The Middle Struma Valley from a Regional Perspective

AbstractThe frontier position of the Balkan Peninsula, next to Anatolia and the Aegean, emphasises its key importance for the study of the Neolithisation processes taking place in Europe during the seventh–sixth millennia BC. A look at the distribution of most Early Neolithic sites along the submeridional alluvial plains of its central mountainous part often leaves the impression that the valleys of the Vardar, Struma, Mesta and Maritsa rivers functioned as natural corridors, allowing for the rapid advance of the farming way of life towards the interior regions of Europe. However, comparative analysis of the distribution patterns of specific diagnostic components of Early Neolithic cultures, such as white painted pottery, anthropomorphic figurines and miniature “cult tables”, from the Early Neolithic settlements in the Middle Struma Valley, southwestern Bulgaria, namely Kovachevo, Ilindentsi, Brezhani, Drenkovo and Balgarchevo I shows a rather unexpected direction and dynamic of cultural/social contact during this crucial period.

Investigating the Relationship Between Country Competitiveness and Financial Market Development in Times of Crisis

A country’s competitiveness depends on many factors related to general governance, effectiveness of markets, social development, and business perspectives. The role of financial markets for economic growth has been the subject of many scientific studies; most of them concluded that a well-developed financial system should improve the efficiency of financing decisions, favouring a better allocation of resources and thereby economic growth. The financial crisis that started in the summer of 2007 is still testing the strength of the global economic system. It started in the financial sector, but is now having an important impact on the real economy. The aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship between a country’s financial market development and its competitiveness in particular in times of crisis, with the use of a series of econometric models. We find evidence that financial market development is affected (with the anticipated sign of impact) by the Global Competitiveness Index, the GDP per capita and the (un)employment level of a country. It is also related (with an unexpected direction of impact) with the foreign market size and exports, as well as infrastructure. Our findings can be used by the policymakers of countries which wish to improve their competitiveness so as to steer the determining variables in the desired directions and approach their desired competitiveness levels.

A recovery network leads to the natural recolonization of an archipelago and a potential trailing edge refuge.

Rapid environmental change is reshaping ecosystems and driving species loss globally. Carnivore populations have declined and retracted rapidly and have been the target of numerous translocation projects. Success, however, is complicated when these efforts occur in novel ecosystems. Identifying refuges, locations that are resistant to environmental change, within a translocation framework should improve population recovery and persistence. American martens (Martes americana) are the most frequently translocated carnivore in North America. As elsewhere, martens were extirpated across much of the Great Lakes region by the 1930s and, despite multiple translocations beginning in the 1950s, martens remain of regional conservation concern. Surprisingly, martens were rediscovered in 2014 on the Apostle Islands of Lake Superior after a putative absence of >40yr. To identify the source of martens to the islands and understand connectivity of the reintroduction network, we collected genetic data on martens from the archipelago and from all regional reintroduction sites. In total, we genotyped 483 individual martens, 43 of which inhabited the Apostle Islands (densities 0.42-1.46km-2 ). Coalescent analyses supported the contemporary recolonization of the Apostle Islands with progenitors likely originating from Michigan, which were sourced from Ontario. We also identified movements by a first-order relative between the Apostle Islands and the recovery network. We detected some regional gene flow, but in an unexpected direction: individuals moving from the islands to the mainland. Our findings suggest that the Apostle Islands were naturally recolonized by progeny of translocated individuals and now act as a source back to the reintroduction sites on the mainland. We suggest that the Apostle Islands, given its protection from disturbance, complex forest structure, and reduced carnivore competition, will act as a potential refuge for marten along their trailing range boundary and a central node for regional recovery. Our work reveals that translocations, even those occurring along southern range boundaries, can create recovery networks that function like natural metapopulations. Identifying refuges, locations that are resistant to environmental change, within these recovery networks can further improve species recovery, even within novel environments. Future translocation planning should a priori identify potential refuges and sources to improve short-term recovery and long-term persistence.

