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Copyright of Estonian Journal of Archaeology is the property of Teaduste Akadeemia Kirjastus and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: The global burden of stroke is increasing and persons with low socioeconomic status are among those worst affected. In Uganda, stroke is estimated to be the sixth highest ranking cause of death. The Ugandan healthcare system is reported to be inequitable, where poorer populations often live in rural areas with long distances to health care. Stroke rehabilitation is often scarce, with less financial and human resources. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the consequences of stroke in daily activities in everyday life for people in a rural part of Masaka in Uganda. Methods: Qualitative study design. Fourteen persons who had had stroke and were living in their home environment were interviewed about their experiences of having a stroke and managing their lives after the stroke incident. The interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. In addition, sociodemographic data and level of independence (Barthel Index and Stroke Impact Scale 3.0) was collected to describe participant characteristics. Results: Most of the participants had major consequences of stroke and described that they were dependent on support for managing their daily activities. Five themes were identified in the analysis: (1) Accepting and adapting to new ways of managing everyday life, (2) Changing roles and hierarchical positions, (3) Depending on caregiver support, (4) Interrupted care due to economic constraints, (5) Stroke leading to losses and losses leading to stroke. Conclusions: The consequences of stroke on the persons' daily lives clearly reached beyond the person with stroke, affecting the whole family and their proximate social networks. These consequences included increased burdens on caregivers and a worsened economic situation for all persons affected. Therefore, interventions for stroke management should preferably not only target the individual affected by stroke, but also support the caregivers in the caring and rehabilitation process. Home rehabilitation approaches with a focus on improving health literacy are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatigue is common and can be challenging after stroke. To explore how post-stroke fatigue (PSF) was experienced and handled among people with stroke in their performance of everyday activities and in participation in social activities five years after stroke. Nine persons who perceived PSF one year after stroke onset were interviewed five years later. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Most participants experienced PSF even five years after stroke and reported longstanding difficulties in everyday activities. Handling fatigue—a long slow process with invisible adjustments in everyday life emerged as the theme. By implementing new strategies in everyday life their PSF lessened over time. Understanding among significant others as to how PSF appears and providing information about PSF early after stroke was perceived important. This study adds new knowledge regarding experiences of PSF and long-term support needs. Even if PSF still was reported the participants experienced improvements in everyday life through the application of new strategies. Information about PSF and strategies for managing everyday life should be provided during rehabilitation. This study is one out of only a few focussing on long-term PSF and adjustment to its consequences in everyday life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article introduces the "Crisis, Conflict, and Climate" research program, spanning 300–700 CE, aiming to investigate the societal effects of climate change, conflict, and crisis in Scandinavia, focusing on Öland island. Topics include the study of ringforts, their utilization phases, and societal roles, utilizing high-resolution data to explore demographics, disease, climate impact, politics, and social change during this specific historical period.

Due to the marine reservoir effect, radiocarbon dates of marine samples require a correction. Marine reservoir effects, however, may vary among different marine species within a given body of water. Factors such as diet, feeding depth and migratory behaviour all affect the 14C date of a marine organism. Moreover, there is often significant variation within single marine species. Whilst the careful consideration of the Δ R values of a single marine species in a given location is important, so too is the full range of Δ R values within an ecosystem. This paper illustrates this point, using a sample pairing method to estimate the reservoir effects in 17 marine samples, of eight different species, from the archaeological site of Ekven (Eastern Chukotka, Siberia). An OxCal model is used to assess the strength of these estimates. The marine reservoir effects of samples passing the model range from Δ R (Marine20) = 136 ± 41–Δ R = 460 ± 40. Marine reservoir effect estimates of these samples and other published samples are used to explore variability in the wider Bering Strait region. The archaeological implications of this variability are also discussed. The calibrating of 14C dates from human bone collagen, for example, could be improved by applying a dietary relevant marine reservoir effect correction. For humans from the site of Ekven, a Δ R (Marine20) correction of 289 ± 124 years or reservoir age correction of 842 ± 123 years is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore multi-professional teamwork in relation to the physical environment in three newly built or renovated stroke units. An observational study was undertaken. The participants were all staff members of a multi-professional team working in the reviewed stroke units. The data were collected using behavioural mapping