bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What do patients consulting in a free sexual health center know about HIV transmission and post-exposure prophylaxis?
Authors: Duteil Christelle , de La Rochebrochard Elise , Piron Prescillia , Segouin Christophe , Troude Pénélope
Published: March 2021

Background

Screening, condom use and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are among existing HIV prevention strategies. However, efficient use of these strategies requires that patients have an adequate knowledge of HIV transmission routes and awareness of risk behaviors. This study aimed to assess knowledge about HIV transmission among patients who attended a free HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening center in Paris, France, and to explore the patient profiles associated with HIV-related knowledge.

Methods

This observational cross-sectional study included 2002 patients who attended for STI testing from August 2017 through August 2018 and completed a self-administered electronic questionnaire. Based on incorrect answers regarding HIV transmission, two outcomes were assessed: lack of knowledge and false beliefs. Factors associated with these two outcomes were explored using univariate and multivariate logistic regressions.

Results

Only 3.6% of patients did not know about HIV transmission through unprotected sexual intercourse and/or by sharing needles. More than one third of patients (36.4%) had at least one false belief, believing that HIV could be transmitted by sharing a drink (9.7%), kissing (17.6%) or using public toilets (27.5%). A low educational level and no previous HIV testing were associated in multivariate analyses with both lack of knowledge and false beliefs. Age and sexual orientation were also associated with false beliefs. Furthermore, 55.6% of patients did not know that post-exposure prophylaxis consists of taking emergency treatment as soon as possible after risky intercourse.

Conclusions

Although the main HIV transmission routes are well known, false beliefs persist and knowledge regarding PEP needs to be improved. Prevention campaigns must focus on these themes which appear as a complementary strategy to pre-exposure prophylaxis to reduce HIV infection.
Cockroach exposure and perceived stress interact to predict clinical outcomes in childhood asthma
Authors: Rabito Felicia A. , Werthmann Derek , He Hua , Madkour Aubrey S. , Arroyave Whitney D. , Sever Michelle L. , LaVeist Thomas A.
Published: March 2021

Background

Nonpharmacologic interventions for asthma management rely on identification and mitigation of important asthma triggers. Cockroach exposure is strongly associated with asthma morbidity. It is also associated with stress, another risk factor for asthma. Despite high prevalence of both in vulnerable populations, the impact of joint exposure has not been examined.

Methods

Participants included 173 children with asthma in New Orleans, Louisiana. Cockroach exposure was based on visual inspection using standard protocols. Caregiver stress was measured using Cohen’s 4-item Perceived Stress Scale. Outcomes included unscheduled clinic or emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalization, and pulmonary function. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess independent effects of the exposure on the outcome and effect modification was examined in stratified analysis based on stress. Path analysis to explore the mediation effect by stress was performed using a probit link with parameters based on Bayes’ method with non-informative priors.

Results

Adjusting for stress and other covariates, cockroach exposure was associated with unscheduled clinic/ED visits (aOR = 6.2; 95% CI 1.8, 21.7). Positive associations were also found for hospitalization and FEV1 < 80%. High stress modified the relationship with unscheduled clinic/ED visits (high aOR = 7.7 95% CI 1.0, 60.2, versus normal aOR = 4.1 95% CI 0.8, 21.9). Path models identified direct and indirect effects (p = 0.05) indicating that a majority of the total effect on unscheduled clinic/ED visits is attributed directly to cockroach exposure.

Conclusion

The strong association between cockroach exposure and asthma morbidity is not due to uncontrolled confounding by stress. The combination of cockroach exposure and high stress, common in urban homes, are modifiable factors associated with poor asthma outcomes.
Does breaking up prolonged sitting improve cognitive functions in sedentary adults? A mapping review and hypothesis formulation on the potential physiological mechanisms
Authors: Chandrasekaran Baskaran , Pesola Arto J. , Rao Chythra R. , Arumugam Ashokan
Published: March 2021

Background

Prolonged (excessive) sitting is detrimentally associated with cardiovascular, metabolic and mental health. Moreover, prolonged sitting has been associated with poor executive function, memory, attention and visuospatial skills, which are important cognitive aspects of work performance. Breaking up prolonged sitting with standing or light-intensity exercises at the workplace is recognized as a potential measure in improving cognition. However, preliminary evidence, primarily from acute laboratory experiments, has enabled formulating hypothesis on the possible mechanistic pathways. Hence, the aim of this mapping review is to gather preliminary evidence and substantiate possible physiological mechanisms underpinning the putative effects of breaking prolonged sitting on improving cognitive function among sedentary office workers.

