bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards solving psychology’s fundamental problem
Authors: Beaujean A. Alexander
Published: July 2024

The problem driving this debate issue is old, going back to at least to the 17th century. Yet, psychologists are no closer to solving the problem now than they were centuries ago. In this article I argue that the reason for the lack of definitive solution is that disputants share assumptions that make the problem unsolvable. More specifically, the problem is based on the assumptions that (a) the knowledge field of psychology is coherent and (b) natural scientists employ a common inquiry approach. Both are troublesome. As such, instead of asking questions such as “Should psychologists follow the natural sciences?” it would be much more meaningful to ask questions such as “What does it look like for psychologists in this subfield to follow a scientific approach?”
Should psychology follow the methods and principles of the natural sciences? Introduction to the debate
Authors: Eronen Markus , Osbeck Lisa , O’Doherty Kieran C.
Published: July 2024

This debate issue centers on the question of whether psychology should follow the methods and principles of the natural sciences. Answers to this question are often implicitly assumed but rarely explicitly debated among psychologists. This issue contains eight invited contributions by scholars whom we anticipated would have strong and divergent positions on the question. The articles present a broad range of perspectives, ranging from phenomenological psychology to cognitive neuroscience. They broadly line up with a “yes” or “no” answer to the question, four authors favoring a “yes” and four authors a “no” response, although nearly all authors advance more nuanced positions that challenge a simple classification. In this introduction, we first discuss the historical roots of the question and our motivation behind this specific formulation of it. Then we briefly summarize the contributions and place them in a broader context.
Effectiveness of Participatory Training for Prevention of Slips, Trips, and Falls: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of Corn Farmers in Thailand
Authors: Ishimaru Tomohiro , Arphorn Sara , Vudhironarit Chayaphorn , Thanachoksawang Chatchai , Theppitak Chalermsiri , Kiatkitroj Kanpitcha , Lertvarayut Teepapipat , Manothum Aniruth , Hara Kunio
Published: July 2024

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a participatory training program for mitigating the risk of slips, trips, and falls (STFs) in agriculture. We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial of corn farmers over six months in Thailand. The participatory training intervention comprised lectures, group discussions, and presentation sessions centered around a specifically developed action checklist for occupational fall prevention. Sixty-two individuals were included in the intervention group, with 169 included in the control group. The results revealed a reduction in the incidence of STFs in the intervention group from 42% to 23%; however, this difference was not statistically significant. The study highlights the potential of participatory training for enhancing occupational safety for farmers. However, the absence of statistical significance necessitates cautious interpretation of the results. Future research should examine larger sample sizes, involve employers in the training process, and implement repetitive training interventions.
Daprodustat reduces skeletal muscle ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice
Authors: Wu Weiqiang , Zhang Yongfa , Zhang Ying , Zhang Jiuyun , Li Renbin , Ke Tie
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the present work was to assess the specific effects and underlying mechanisms of Daprodustat (GSK1278863) on skeletal muscle injury induced by ischemia reperfusion (I/R).

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were randomized into the skeletal muscle I/R injury (I/R), Daprodustat (GSK1278863) pretreatment and I/R (I/R + GSK) and sham operation (Sham) groups. The skeletal muscle I/R injury model was established by placing an orthodontic rubber band at the left hip joint for 3 h and releasing it for 3 h. H&E staining, wet weight/dry weight ratio assessment, TUNEL assay, ELISA, qRT-PCR and immunoblot were utilized to assess the effects of Daprodustat.

Results

Daprodustat pretreatment significantly ameliorated apoptosis in skeletal muscle cells, reduced oxidative damage and suppressed inflammatory cytokines. Mechanistically, Daprodustat positively affected NF-κB signaling activation.