and semi-structured observations, and they were analysed by content analysis and descriptive statistics. Out of all the observations in the behavioural mapping, very few were of two or more members from the team together with a patient. None of the included stroke units had a co-location for all the members of the multi-professional team. Three main categories emerged from the analysis of the interviews: (i) the hub of the unit; (ii) the division of places; and (iii) power imbalance. All the categories reflected the teamwork in relation to parts of the physical environment. The design of the physical environment is important for multi-professional teamwork. Emphasis must be placed on better understanding the impact of the physical environment and on incorporating the evidence related to multi-professional teamwork during the design of stroke units. Understanding the link between the physical environment and effective teamwork can lead to more tailored and supportive design solutions. The design of the physical environment should be considered as a vital part of effective teamwork in stroke units. The physical environment should include shared workstations, allowing team members to meet and communicate face to face. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An intervention that contains several interacting components can be defined as a complex intervention. This intervention was developed in accordance with the Medical Research Council (MRC) guidance for complex interventions. To describe the development, theoretical framework, and content of a client-centred activities in daily living intervention (CADL) for people with stroke. Different steps were used; identifying the evidence base, identifying/developing theory and the modelling process and outcomes in the development of the CADL. The remodelling of the process and content of the intervention that emerged are defined. Findings from a series of qualitative studies of people with stroke demonstrated the need to develop an ADL intervention based on the clients' lived experiences. The theoretical framework is based on empirical research, theories about human occupation and client-centredness. The CADL is applying an occupational and phenomenological perspective in order to enable agency in daily activities and participation in everyday life among persons with stroke. The article can be used as an example of how to present the development and theoretical framework of a new complex intervention in occupational therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The ReWork-Stroke program was developed to meet the need for a person-centered rehabilitation program addressing return to work after stroke and was provided by occupational therapists (OTs). OBJECTIVE: To gain knowledge on the implementation process of the ReWork-Stroke program, the mechanisms of impact, and the contextual factors that might have affected the process. METHODS: A case study design was used. Data were collected by interviews with two ReWork-Stroke providers and their logbooks of 13 clients. Content analysis was applied. RESULTS: The ReWork-Stroke program varied in duration (12–48 weeks) and was largely implemented according to plan regarding components and how they were provided. It was mostly delivered at the workplace. Mechanisms of impact were building alliances with clients, providing intervention at the workplace, informing about stroke, assigning co-workers as tutors for clients, and collaboration between stakeholders. CONCLUSIONS: The ReWork-Stroke program can be implemented according to plan and is a flexible person-centered program in which stakeholders, coordinated by an OT, plan and take actions, mostly at the workplace, for the client's return to work. A key factor was recognizing the current work ability after stroke. Further program development includes a more structured evaluation and technical solutions for supporting stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To generate knowledge about how professional stakeholders organise and experience the support of the return-to-work (RTW) process for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Constructivist grounded theory approach. Professional stakeholders (n = 34) involved in the RTW process and representing three Swedish Regions were recruited into seven focus groups. Analysis followed initial, focussed, and theoretical coding. The core category – mediating intentions to support work and possibilities of working through social, labour market, and societal context – illustrates complexities of when and how to support a person with SCI in the RTW process, and a risk of delayed, unequal, or absent RTW processes. Analysis outlines: (1) Assessment of ability to work – uncertainty of how and when; (2) Planning RTW – divide between dynamic and rule-based perspectives; (3) Work re-entry – unequal paths towards viable solutions. In RTW after SCI, it is critical to acknowledge how the RTW process is situated in relation to the person and context. A possible direction – grounded in an occupational perspective – through early identification of needs and resources and coordination derived from the SCI rehabilitation setting within healthcare is suggested. This can facilitate a time-sensitive and equal RTW process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Little is known about the life satisfaction of the person with stroke combined with their caregiver, i.e. the dyad, despite the fact that life satisfaction is an important rehabilitation outcome. The aim of this study was to describe the dyads combined life satisfaction and to understand this in relationship to the perceived impact of stroke in everyday life and caregiver burden. Methods In this cross-sectional study, the life satisfaction of persons and their informal caregivers was measured in 81 dyads one year post stroke. Their global life satisfaction, measured