Mapping method

We searched four databases to identify relevant studies that explored the effects of uninterrupted sitting on cognitive function. First, we introduce how prolonged sitting increases the risks of hyperglycemia, autonomic stability, inflammation, adverse hormonal changes and restrictions in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and alters cognitive function. Second, we elucidate the direct and indirect effects of breaking up prolonged sitting time that may prevent a decline in cognitive performance by influencing glycaemic variability, autonomic stability, hormones (brain derived neurotrophic factor, dopamine, serotonin), vascular functions, and CBF. We highlight the importance of breaking up prolonged sitting on metabolic, vascular and endocrine functions, which in turn may improve cognitive functions and eventually foster work productivity. Improved synaptic transmission or neuroplasticity due to increased brain glucose and mitochondrial metabolism, increased endothelial shear and CBF, increased brain neurotrophic factors (dopamine) and accelerated anti-inflammatory functions are some of the hypothetical mechanisms underpinning improved cognitive functions.

Conclusion

We postulate that improving cognitive function by breaking up prolonged sitting periods is biologically plausible with the myriad of (suggested) physiological mechanisms. Future experimental studies to ascertain the aforementioned hypothetical mechanisms and clinical trials to break sedentary behavior and improve cognitive functions in sedentary office workers are warranted.
Locking plate combined with titanium cable for Neer type II distal clavicle fractures
Authors: Zhang Fan , Fu Qiang , Li Yongchuan , Lu Nan , Chen Aimin , Zhao Liangyu
Published: March 2021

Background

There is controversy about the optimal strategy treatment of unstable distal clavicle fractures. We explored use of a surgical strategy: combination of a distal clavicle locking plate and a titanium cable. The purpose of this retrospective case series study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of this new strategy in treating Neer type II distal clavicle fractures.

Methods

Twenty-one patients with Neer type II distal clavicle fracture were treated with a distal clavicle locking plate and a titanium cable. All patients were followed for at least one year. We retrospectively collected and reviewed follow-up data. The clinical outcomes were assessed for union rate, functional score, and complication rate.

Results

All patients achieved bony union within 6 months. The average follow-up period was 20.6 months (range12–48 months). The mean Constant score at one-year follow-up was 94.6 ± 3.3 (range 84–98), and the mean UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) score was 33.3 ± 2.6 (range 27–35). Only one complication (wound infection) was observed during follow-up. Two patients received another operation for implant removal due to local irritation.

Conclusions

Use of a distal clavicle locking plate in combination with a titanium cable for treatment of Neer type II fractures results in high union rate, a low complication rate, and good shoulder function. This combined surgical strategy can be considered an effective method for treating unstable distal clavicle fractures.
Increased frequency of β cells with abnormal NKX6.1 expression in type 2 diabetes but not in subjects with higher risk for type 2 diabetes
Authors: Liu Tengli , Sun Peng , Zou Jiaqi , Wang Le , Wang Guanqiao , Liu Na , Liu Yaojuan , Ding Xuejie , Zhang Boya , Liang Rui , Wang Shusen , Shen Zhongyang
Published: March 2021

Background

NKX6.1 is a transcription factor for insulin, as well as a marker for β cell maturity. Abnormal NKX6.1 expression in β cells, such as translocation from the nucleus to cytoplasm or lost expression, has been shown as a marker for β cell dedifferentiation.

Methods

We obtained pancreatic sections from organ donors and immunofluorescence staining with NKX6.1 and insulin was performed to characterize NKX6.1 expression in subjects with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Results

Our results showed that cells with insulin expression but no nucleic NKX6.1 expression (NKX6.1Nuc-Ins+), and cells with cytoplasmic NKX6.1 expression but no insulin expression (NKX6.1cytIns−) were significantly increased in T2DM subjects and positively correlated with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), indicating the elevated β cell dedifferentiation with NKX6.1 inactivation in T2DM. To investigate whether β cell dedifferentiation has initiated in subjects with higher risks for T2DM, we next analyzed the association between β-cell dedifferentiation level in ND subjects with different ages, body mass index, and HbA1c. The results showed the absolute number and percentage of dedifferentiated β cells with NKX6.1 inactivation did not significantly change in subjects with advanced aging, obesity, or modest hyperglycemia, indicating that the β cell dedifferentiation might mainly occur after T2DM was diagnosed.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that NKX6.1 expression in β cells was changed in type 2 diabetic subjects, evidenced by significantly increased NKX6.1Nuc-Ins+ and NKX6.1cytIns− cells. This abnormality did not occur more frequently in subjects with a higher risk for T2DM, suggesting that β cell dedifferentiation might be secondary to the pathological changes in T2DM.
Mortality due to primary brain tumours in China and detection rate in people with suspected symptoms: a nationally representative cross-sectional survey
Authors: Jiang Bin , Liu Hongmei , Sun Dongling , Sun Haixin , Ru Xiaojuan , Fu Jie , Ge Siqi , Wang Wenzhi
Published: March 2021

Background and purpose

Epidemiological data on primary brain tumours (PBTs) are lacking due to the difficulty in case ascertainment among the population. Thus, we aimed to estimate mortality due to PBTs in China nationwide and the detection rate in people with suspected symptoms.