COMMUTATORS OF ELEMENTARY SUBGROUPS: CURIOUSER AND CURIOUSER

Let R be any associative ring with 1, n ≥ 3, and let A, B be two-sided ideals of R. In our previous joint works with Roozbeh Hazrat [17], [15], we have found a generating set for the mixed commutator subgroup [E(n, R, A); E(n, R, B)]. Later in [29], [34] we noticed that our previous results can be drastically improved and that [E(n, R, A); E(n, R, B)] is generated by (1) the elementary conjugates zij (ab, c) = tij (c)tji(ab)tij (–c) and zij (ba, c), and (2) the elementary commutators [tij (a), tji(b)], where 1 ≤ i ≠= j ≤ n, a ∈ A, b ∈ B, c ∈ R. Later in [33], [35] we noticed that for the second type of generators, it even suffices to fix one pair of indices (i, j). Here we improve the above result in yet another completely unexpected direction and prove that [E(n, R, A); E(n, R, B)] is generated by the elementary commutators [tij (a), thk(b)] alone, where 1 ≤ i ≠ = j ≤ n, 1 ≤ h ≠ = k ≤ n, a ∈ A, b ∈ B. This allows us to revise the technology of relative localisation and, in particular, to give very short proofs for a number of recent results, such as the generation of partially relativised elementary groups E(n, A)E(n, B), multiple commutator formulas, commutator width, and the like.

Association Between Maternal Mood State and Glycemic Response to a Mixed-Meal Among Latina Pregnant Women With Overweight and Obesity

ObjectivesTo investigate if maternal positive and negative affect state is associated with the glucose and insulin response to a standardized breakfast shake among Latina pregnant women with overweight and obesity. MethodsN = 31 non-diabetic Latina pregnant women, at gestational age 28–30 weeks, with a pre-pregnancy BMI 25–35 Kg/m2 consumed a standardized breakfast shake in the morning after an overnight fast of at least 10 hours. The Positive and Negative Affect Scale was completed while consuming the drink. Blood samples collected at fasting and 6 postprandial time points (15, 30, 45, 60, 90,120 mins) were assayed for glucose and insulin and values were log-transformed for normality. The area-under-the-curve (AUC) for glucose, insulin, glucose: insulin ratio were computed as well as the Matsuda index of insulin sensitivity (SI). ResultsThe median (IQR) values for positive and negative affect scores were 33 (27–40) and 11 (10–14) respectively. Categorizing the affect scores as high or low based on the median value, the mean AUC for glucose, insulin, and SI did not differ according to affect state (p > 0.05). However, women with a lower positive affect score had lower insulin AUC (F-1.2, p = 0.063), and consequently, a greater AUCglucose: insulin (F = 3.9, p = 0.007), which persisted after adjustment for maternal age, gestational age and BMI. A post-hoc analysis revealed significantly higher glucose: insulin ratio values at fasting (F = 0.58, p = 0.013) and 15min (F = 10.37, p = 0/008) and 60min (F = 2.65, p = 0.021) postprandial timepoints in those with low vs high positive affect. No differences in the glucose/insulin ratio were detected across levels of negative affect. ConclusionsContrary to expectations, higher positive affect in late pregnancy (i.e., more positive mood state) was associated with a less favorable postprandial insulin response in this cohort, contributing to a higher ratio of glucose: insulin, which is a sensitive predictor of insulin resistance. There is potential for unmeasured confounding which may have contributed to this unexpected direction of association between maternal affect state and insulin response in pregnant Latina women, which deserves further attention in future research. Funding SourcesNational Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

Parenthood, employment, anxiety, gender, and race: drivers of non-compliance with lockdown measures

ABSTRACT Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, there has been increasing evidence suggesting that current gendered and racially biased structures put in place to deal with the crises lead women and BAME population to be disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Yet, there is less information on how different groups respond to the pandemic in terms of compliance with the measures implemented by the government, and the role that parenthood and employment play in explaining compliance for such groups. We take insights from the literature on policy preferences and compliance to argue that gender, ethnicity, parenthood and employment are associated with high levels of worry about the consequences of the pandemic, leading to variations in compliance with social distancing measures. We test our argument using data from an original nationally representative survey. Results indicate that women and BAME respondents present important challenges to manage anxiety, stress and worry but they manifest differently in their compliance with social distancing measures. We also find that parenthood and employment affect compliance but in an unexpected direction. Together, results indicate that compliance is not only a matter of individual choice but also a matter of structural and contextual factors.