with LiSat-11, was combined to a dyad score and the dyads were then categorized as satisfied, dissatisfied or discordant. The groups were compared and analyzed regarding levels of caregiver burden, measured with the Caregiver Burden scale, and the perceived impact of stroke in everyday life, measured with the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS). Results The satisfied dyads comprised 40%, dissatisfied 26% and those that were discordant 34%. The satisfied dyads reported a significantly lower impact of the stroke in everyday life compared with the dyads that were not satisfied. As expected, dyads that were not satisfied reported a significantly greater caregiver burden compared with the satisfied dyads. The discordant group was further broken down into a group of dissatisfied and satisfied caregivers. The caregivers that were not satisfied in the discordant group perceived a significantly greater level of caregiver burden compared with the satisfied group. Even caregivers who were satisfied with life but whose care recipients were not satisfied reported caregiver burden. Conclusions Measuring combined life satisfaction provides a unique focus and appears to be a feasible way of attaining the dyads' perspective. The findings suggest that those dyads with a discordant life satisfaction could be vulnerable because of the caregivers' reported caregiver burden. These findings support the importance of a dyadic perspective and add to the understanding of the reciprocal influences between the caregiver and recipient. This knowledge has clinical implications and contributes to the identification of possible vulnerable dyads in need of tailored support.

About half of those that have had stroke in working age return to work (RTW). Few rehabilitation programmes exist focussing RTW after stroke. To produce a clear replicable description of the ReWork-Stroke rehabilitation programme targeting RTW for people of working age who have had stroke. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication 12 item checklist was used to describe the ReWork-Stroke programme developed 2013–2014. This paper presents the development, rationale and processes in the programme to enable replication and provide evidence for implementation. Occupational therapists (OTs) skilled in stroke rehabilitation contribute knowledge about consequences of stroke and coordinate stakeholders involved. The ReWork-Stroke is person-centred, includes individual plans and generic components, consists of a preparation and a work trial phase. During the preparation phase, resources and hindrances for RTW are mapped and a plan for work trial is elaborated. During the work trial phase, the intervention is located at the workplace. The OT conducts recurrent follow-ups and collaborates with employers/co-workers. A person-centred programme has advantages in its flexibility to meet different needs between people and by this thorough description of ReWork-Stroke, others can replicate the programme and its fidelity and evidence can be strengthened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a need for research to identify the impact of mild stroke on occupational engagement. The Occupational Gaps Questionnaire (OGQ) measures the difference between a person's actual and preferred occupational engagement. This study aimed to test the feasibility of the English version of the OGQ, and describe occupational gaps of people with mild stroke. A mixed methods, cross-sectional study involving 10 people with mild stroke at 1 and/or 9 months after stroke. Quantitative data were summarised descriptively and thematic analysis explored qualitative responses. Participants reported a mean of 6.7 (SD 5.1) gaps at 1-month and 3.00 (SD 2.1) gaps at 9-months. Outdoor activities, work, sports, and light home and heavy-duty maintenance were identified as gaps at both time-points. Two themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: Drivers of occupation and Occupations can be challenged or enabled. An additional finding in terms of feasibility was drawn from qualitative data: Feasibility of Conducting the OGQ with people with mild stroke. The English version of the OGQ was found to be a feasible instrument for identifying occupational gaps following mild stroke and may be suitable to support research and clinical practice with this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objectives To evaluate the feasibility of: (1) ReWorkSCI with regard to adherence and acceptability and (2) a study design for evaluating ReWork-SCI with regard to recruitment, retention and outcome measures. Design Pre-test and post-test, single group, feasibility study. Setting Spinal cord injury (SCI) unit at a regional rehabilitation centre in Sweden. Participants Two women and five men (n=7). Eligible criteria: (1) sustained traumatic or non-traumatic SCI; (2) completed the first acute care episode in a hospital; (3) between 18 to 65 years of age; (4) assessed by a physician as approachable for participation in the intervention; (5) history of permanent or temporary employment; (6) self-reported desire to return to work; and (7) ability to communicate in English or Swedish. Intervention ReWork-SCI is a person-centred intervention for return-to-work (RTW), developed and evaluated using the Medical Research Council’s guidelines. ReWork-SCI follows a person-centred, structured and coordinated intervention process led by a coordinator within a SCI rehabilitation team. Outcome measures The feasibility of ReWork-SCI and a study design was evaluated using a set of outcome measurement tools, vocational data, logbooks and semistructured interviews. Results All eligible participants accepted enrolment and follow-up. All participants had a plan for RTW after 3 months and four participants had initiated part-time work or work trial 6 months after commencement of intervention. Adherence and