Methods

A multistage, complex sampling survey regarding mortality due to PBTs in Chinese individuals was carried out by reviewing all causes of death within a year. The detection rates in people with suspected symptoms were estimated based on PBT symptom screening and neurologist reviews and compared between groups by logistic regression analysis.

Results

Weighted mortality due to PBT was 1.6 (0.8–3.3) per 100,000 population in Chinese individuals, 1.8 (0.7–4.6) per 100,000 population in men, and 1.5 (0.5–4.5) per 100,000 population in women. Among 14,990 people with suspected symptoms, the PBT detection rate was 306.9 (95% CI 224.7–409.3) per 100,000 population in the total population, 233.0 (95% CI 135.7–373.1) per 100,000 population in men, and 376.9 (95% CI 252.4–546.3) per 100,000 population in women. People with an unsteady gait (OR 2.46; 95% CI 1.09–5.51; P=0.029), visual anomalies (3.84; 1.88–7.85; P<0.001), and headache (2.06; 1.10–3.86; P=0.023) were more likely to have a brain tumour than those without corresponding symptoms, while people with dizziness/vertigo were less likely to have a brain tumour than those without corresponding symptoms (0.45; 0.23–0.87; P=0.017).

Conclusions

Mortality due to PBT in China was low, with a nationwide estimate of 21,215 (10,427–43,165) deaths attributable to PBTs annually. However, the detection rate of PBTs can be greatly improved based on symptom screening in the population.
Fluid proteomics of CSF and serum reveal important neuroinflammatory proteins in blood–brain barrier disruption and outcome prediction following severe traumatic brain injury: a prospective, observational study
Authors: Lindblad Caroline , Pin Elisa , Just David , Al Nimer Faiez , Nilsson Peter , Bellander Bo-Michael , Svensson Mikael , Piehl Fredrik , Thelin Eric Peter
Published: March 2021

Background

Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption and a subsequent neuroinflammatory process. We aimed to perform a multiplex screening of brain enriched and inflammatory proteins in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in order to study their role in BBB disruption, neuroinflammation and long-term functional outcome in TBI patients and healthy controls.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, observational study on 90 severe TBI patients and 15 control subjects. Clinical outcome data, Glasgow Outcome Score, was collected after 6–12 months. We utilized a suspension bead antibody array analyzed on a FlexMap 3D Luminex platform to characterize 177 unique proteins in matched CSF and serum samples. In addition, we assessed BBB disruption using the CSF-serum albumin quotient (QA), and performed Apolipoprotein E-genotyping as the latter has been linked to BBB function in the absence of trauma. We employed pathway-, cluster-, and proportional odds regression analyses. Key findings were validated in blood samples from an independent TBI cohort.

Results

TBI patients had an upregulation of structural CNS and neuroinflammatory pathways in both CSF and serum. In total, 114 proteins correlated withQA, among which the top-correlated proteins were complement proteins. A cluster analysis revealed protein levels to be strongly associated with BBB integrity, but not carriage of the Apolipoprotein E4-variant. Among cluster-derived proteins, innate immune pathways were upregulated. Forty unique proteins emanated as novel independent predictors of clinical outcome, that individually explained ~ 10% additional model variance. Among proteins significantly different between TBI patients with intact or disrupted BBB, complement C9 in CSF (p = 0.014, ΔR2 = 7.4%) and complement factor B in serum (p = 0.003, ΔR2 = 9.2%) were independent outcome predictors also following step-down modelling.

Conclusions

This represents the largest concomitant CSF and serum proteomic profiling study so far reported in TBI, providing substantial support to the notion that neuroinflammatory markers, including complement activation, predicts BBB disruption and long-term outcome. Individual proteins identified here could potentially serve to refine current biomarker modelling or represent novel treatment targets in severe TBI.
Take one for the team: on the time efficiency of application-level buffer-aided relaying in edge cloud communication
Authors: Li Zheng , Millar-Bilbao Francisco , Rojas-Durán Gonzalo , Ladra Susana
Published: March 2021

Background

Adding buffers to networks is part of the fundamental advance in data communication. Since edge cloud computing is based on the heterogeneous collaboration network model in a federated environment, it is natural to consider buffer-aided data communication for edge cloud applications. However, the existing studies generally pursue the beneficial features of buffering at a cost of time, not to mention that many investigations are focused on lower-layer data packets rather than application-level communication transactions.

Aims

Driven by our argument against the claim that buffers “can introduce additional delay to the communication between the source and destination”, this research aims to investigate whether or not (and if yes, to what extent) the application-level buffering mechanism can improve the time efficiency in edge-cloud data transmissions.

Method

To collect empirical evidence for the theoretical discussion, we built up a testbed to simulate a remote health monitoring system, and conducted both experimental and modeling investigations into the first-in-first-served (FIFS) and buffer-aided data transmissions at a relay node in the system.

Results

An empirical inequality system is established for revealing the time efficiency of buffer-aided edge cloud communication. For example, given the reference of transmitting the 11th data entity in the FIFS manner, the inequality system suggests buffering up to 50 data entities into one transmission transaction on our testbed.