Conclusion

These data demonstrated that Daprodustat may provide a potential clinical approach for preventing or treating skeletal muscle injury induced by I/R.
A phrase in a loop: A rethink of verbatim repetition in the speech-to-song illusion and a new approach to the study of involuntary auditory imagery
Authors: Loutrari Ariadne
Published: July 2024

The human mind engages with repetition both in the form of external stimulation and as an internal psychological phenomenon. I studied these two facets of repetition in 111 musically untrained participants. The investigation was in two parts. In the first part, I looked at the speech-to-song (STS) illusion by comparing ratings of musicality for identical looped (repeated) spoken phrases and for looped spoken phrases including pitch transpositions. Contrary to previous evidence, the stimuli containing transposed presentations were rated more song-like. I attribute this finding to the particular patterns of transpositions used and the fact that the interval of transposition was a major second as opposed to the fractions of semitones used in previous studies. In the second part of the investigation, I partially adopted the stimulus design of the STS illusion paradigm, presenting participants with looped phrases and single phrases. Participants were asked to suppress them and click a button if they thought of them. An increase in button clicks suggests that participants found it significantly harder to suppress the looped phrases than the single phrases. As the stimuli in the second part had been shown in previous research not to induce the STS illusion when repeated, I attribute the differences between participants’ responses to the two kinds of stimuli to the repetition of the phrases rather than their being perceived as song-like. I consider these findings in the light of research on earworms, or involuntary musical imagery. Future directions for a more in-depth exploration of the STS illusion in conjunction with auditory imagery are also briefly discussed.
The travails of women with severe mental illness and pregnancy
Authors: Atchison Michelle , Looi Jeffrey CL , Robson Stephen J
Published: July 2024

Women with severe mental illness and pregnancy suffer substantial travails in accessing care for mental and perinatal health. Women with psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia face higher risks of pregnancy and postnatal complications. Similarly, lack of access to holistic psychiatric care presents particular perils for these women and their children. Tailored care for these mothers-to-be and their babies is needed to prevent and ameliorate health complications, mental and physical. This will require targeted funding of services that connect women with and provide continuity of care.
“What you Say Matters”: Review of Clinical Outcome of Advanced Medical Directives Between Cancer and Non-cancer Patients in a Chinese Culture Society
Authors: Chan Ka Po , Chung Wai Kei , Hsu Dany Young , Kong Shun Yin , Tin Winnie , Chan Chun Hung , Hwang Elaine , Chan Oi Man , Chui Ruby , Cheng Hon Wai Benjamin
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Advance medical directives (AMD) are statements made by individuals indicating the life-sustaining treatment that they would refuse in the future when they lost their mental capacity for medical decisions. While the proposal for the AMD legislation is ongoing locally in Hong Kong SAR, there are limited reviews on the clinical outcomes associated with it.

Objective

To provide a comprehensive review on clinical outcomes of signed AMD.

Methodology

Retrospective, multi-center study, which includes AMD signed within five cluster hospitals. Records of signed AMD from 1st JAN 2020 to 31st DEC 2022 were retrieved from a central registry. Clinical information of each patient was obtained from the electronic patient record.

Result

456 patients with documented AMD were included in the study. 91.6% of AMD were signed by palliative care (PC) team. Majority (74.6%) of the patients were accompanied by family members or friends when AMD were signed. The concordance rate between the AMD and the medical care received was 89.5%. No patient revoked their AMD. Cancer and non-cancer patients showed similar rates of AMD concordance, frequency of Accident & Emergency Department (AED) visits or acute ward admissions, duration of hospital stays in the 30 days before death, and prevalence of receiving invasive or intensive treatments.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that PC team currently plays a pivotal role in AMD completion, and AMD remains important in ensuring patients’ care preferences are executed across different medical conditions. With the upcoming AMD legislation in Hong Kong SAR, adequate promotion and education should be launched.
Classroom Leadership Roles Activity: A Pathway to Sharing Leadership With Student Teams
Authors: Joshi Priyanka D. , Li Chenwei , Walker Dayna O. H.
Published: July 2024