acceptability were overall good. Challenges of the intervention related to the personcentred follow-up, staff shortage and rootedness in the SCI team. Conclusions ReWork-SCI was feasible and can contribute to a systematic design of an individualised plan, facilitate decision-making and build trust in the RTW process after SCI. Core features of the intervention was the systematic structure, use of a person-centred approach and dialogue with the employer. For the effectiveness of ReWork-SCI, modifications and considerations of study design are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The process of return to work is complex. Knowledge is scarce regarding the experiences from co-workers and employers about this process. Aim: To explore and describe how co-workers and managers experience the return to work process involving a colleague with stroke who is participating in a person-centred rehabilitation programme focusing on return to work including a work trial. Material and methods: Seven co-workers and four managers were interviewed during the work trial of a colleague with stroke. Results: Being a co-worker or manager was related to various challenging experiences; the emotional challenge of being a supportive co-worker or manager, the challenging experience of having too much responsibility, and the challenge of being supportive despite a lack of knowledge. Conclusions: The participants placed value on having support from the coordinator for handling different challenges, but despite this they experienced difficulties in being a valuable support. The limited time of work trial and occasional lack of support from the employer were aggravating aspects. Significance: This study highlights the importance of establishing a commitment between the employer and all involved actors in the initial phase in order to create the best possibilities for a fruitful return to work process, including work trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Integration of research-based knowledge in health care is challenging. Occupational therapists (OTs) need to implement new research-based interventions in clinical practice. Therefore it is crucial to recognize and understand the factors of specific barriers and facilitators affecting the implementation process. Aim: To identify the key factors important for OTs during the implementation process of a complex intervention. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study with a combination of qualitative and quantitative data in a mixed method design. Forty-one OTs and 23 managers from three county councils in Sweden, responded to a questionnaire one year after the OTs participation in a workshop to prepare for implementation of a client-centered activity of daily living intervention for persons with stroke. Results: Over 70% of the OTs benefitted from reading and discussing articles in the workshop; 60% had faith in the intervention; 69% reported usability of the intervention. High level of support from managers was reported, but less from team members. The therapists' interaction, perceptions of own efforts and contextual influence affected the implementation process. Conclusion: The workshop context with facilitation and access to evidence, supportive organizations and teams, sufficient interaction with researchers and satisfying self-image were successful key factors when involved in research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Evidence supporting lifestyle modification in vascular risk reduction is limited, drawn largely from primary prevention studies. To advance the evidence base for non-pharmacological and non-surgical stroke secondary prevention (SSP), empirical research is needed, informed by a consensus-derived definition of SSP. To date, no such definition has been published. We used Delphi methods to generate an evidence-based definition of non-pharmacological and non-surgical SSP. Results: The 16 participants were members of INSsPiRE (International Network of Stroke Secondary Prevention Researchers), a multidisciplinary group of trialists, academics and clinicians. The Elicitation stage identified 49 key elements, grouped into 3 overarching domains: Risk factors, Education, and Theory before being subjected to iterative stages of elicitation, ranking, discussion, and anonymous voting. In the Action stage, following an experience-based engagement with key stakeholders, a consensus-derived definition, complementing current pharmacological and surgical SSP pathways, was finalised: Non-pharmacological and non-surgical stroke secondary prevention supports and improves long-term health and well-being in everyday life and reduces the risk of another stroke, by drawing from a spectrum of theoretically informed interventions and educational strategies. Interventions to self-manage modifiable lifestyle risk factors are contextualized and individualized to the capacities, needs, and personally meaningful priorities of individuals with stroke and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed at culturally adapting the Occupational Gaps Questionnaire and to describe gaps which may exist during participation in everyday occupations i.e. the discrepancy between what a person wants to do and what he or she actually does in everyday life, in a reference sample from an English-speaking population in Uganda and furthermore to explore differences in occupational gaps between the Ugandan and Swedish reference samples. Method: A cross-sectional design was used and data were collected using the Occupational Gaps Questionnaire in four different districts in Uganda (n = 252). The Swedish representative sample included 771 people. Results: Occupational gaps were reported by 91% of the participants (mean=5.8; SD=3.9) in Uganda. The number of gaps per person was higher than in the Swedish sample. The most common gaps in the Ugandan sample were reported as