Conclusions

Despite the trade-off benefits (e.g., energy efficiency and fault tolerance) of buffering data, our investigation argues that the buffering mechanism can also speed up data transmission under certain circumstances, and thus it would be worth taking data buffering into account when designing and developing edge cloud applications even in the time-critical context.
Ultrasensitive assays for detection of plasma tau and phosphorylated tau 181 in Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ding Xulong , Zhang Shuting , Jiang Lijun , Wang Lu , Li Tao , Lei Peng
Published: March 2021

A lack of convenient and reliable biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis is a common challenge for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recent advancement in ultrasensitive protein assays has allowed the quantification of tau and phosphorylated tau proteins in peripheral plasma. Here we identified 66 eligible studies reporting quantification of plasma tau and phosphorylated tau 181 (ptau181) using four ultrasensitive methods. Meta-analysis of these studies confirmed that the AD patients had significantly higher plasma tau and ptau181 levels compared with controls, and that the plasma tau and ptau181 could predict AD with high-accuracy area under curve of the Receiver Operating Characteristic. Therefore, plasma tau and plasma ptau181 can be considered as biomarkers for AD diagnosis.
As She Lay Dying: Locating the Gothic in Kaui Hart Hemmings’s The Descendants
Authors: Hodge Amber P.
Published: March 2021

This essay seeks to expand the scope of both US southern and Pacific Islander American studies by examining The Descendants (2007) in conversation with William Faulkner’s southern gothic mainstay As I Lay Dying (1930). The essay positions Hemmings’s novel in a gothic framework to reveal connections across regional gothics in the United States and expose colonial legacies. The enduring trauma of British imperialism is well-documented, but American colonialism, particularly in Hawai‘i, is rarely addressed in the continental United States, making a gothic “recontextualization” especially necessary. Both Hemmings and Faulkner interrogate the pressures the dead—both recent and ancestral—place on the living by deploying gothic tonality to illuminate social problems. In aligning gothic forms, this essay examines the literary representations of twenty-first-century plantation inheritances from the southernmost US state, Hawai‘i, and the southeastern United States. Ultimately, I argue that vestiges of the wrongs borne of their plantation origins, in both the southeastern United States and Hawai‘i, manifest across gothic forms in distress surrounding land and legacy as well as in an emphasis on futurity—all grounded in the maternal.
Science Fiction and Utopia in the Anthropocene
Authors: Canavan Gerry
Published: March 2021

This article takes up science-fictional visions of the future against the “deep time” of the Anthropocene in order to explore the possibilities for utopia that remain in an era that only seems capable of producing necrofuturological dread. The piece surveys a wide range of contemporary literature and film; the key prose authors discussed are Octavia E. Butler, Margaret Atwood, Ernest Callenbach, and Kim Stanley Robinson. These texts are used to identify patterns of thought that have become habitual in the cultural moment of the Anthropocene, and they are explored as critiques of, alternatives to, and lines of flight away from its more pessimistic ideological formations.
Expansion and innovation in auxin signaling: where do we grow from here?
Authors: Ramos Báez Román , Nemhauser Jennifer L.
Published: March 2021

The phytohormone auxin plays a role in almost all growth and developmental responses. The primary mechanism of auxin action involves the regulation of transcription via a core signaling pathway comprising proteins belonging to three classes: receptors, co-receptor/co-repressors and transcription factors. Recent studies have revealed that auxin signaling can be traced back at least as far as the transition to land. Moreover, studies in flowering plants have highlighted how expansion of the gene families encoding auxin components is tied to functional diversification. As we review here, these studies paint a picture of auxin signaling evolution as a driver of innovation.
TGFβ family signaling and development
Authors: Jia Shunji , Meng Anming
Published: March 2021

The transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling family is evolutionarily conserved in metazoans. The signal transduction mechanisms of TGFβ family members have been expansively investigated and are well understood. During development and homeostasis, numerous TGFβ family members are expressed in various cell types with temporally changing levels, playing diverse roles in embryonic development, adult tissue homeostasis and human diseases by regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, migration and apoptosis. Here, we discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying signal transduction and regulation of the TGFβ subfamily pathways, and then highlight their key functions in mesendoderm induction, dorsoventral patterning and laterality development, as well as in the formation of several representative tissues/organs.
Inferring cell junction tension and pressure from cell geometry
Authors: Roffay Chloé , Chan Chii J. , Guirao Boris , Hiiragi Takashi , Graner François
Published: March 2021

