Facial width-to-height ratio predicts fighting success: A direct replication and extension of Zilioli et al. (2014).

Zilioli et al. (2014) were the first to show an association between male facial width-to-height ratio (fWHR) and physical aggression and fighting ability in professional mixed-martial-arts fighters. Here, we re-examined this relationship by replicating (using all original measures) and extending (using 23 new variables related to fighting performance) Zilioli et al. (2014) in a statistically well-powered sample of 520 fighters using automatic and manual measures of the fWHR involving both eyelid and eyebrow landmarks, used interchangeably in previous reports (Studies 1-2). Most importantly, we successfully replicated Zilioli et al.'s (2014) central finding that fighters' fWHR, when manually calculated using the eyebrow landmark, predicted their fighting success (p = .004, controlling for body mass index and total fights). Consistent with past criticisms of using fight rather than fighter data to examine fighting success, which have argued that individual fights can be suddenly and unexpectedly determined and do not capture an individual's overall ability to succeed, Study 3 (N = 1367 fights) found no association between fWHR and singular victories. Studies 1-3 showed continual evidence that larger fWHRs were associated with grappling abilities, even after controlling for demographic and allometric factors. Strikingly, Study 3 discovered associations between all fWHR measures and grappling skill that remained robust before and after controlling for 17 different control variables. We discuss that grappling, or the act of taking down an opponent, involves a more aggressive, close-combat approach than does striking. Combined, these results offer additional support for the argument that fWHR may have been shaped by sexual selection.

App-based attention training: Incorporating older adults' feedback to facilitate home-based use.

BACKGROUND: Technology-based attention training programs have demonstrated promise in improving cognitive functioning in older adults. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usability and acceptability of a modified version of a mobile attention training application. DESIGN: A descriptive, mixed-methods design was used to capture older adults' feedback on the usability and acceptability of the modified attention training application. METHODS: A convenience sample of older adults (n = 12) participated in three study visits and a one-week testing period of the modified attention training application in their homes. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all quantitative data, and an iterative content analysis was used to characterise participant responses. RESULTS: On average, participants rated the modified attention training application more positively than negatively in terms of usability, interest, enjoyment and satisfaction. The qualitative analyses revealed positive aspects of using the app including working through challenges, perceived benefit and helpfulness of instructions. CONCLUSIONS: The modified attention training application was usable by and acceptable to the majority of older adults in our sample who had varying degrees of experience with mobile technology. Future development should specifically consider personal characteristics as well as individual preferences to maximise the potential of the modified attention training application. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This technology may be helpful for providing memory improvement interventions to older persons with cognitive impairment who do not have access to memory clinics.

Feasibility study of an attention training application for older adults.

BACKGROUND: Technology-based attention training has demonstrated promise in its potential to improve cognitive functioning in older people. Developing mobile applications, with older users specifically in mind, may support future dissemination of these interventions and integration into daily life. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this pilot study was to test the feasibility of an Attention Training Application (ATA) for community-dwelling older adults using mobile technology. DESIGN: A descriptive, mixed-methods design was used to capture older adults' feedback on the usability and acceptability of the ATA. METHODS: A convenience sample of older adults (n = 9) from two independent living facilities participated in a 2-hour training and practice session with the ATA. Participants were given personally tailored instructions for using the mobile device and the ATA specifically. Following a practice session, participants provided ratings on multiple components of the ATA and completed an audio-recorded, semi-structured interview to provide detailed descriptions of their experience and perceptions. An iterative process of content analysis was used to characterise the open-ended responses. RESULTS: Participants rated the ATA favourably overall on several 0-10 scales including likeability [8.5 (1.6)], interest [8.8 (2.3)] and satisfaction [8.2 (1.9)]. The qualitative analyses revealed several issues relevant to the feasibility of the ATA among older people including the importance of the technological background of the user, limiting negative feedback, challenges with the touch screen interface, personal preferences for challenge, extending the practice period and the difficulty of the dual-task condition. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the ATA is feasible in the older adult population. Future development should specifically consider personal characteristics as well as preferences to maximise usability and acceptability among older people. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Older adults enjoyed the ATA. This opens doors to user-friendly technological interventions that may be effective in assisting older adults maintain and possibly even improve their cognitive function.

The photomediated reaction of alkynes with cycloalkanes.

In the presence of a photomediator such as benzophenone, alkynes with electron-withdrawing groups react with cycloalkanes to give vinyl cycloalkanes. The reaction involves the regiospecific addition of a photochemically generated cycloalkyl radical to the beta-carbon of the alkyne. The stereochemical outcome of the reaction depends on the nature of the photomediator and alkyne used.