Working (42%), Studying (37%) and Hobbies (35%) in comparison to Cleaning (29%), Sports (23%) Hobbies as well as Travelling for pleasure (20%) in the Swedish sample. Younger participants perceived significantly more gaps than older participants in both samples. Conclusions: The majority of the participants perceived gaps, indicating that occupational gaps are perceived to a greater extent in Uganda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we used stable isotope analysis and radiocarbon dating to study diet, mobility and chronology in two late medieval/historical coastal populations in northern Norway. We have shown that the individuals buried at Kirkegårdsøya date between 1331 and 1953 cal AD and had a homogenous marine diet, whereas the individuals buried at Gullholmen had a more heterogeneous diet, consisting of both terrestrial and marine proteins and date between 1661 and 1953 cal AD. We have demonstrated that reindeer protein was not an important part of their diet, and also discussed the importance of correcting for the marine reservoir effect in populations with a coastal subsistence. Our interpretation is that individuals buried at Kirkegårdsøya primarily belonged to a Coastal Sámi community, although Norwegians with a similar diet (and likely comprising a minor population in the area) cannot be ruled out. The more varied diet and mobility at Gullholmen could, as predicted, indicate that these individuals may have had a more diverse cultural affinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare five-year outcomes and changes over time of a client-centred activities of daily living (ADL) intervention versus usual ADL interventions for people with stroke and their significant others. Design: Five-year follow-up of a cluster-randomized controlled trial where a client-centred ADL intervention (n = 129) or usual ADL interventions (n = 151) were delivered to people with stroke. Setting: Multicentre study including 16 inpatient or home-based rehabilitation units. Participants: People with stroke and significant others. Intervention: The client-centred ADL intervention aimed at enabling agency in daily activities and participation in everyday life and at reducing caregiver burden. Main measures: For people with stroke, perceived participation (Stroke Impact Scale), independence in ADL, life satisfaction, and use of formal/informal care were measured. For significant others, caregiver burden, life satisfaction, and mood (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) were assessed. Results: Five years post-intervention, data were collected from 145 people with stroke (intervention group: n = 71/control group: n = 74) and 75 significant others (intervention group: n = 36/control group: n = 39). For those with stroke, the Participation domain of the Stroke Impact Scale showed no group differences at year five (68.9 vs 75.4, P = 0.062) or in changes over time. At year five, the control group had better outcomes regarding Other help/supervision. Significant others in the control group were more likely to show signs of depression at year five (odds ratio = 22.3; P < 0.001). Conclusion: The client-centred ADL intervention appears to render similar long-term effects as usual ADL interventions for people with stroke, but for significant others signs of depression might be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this follow-up study was to explore experiences of return to work in the context of everyday life among adults 7-11 years after spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: This study used in-depth interviews and observations in a qualitative design with eight persons who had previously been interviewed in 2008. A narrative approach was used during data gathering and analysis. Results: Return to work was experienced as something constantly needing to be negotiated in the context of everyday life. Several years after SCI expectations for work and perceptions of possibilities for meaningful work had changed. Five main themes were identified through the analysis, (1) negotiating the possibilities of working, (2) hope for future work tempered with concern, (3) education as a possible path to employment, (4) paths toward return to work in light of unmet support, and (5) unpaid occupations grounded in interest and competence. Conclusions: Persons who have no higher education or lack viable employment to return to after SCI seem to be vulnerable in return to work. Early and timely interventions tailored to the person’s interests and competencies, in which the rehabilitation team has a distinct coordinating role, are thus critical in return to work. Implications for Rehabilitation: Tensions between hope and expectations for work and unmet needs of support can lead to barriers in return to work, particularly for those who have no higher education or lack employment to return to after spinal cord injury. Rehabilitation after spinal cord injury can benefit from focus on how the balance of work fits into routines in the context of everyday life. Early and timely interventions integrating the person’s interests and competencies in return to work after spinal cord injury in combination with having a health care provider who has a distinct coordinating role are critical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human burials from the cemetery at the Rounala church, northern Sweden, were radiocarbon (14C) dated to shed light on the use of the cemetery. Carbon, nitrogen and sulfur stable isotope analysis of bone collagen from 19 distinct individuals indicated that these individuals had a mixed diet consisting of freshwater, marine and terrestrial resources. Dietary modeling using FRUITS was employed to calculate the contributions of the different resources for each individual. These data were then used to calculate individual ΔR values, taking into account freshwater and multiple marine reservoir effects, the latter caused by Baltic and Atlantic marine dietary inputs, respectively. 