Recognizing the crucial role of mechanical regulation and forces in tissue development and homeostasis has stirred a demand for in situ measurement of forces and stresses. Among emerging techniques, the use of cell geometry to infer cell junction tensions, cell pressures and tissue stress has gained popularity owing to the development of computational analyses. This approach is non-destructive and fast, and statistically validated based on comparisons with other techniques. However, its qualitative and quantitative limitations, in theory as well as in practice, should be examined with care. In this Primer, we summarize the underlying principles and assumptions behind stress inference, discuss its validity criteria and provide guidance to help beginners make the appropriate choice of its variants. We extend our discussion from two-dimensional stress inference to three dimensional, using the early mouse embryo as an example, and list a few possible extensions. We hope to make stress inference more accessible to the scientific community and trigger a broader interest in using this technique to study mechanics in development.
PAPOLA contributes to cyclin D1 mRNA alternative polyadenylation and promotes breast cancer cell proliferation
Authors: Komini Chrysoula , Theohari Irini , Lambrianidou Andromachi , Nakopoulou Lydia , Trangas Theoni
Published: March 2021

Poly(A) polymerases add the poly(A) tail at the 3′ end of nearly all eukaryotic mRNA, and are associated with proliferation and cancer. To elucidate the role of the most-studied mammalian poly(A) polymerase, poly(A) polymerase α (PAPOLA), in cancer, we assessed its expression in 221 breast cancer samples and found it to correlate strongly with the aggressive triple-negative subtype. Silencing PAPOLA in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells reduced proliferation and anchorage-independent growth by decreasing steady-state cyclin D1 (CCND1) mRNA and protein levels. Whereas the length of the CCND1 mRNA poly(A) tail was not affected, its 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) lengthened. Overexpressing PAPOLA caused CCND1 mRNA 3′UTR shortening with a concomitant increase in the amount of corresponding transcript and protein, resulting in growth arrest in MCF-7 cells and DNA damage in HEK-293 cells. Such overexpression of PAPOLA promoted proliferation in the p53 mutant MDA-MB-231 cells. Our data suggest that PAPOLA is a possible candidate target for the control of tumor growth that is mostly relevant to triple-negative tumors, a group characterized by PAPOLA overexpression and lack of alternative targeted therapies.
AMP-activated protein kinase is a key regulator of acute neurovascular permeability
Authors: Dragoni Silvia , Caridi Bruna , Karatsai Eleni , Burgoyne Thomas , Sarker Mosharraf H. , Turowski Patric
Published: March 2021

Many neuronal and retinal disorders are associated with pathological hyperpermeability of the microvasculature. We have used explants of rodent retinae to study acute neurovascular permeability, signal transduction and the role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Following stimulation with either vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) or bradykinin (BK), AMPK was rapidly and strongly phosphorylated and acted as a key mediator of permeability downstream of Ca2+. Accordingly, AMPK agonists potently induced acute retinal vascular leakage. AMPK activation led to phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS, also known as NOS3), which in turn increased VE-cadherin (CDH5) phosphorylation on Y685. In parallel, AMPK also mediated phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinases (hereafter p38) and HSP27 (HSPB1), indicating that it regulated paracellular junctions and cellular contractility, both previously associated with endothelial permeability. Endothelial AMPK provided a missing link in neurovascular permeability, connecting Ca2+ transients to the activation of eNOS and p38, irrespective of the permeability-inducing factor used. Collectively, we find that, due to its compatibility with small molecule antagonists and agonists, as well as siRNA, the ex vivo retina model constitutes a reliable tool to identify and study regulators and mechanisms of acute neurovascular permeability.
Body Composition Adaptations Throughout an Elite Circus Student-Artist Training Season
Authors: Decker Adam , Aubertin Patrice , Kriellaars Dean
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study was to perform a longitudinal assessment of body composition of circus student-artists in an elite 3-year college training program. Ninety-two student-artists participated (age = 20.39 ± 2.42 years; height = 170.01 ± 8.01 cm; mass = 66.48 ±
11.07 kg; 36% female and 64% male), representing 92% of the student population. Body composi- tion was assessed using multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance at four strategic time points throughout the training year to evaluate changes over the two semesters (September to December and January
to April) and winter vacation (December to January). Workloads were subjectively assessed using ratings of perceived exer- tion (RPE). Averaged over the academic terms, fat mass was 11.5 ± 4.8%, muscle mass was 50.2 ± 3.4%, and body mass index was 22.9 ± 2.2. Males and
females differed significantly across all absolute and relative body composition variables. Muscle mass increased (semester one, +1.0%, p < 0.001; semester two, +0.4%, p < 0.05) while fat mass decreased during each semester (semester one, -1.6%, p < 0.001; semester two, -0.6%, p <
0.05) co-varying with changes in RPE (semester one, +2.3, p < 0.05; semester two, +1.7, p < 0.05). During the winter vacation period, percent fat mass increased (males, +1.0%; females, +2.0%) and percent muscle mass decreased (males, -0.6%; females, -0.9%). Discipline-specific differences
in body composition were also detected, and significant differences were observed between student-artists grouped by years in school. Over the training year, there was a positive adaptation for muscle and fat mass despite the negative adaptation experienced during the winter vacation period.
Imperatyw konkretyzacji
Authors: Luboń Arkadiusz
Published: March 2021