Early life multiple exposures and child cognitive function: A multi-centric birth cohort study in six European countries

Epidemiological studies mostly focus on single environmental exposures. This study aims to systematically assess associations between a wide range of prenatal and childhood environmental exposures and cognition. The study sample included data of 1298 mother-child pairs, children were 6–11 years-old, from six European birth cohorts. We measured 87 exposures during pregnancy and 122 cross-sectionally during childhood, including air pollution, built environment, meteorology, natural spaces, traffic, noise, chemicals and life styles. The measured cognitive domains were fluid intelligence (Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices test, CPM), attention (Attention Network Test, ANT) and working memory (N-Back task). We used two statistical approaches to assess associations between exposure and child cognition: the exposome-wide association study (ExWAS) considering each exposure independently, and the deletion-substitution-addition algorithm (DSA) considering all exposures simultaneously to build a final multiexposure model. Based on this multiexposure model that included the exposure variables selected by ExWAS and DSA models, child organic food intake was associated with higher fluid intelligence (CPM) scores (beta = 1.18; 95% CI = 0.50, 1.87) and higher working memory (N-Back) scores (0.23; 0.05, 0.41), and child fast food intake (−1.25; −2.10, −0.40), house crowding (−0.39; −0.62, −0.16), and child environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) (−0.89; −1.42, −0.35), were all associated with lower CPM scores. Indoor PM2.5 exposure was associated with lower N-Back scores (−0.09; −0.16, −0.02). Additional associations in the unexpected direction were found: Higher prenatal mercury levels, maternal alcohol consumption and child higher perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) levels were associated with better cognitive performance; and higher green exposure during pregnancy with lower cognitive performance. This first comprehensive and systematic study of many prenatal and childhood environmental risk factors suggests that unfavourable child nutrition, family crowdedness and child indoor air pollution and ETS exposures adversely and cross-sectionally associate with cognitive function. Unexpected associations were also observed and maybe due to confounding and reverse causality.

Growth and identity of music therapy in the NICU: Pioneering perspectives

This duoethnographic exploration expounds on the journeys of two women who pioneered music therapy in the NICUs in their respective countries. The dialogue uses their practice wisdom and research to illuminate core issues that have served the development of music as process and intervention for infants, families and those in the context of the NICU. They conclude with recommendations for the future.Monika Nöcker-Ribaupierre (MNR): I was a musician and I worked in the theatre. The premature birth of my daughter in the 1970s, experiencing my own helplessness and that of my family and friends, all of this led my life in an unexpected new direction: to music therapy in the NICU. My overall goal was to promote both the infant’s development in connection with support of the mother’s resilience – because there is no development without bonding. Next step was to open NICUs in my country to music therapy, also to strengthen our NICU music therapists and helping to develop an international network. Throughout all these years Helen Shoemark has been my most important and valuable colleague.Helen Shoemark (HS): I was a music therapist working in special education and early intervention for 15 years before. I started the program in the NICU at the Royal Children’s Hospital in 1994, and grew the role of music therapy in the pediatric NICU/ Newborn Surgical Unit through my research. Because of my experience in family-centered early intervention, my focus in the NICU is on supporting the expressive capacities of both infant and parents. My other focus is in supporting clinicians develop programs that are ecologically situated, theoretically- informed, and pragmatically realistic. Monika Nöcker-Ribaupierre was one of my earliest mentors, and I have always been inspired by the strength of her commitment, understanding, and support for the experience of the mothers in the NICU.

Lessons on SpA pathogenesis from animal models.

Understanding the complex mechanisms underlying a disorder such as spondyloarthritis (SpA) may benefit from studying animal models. Several suitable models have been developed, in particular to investigate the role of genetic factors predisposing to SpA, including HLA-B27, ERAP1, and genes related to the interleukin (IL)-23/IL-17 axis. One of the best examples of such research is the HLA-B27 transgenic rat model that fostered the emergence of original theories regarding HLA-B27 pathogenicity, including dysregulation of innate immunity, contribution of the adaptive immune system to chronic inflammation, and influence of the microbiota on disease development. Very recently, a new model of HLA-B27 transgenic Drosophila helped to expand further some of those theories in an unexpected direction involving the TGFβ/BMP family of mediators. On the other hand, several spontaneous, inducible, and/or genetically modified mouse models-including SKG mouse, TNFΔARE mouse and IL-23-inducible mouse model of SpA-have highlighted the importance of TNFα and IL-23/IL-17 axis in the development of SpA manifestations. Altogether, those animal models afford not only to study disease mechanism but also to investigate putative therapeutic targets.