14C dating of tissues from modern freshwater fish species demonstrate a lack of a freshwater reservoir effect in the area. Two OxCal models were used to provide endpoint age estimates. The calibrated data suggest that the site's cemetery was most likely in use already from the 14th century, and perhaps until at least the late 18th century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The objective of the study was to compare the total use of healthcare services in the course of the first year after a stroke between participants who, after the acute care, had received occupational therapy as a clientcentred activities of daily living (ADL) intervention (CADL) and participants who had received usual ADL intervention (UADL). Design A secondary analysis of a multicentre clusterrandomised controlled trial (RCT). Setting Primary and secondary care in Sweden. Participants Participants were included if they: (1) had received CADL or UADL in the RCT, either as inpatients in geriatric rehabilitation units or in their own homes, and (2) data could be retrieved about their use of healthcare services provided by the county council from computerised registers. Interventions CADL or UADL. Outcome measures Inpatient and outpatient healthcare in the course of the first year after stroke. Results Participants from 7 of the 16 units included in the RCT met the criteria. Participants in the CADL group (n=26) who received geriatric inpatient rehabilitation had a shorter length of hospital stay (p=0.03) than participants in the UADL group (n=46), and the CADL group with home rehabilitation (n=13) had fewer outpatient contacts (p=0.01) compared with the UADL group (n=25). Multiple regression analyses showed that in four of the models, a higher age was associated with a lower use of healthcare services. The use of healthcare services was also associated (some of the models) with dependence in ADL, stroke severity and type of rehabilitation received, CADL or UADL. Conclusions The provision of client-centred occupational therapy after stroke did not appear to increase the use of healthcare services during the first year after stroke. rrrrr Trial registration number NCT01417585. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intertwined relation between policy and intelligence has long been considered a vital issue for intelligence studies. However, this article argues that the role of the intelligence services as producers of knowledge within policy processes has not yet been thoroughly discussed within academia. One possible overall theoretical framework for studying intelligence in its role as knowledge producer is that of policy analysis, especially if the variance of intelligence’s impact on policy is under scrutiny. More specifically, this article argues that the theoretical approaches within critical policy analysis and policy network analysis constitute productive frameworks for research into the intelligence-policy nexus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compound-specific amino acid carbon-isotope compositions have shown particular promise for elucidating dietary behaviors in complex environmental contexts, and may also be able to mitigate the effect of many of the limitations inherent to palaeodietary reconstructions. Here, we investigate the efficacy of compound-specific amino acid isotopic proxies in characterizing the consumption of different dietary protein sources using amino acid carbon-isotope compositions for humans and fauna from Rössberga (Early to Middle Neolithic), Köpingsvik (Mesolithic and Middle Neolithic), and Visby (Medieval Period), Sweden. We also assess the explanatory capabilities of an isotopic mixing model when used with essential amino acid carbon-isotope compositions of humans and local fauna. All three isotopic proxies distinguished among humans from the three sites consistently and informatively, and were able to enhance the broad interpretations made using bulk isotopic compositions. The mixing model palaeodietary reconstruction revealed considerable diversity in relative protein source contributions among individuals at both Köpingsvik and Visby. Comparing the mixing model for bulk carbon- and nitrogen-isotope compositions to the model for essential amino acid isotopic compositions further demonstrated the likelihood of underestimation and overestimation of marine protein consumption for both aquatic-dominant and mixed marine-terrestrial diets when using bulk isotopic compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scandinavia was one of the last geographic areas in Europe to become habitable for humans after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). However, the routes and genetic composition of these postglacial migrants remain unclear. We sequenced the genomes, up to 57× coverage, of seven hunter-gatherers excavated across Scandinavia and dated from 9,500–6,000 years before present (BP). Surprisingly, among the Scandinavian Mesolithic individuals, the genetic data display an east–west genetic gradient that opposes the pattern seen in other parts of Mesolithic Europe. Our results suggest two different early postglacial migrations into Scandinavia: initially from the south, and later, from the northeast. The latter followed the ice-free Norwegian north Atlantic coast, along which novel and advanced pressure-blade stone-tool techniques may have spread. These two groups met and mixed in Scandinavia, creating a genetically diverse population, which shows patterns of genetic adaptation to high latitude environments. These potential adaptations include high frequencies of low pigmentation variants and a gene region associated with physical performance, which shows strong continuity into modern-day northern Europeans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]