Imperative of Concretization: Translational Shifts and the Models of Reception of Howard Phillips Lovecraft’s Prose – The Case Study of "The Outsider" and its Polish Versions

The Article discusses translational reception of Howard Phillips Lovecraft’s prose in Poland on the example of his short story The Outsider. The gothic tale of a mysterious recluse visiting human society, in its original version, has no explicit interpretation due to the fact that the maincharacter’s identity is intentionally left by Lovecraft without precise and unambiguous explanation for its readers to determine. Polish versions, however, modified in the process of interlinguistic transfer, are aimed at concretization of the text, and thus solving this interpretational puzzle with different answers given by five translators (Grzegorz Iwanciw, Robert Lipski, Ewa Morycińska-Dzius, Mateusz Kopacz and Maciej Płaza), influenced by a variety of factors: image of the American writer, knowledge of his other literary works, implied readers of the translations and artistic trends popular in Polish literature.
Powtórzenie w oryginale, powtórzenie w przekładzie
Authors: Mitura Magdalena
Published: March 2021

Repetition in Original Work, Repetition in Translation: Remarks onthe Phenomenon of Repetition on the Example of Dukla by Andrzej Stasiuk and Its French Translation

The objective of the present article is to analyze the translational solutions applied to repetitions in the French translation of the Dukla novel by Andrzej Stasiuk. Based on the classification elaborated by Adam Dobaczewski (2018), we diversified two groups in the selected Polish materials: intra-sentence repetitions and inter-sentence repetitions. The intra-sentence repetitions were then divided into two subgroups. The first one included systemic repetitions, i.e. those that were the predetermined code units of the respective language. The other subgroup included supra-language operations, which were the result of text-creative mechanisms that were independent from the specific language system. The results of our analysis undermine the existing belief that supra-langue repetitions are easily translatable. Even when these elements are not subject to potential blocking by limitations of grammar, their translation – or more frequently – disappearance, depend on stylistic considerations and/or arbitrary decisions madeby the translator.
The Bigger Picture: Combining Econometrics with Analytics Improves Forecasts of Movie Success
Authors: Lehrer Steven F. , Xie Tian
Published: March 2021

There exists significant hype regarding how much machine learning and incorporating social media data can improve forecast accuracy in commercial applications. To assess if the hype is warranted, we use data from the film industry in simulation experiments that contrast econometric approaches with tools from the predictive analytics literature. Further, we propose new strategies that combine elements from each literature in a bid to capture richer patterns of heterogeneity in the underlying relationship governing revenue. Our results demonstrate the importance of social media data and value from hybrid strategies that combine econometrics and machine learning when conducting forecasts with new big data sources. Specifically, although both least squares support vector regression and recursive partitioning strategies greatly outperform dimension reduction strategies and traditional econometrics approaches in forecast accuracy, there are further significant gains from using hybrid approaches. Further, Monte Carlo experiments demonstrate that these benefits arise from the significant heterogeneity in how social media measures and other film characteristics influence box office outcomes.

This paper was accepted by J. George Shanthikumar, big data analytics.
Network Pricing: How to Induce Optimal Flows Under Strategic Link Operators
Authors: Correa José , Guzmán Cristóbal , Lianeas Thanasis , Nikolova Evdokia , Schröder Marc
Published: March 2021

Regulating Network Pricing Games by Using Price Caps
Heteroscedastic Exponomial Choice
Authors: Alptekinoğlu Aydın , Semple John H.
Published: March 2021

Modeling Choices with Different Variabilities
BIG OBSTACLES IN IMPLEMENTING LESSON STUDY
Authors: Madjdi Achmad Hilal , Rokhayani Atik
Published: March 2021

High spirit in enhancing teaching learning process in the framework of Lesson Study does not always show high performance in the overall management of the learning community. Big- unpredictable obstacles appeared in each stages and need certain reflection and specific treatment to cope with. In other words, it is really interesting to implement Lesson Study but, on the other hands, several phenomena appeared beyond the theory of Lesson Study it self. This paper tries to uncover the obstacles of the practice of implementing Lesson Study to improve teaching learning process of TEAL (Teaching English as an Additional Language) class in the English Department of University of Muria Kudus. Stages of teaching learning process was done in the concept of Lesson Study: Planning, Doing, and Reflecting. These stages were implemented with the main purpose to switch what the so called teacher centered learning to students centered learning. There are many obstacles appeared during teaching learning activity of “Lesson Study” of TEAL. Most of them dealed with how the colleques of the teacher take the role as members of learning community who hopefully played important role in developing the concept of teachng learning and material development. The second obstacles had something to do with the learning habit of the students which has been established in mood of being good listener in the classroom. The third obstacles worked in the session of reflection where it seemed difficult for some of the involved person to portrait the real problem in lesson study class.
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND MOTIVATION IN A VOCATIONAL ENGLISH PROJECT BASED LEARNING
Authors: Susanti Arik , Trisusana Anis
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to describe the student engagement and motivation in studying English through Project Based Learning (PjBL). PjBL provides students the freedom to be critical thinkers and problem solvers. Moreover, it places the students in situations that require authentic use of language in order to communicate and to present. The method used was qualitative since the objective of the research was to describe the development of the students’ creativity. The participants were 40 students and 2 English teachers in Vocational High Schools in East Java Province. The data were gained through interview and classroom observation. The data from interview were transcribed and analyzed qualitatively, and the data from classroom observation were coded and analyzed qualitatively. The results showed that PjBL could increase the students’ motivation. The students were interested in completing their projects and enthusiastic in learning English. Therefore, PjBL is recommended to be used in English learning to encourage the student engagement and motivation.
A NEED ANALYSIS OF INNOVATIVE CULTURE-BASED ENGLISH LEARNING MODEL FOR NON-ENGLISH DEPARTMENT STUDENTS AT BINA NUSANTARA UNIVERSITY
Authors: Aryusmar Aryusmar , Muhartoyo Muhartoyo
Published: March 2021

In line with Binus University mission the graduates are expected to get involved themselves in the global community by either working for global companies or being self-employed professionals or entrepreneurs with world-wide perspective. This can only be successfully achieved when their graduate competence includes the ability in using English for global professional communication. English is widely used in activities of economy, trade, industry, education and culture. This paper presents a need analysis of non-English Department students at Bina Nusantara University to acquire English language and culture simultaneously. The analysis is based on the experience of teaching English for non-English Department students at Bina Nusantara University and based on the analysis of compiled concepts, theories and references obtained through comprehensive library research. The need analysis concludes that there is an urgent need to develop an Innovative Culture-Based English Learning Model to Enable Non-English Department Students at Bina Nusantara University to Master English Language for Professional Development. New learning culture also needs to be introduced to achieve the learning outcomes set out in the Culture-based Learning model.
AN ANALYSIS OF STUDENTS’ ERROR USING PREPOSITION IN NARRATIVE TEXT AT THE THIRD SEMESTER OF ENGLISH EDUCATION STUDY PROGRAM MUHAMMADIYAH UNIVERSITY OF METRO ACADEMIC YEAR 2015/2016
Authors: Dwiyanti Atika
Published: March 2021

The third semester of English Education Study Program is supposed to have been able to use preposition correctly. The objectives of this research are to find out what kind of error do the students make in using prepositions based on Surface Strategy taxonomy when they write narrative text; to find out how often the students make error in using preposition when they write narrative text; to find out what are the reasons of the students to make error in using preposition when they write narrative text.This research is a qualitative research. The data analyzed are based on descriptive analysis, namely collecting the data, analyse the students error, classifying the students errors, describing errors based on their type, classifying the result of interview.This research was conducted at Muhammadiyah University of Metro. The subject is third semester of English Department academic year 2015/2016 with 32 students as participant. The data were collected from writing test and interview. The result of research showed that the highest percentages of the errors belong to addition type (48%). The second percentage is misformation type (29%). Then the third is omission type (21%). Next, the last percentage is misordering (2%). It means that the most committed errors made by the students is addition. The studenst really often made error in using preposition when they write narrative text and the students made error in using preposition when they write narrative text is the students were confuse in using prepositions and they did not understand how to differentiate them.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CHARADES GAME TOWARD STUDENTS’ VOCABULARY MASTERY AT FOURTH GRADE OF SD UNGGULAN AISYIYAH BANTUL IN THE ACADEMIC YEAR OF 2016/2017
Authors: Sari Demita , Chairani Noor
Published: March 2021

This research is intended to find out the students’ vocabulary mastery in experimental group who is taught by using Charades Game and in control group who is taught without using Charades Game and to find out whether there is a significant difference in English vocabulary mastery between the students in control group and the students in experimental group.The experimental research was used in this research. The subjects of this research were conducted at fourth grade students of SD Unggulan Aisyiyah Bantul Yogyakarta. They were divided into four classes. There are two classes namely experimental group and control group that was taken in experimental research. The experimental group (IV B) consists of 31 students and the control group (IV D) also consists of 31 students. The data were collected by using vocabulary test.The researcher used descriptive and inferential analysis to analyze the data, including the normality, homogeneity, and hypothesis test. The result of the pre-test showed mean score in experimental group is 54.67, while the mean of control group is 52.25. After the treatment, the mean score of the post-test in experimental group showed 81.77 and the mean score of control group showed 70.16. It means that the mean score of vocabulary mastery test of experimental group is higher than the mean score of control group. Then, the result of hypothesis using Indepentent T-test in the post-test showed that the level of significance is lower than 0.05. i.e. 0.000 < 0.05. Thus, H1 is accepted and H0 is rejected. So, it can be stated that the use of Charades game has a good effect on students’ vocabulary mastery.
MAXIMIZING TELEGRAM APPLICATION FOR TEACHING READING
Authors: Sari Fhesti Mayang
Published: March 2021

Curriculum, syllabus and technology are the educational terms with their certain components and importance. They are also could be said as the guidelines for gaining educational goals. The use of mobile phone has become an essential part of nowadays students’ lives in the world. That is why the role of technology is also could not be separated with the content of the syllabus. This article aims to discuss the use of technology−in the form of Telegram as one of the mobile phone application−by inserting it in the syllabus related to the teaching and learning English especially for teaching reading. At the end of the discussion, it is found that those variables are influencing each other. Curriculum is as the reference of syllabus whereas syllabus is as the implementation of curriculum and technology supports them. A teacher could use Telegram by setting up a certain group discussion in a single classroom to maximize the learning process. When the teachers provided a Telegram group discussion with its interesting and appropriate context for students, it is possible to make students curious. When the students’ curiosity occured, the habitual process of reading begins. This could be one of a problem solving of students’ laziness of going to the school library. By the time the students have read several books or articles or another media that they like, the teachers could encourage them to share it with their classmates in some ways by maximizing their Telegram group.
AN ANALYSIS OF AN EAP COURSE BOOK USED IN ISLAMIC HIGHER EDUCATION
Authors: Fikry Fikry
Published: March 2021

Selecting EAP Course book which is suitable for Islamic Studies students is not an easy job to handle. To know the strengths and weaknesses of the course book, there should be an evaluation.   This study evaluates English Textbook, Islamic Learning in EAP which is designed for undergraduate students learning Islamic Studies at Islamic Higher Education. Two points were addressed in this study: (1) has the content of textbook meet the criteria of Language teaching principles? (2) has the textbook followed proper EAP materials and tasks?This is a qualitative research with content analysis method. The data was the textbook of Islamic Learning in EAP by Ahwy Oktradiksa (2013). The content of course book was analyzed based on principles of language teaching by Paul Nation (2010) and design of EAP materials and tasks by Stoller (2016). The findings reveal the strengths and weaknesses of Islamic Learning in EAP. This study indicates that (1) the course book has poor quality and has not met the criteria of language teaching principles covering: (a) content and sequencing, (b) format and presentation, (c) monitoring and assessment; (2) the course book does not cover the content of EAP materials and tasks. It tends to present general English and does not stimulate to develop language and academic skills, critical thinking skills, introduce technology into learning activities and do not provide with some strategies to English test skills like TOEFL or IELTS. This study will contribute significantly to curriculum and materials developers, teachers, and students interested in EFL learning.
THE CORRELATION BETWEEN DRAW LABEL CAPTION (DLC) AND DRILL TECHNIQUE TOWARD ENGLISH WRITING ABILITY
Authors: Kusumawati Fitri Palupi
Published: March 2021

Writing ability is one of the important parts that should be learnt in the school. Writing can be said that it is very important for the students, because the students can express their ideas and cxperience in writing form. The teachers should always look for which one suitable technique to be applied to the students, in order to make the students interested in learning writing, they are Draw-Label-Caption (DLC) and Drill Technique. In this research, the researcher will compares DLC and Drill techniques that are the most effective technique to improve the students’ writing ability.In this experimental research, there are 3 variables. That are 1). Draw-Label-Caption (DLC) technique as the first independent variable. 2). Drill technique as the second independent variable. 3) Writing skill as the dependent variable. The method that is used in this research is test. Students are asked to write the text in English based on predetermined theme. In this study, researcher uses pre-test and post-test. Based on the data analysis the researcher gets the result of Based on the calculation, it is found that: 1) Fratio = 7,5 and Ftable at significance level 1% is 7,08 and at significance 5% is 4,00. At this point the researcher finds that Fratio is bigger than Ftable. The researcher concludes that there is difference of students’ English writing ability through DLC and Drill technique. 2) Fratio = 37,7 at the same signifficance level. So there is difference of students’ English writing ability through DLC and Drill technique.
DEVELOPING ENGLISH INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS FOR STUDENTS OFCOMPUTER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT (A NEEDS ANALYSIS)
Authors: Lestariningsih Fransisca Endang , Susyetina Arida , Krisnawati Lucia Dwi
Published: March 2021

English is one of compulsory subjects at the computer science department in a higher education. Since English is not a field of study at the computer science, it is taught as an ESP (English for Specific Purposes). The fact that English is part of the curriculum at the computer science department makes it challenging for both the teachers and the students. The majority of the students will always deal with motivation, whereas teachers face a great challenge in designing an appropriate instructional material that gives short-term and long-term effects to the students. Besides, there are two types of teachers who teach English for computer science students, English teachers who have English education background and English teachers who do not own degrees in English education. These two types of teachers experience their own strengths and weaknesses in designing English instructional materials. This research, therefore, will combine the strengths of the teachers in the development of English instructional materials for computer science students that will have short-term and long-term impacts to the students. This research is applying an action research which is divided into some cycles of planning, action, observation, and reflection. The participants are three English teachers and two classes of computer science students.