Providing students with concrete opportunities to practice leadership in the classroom can be challenging. We designed a semester-long activity that shares instructor’s leadership functions in the classroom with students. In the Classroom Leadership Roles Activity, student teams were assigned to specific leadership roles (i.e., efficiency managers, participation facilitators, culture creators, energy leaders, connectors, and advisory board members) and tasked with designing, conducting, and evaluating the effectiveness of influence attempts throughout the semester to fulfill responsibilities associated with their roles. We found that the activity can result in a range of positive outcomes, including enhanced leader identity, improved leadership engagement, and increased classroom learning and engagement. In this instructional innovation article, we provide instructions for how instructors can use and adapt the Classroom Leadership Roles Activity, and we provide evidence of its effectiveness in attaining learning outcomes.
Do Palatoplasty Procedures Resolve Hypernasality as Effectively as Pharyngoplasty Procedures in Patients with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome?
Authors: Williams Jessica L. , Perry Jamie L. , Singh Davinder J. , Sitzman Thomas J.
Published: July 2024

Objective

Compare the effectiveness of palatoplasty and pharyngoplasty procedures at resolving hypernasality in patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q).

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Metropolitan children's hospital.

Patients

Fourteen patients with 22q presenting for management of velopharyngeal insufficiency.

Interventions

Palatoplasty or pharyngoplasty procedure.

Main Outcome Measure

Resolution of hypernasality 12 months postoperatively.

Results

Both procedure groups had a mean preoperative velopharyngeal gap of 6.2 mm during phonation. No patient who underwent palatoplasty achieved resolution of hypernasality; 1/7 patients had worse hypernasality, 4/7 had no change, and 2/7 had improved hypernasality. In contrast, hypernasality was resolved in 6/7 patients in the pharyngoplasty group, which was significantly ( P = .03) higher than the palatoplasty group.

Conclusions

In patients with 22q, palatoplasty procedures may be less effective than pharyngoplasty procedures at resolving hypernasality. This may be due to underlying anatomic or physiologic differences, such as increased pharyngeal depth and hypodynamic muscles.
Client Case Study Information: Ethical Practices for Publication, Presentation, and Social Media
Authors: Branco Susan F. , Lloren Allie K.
Published: July 2024

Client case study publications are a helpful way to disseminate innovative practices and clinical counseling interventions. Case study submissions are increasing both in peer-reviewed journals and practice publications. Likewise, marriage, couple, and family counselors and therapists are sharing case study examples via social media. We examine relevant ethical guidelines and describe alternatives to using real client data. We offer an example of client consent forms for professional presentation or publication of case studies.
Multi-scale analysis for dynamic stability of an axially accelerating viscoelastic beam subjected to combination parametric resonance
Authors: Raj Sanjay Kumar , Sahoo Bamadev , Nayak Alok Ranjan , Panda Lokanath
Published: July 2024

The analytical–numerical approach has been adopted to investigate the nonlinear planner response of an axially accelerating beam with the coexistence of additive-type combination parametric resonance and internal resonance. This study includes geometric nonlinearity developed due to the stretching of the neutral layer, longitudinally varying tension, harmonically fluctuating speed, material, and modal dampings. For the suitable value of the system parameters, the second natural frequency of the moving system is approximately equal to three times of first mode, consequently, three-to-one internal resonance activates for a specific range of mean axial speed. The perturbation method of multiple time scales is adopted to solve the beams governing integro-partial differential equation motion with associated end conditions, resulting in complex variable modulation equations that control amplitude and phase modulation. The continuation algorithm technique is used to compute these modulation equations to study the impact of various control parameters, such as internal frequency detuning parameter, variable speed, pulley stiffness parameter, and axial stiffness through the frequency and amplitude response curves. Trivial state stability plots are also presented to illustrate the impact of material and external dampings on the stability of the system. The findings of this analysis are unique and still need to be addressed in the literature.
Morphing beam dynamics under moving force and moving moment with inertia effects
Authors: Singha Debashis , Murugan Senthil
Published: July 2024

Morphing structures are re-configurable structures that can change its geometry to perform multiple functions in multiple operating conditions. Morphing beam structures have considerable applications in industrial robots, morphing aircraft, deployable space structures, etc. In this study, dynamic modelling and analysis of a telescopic type morphing beam, modelled as moving load problem with inertia effects, is performed. The moving loads are assumed to travel along the length of the beam, from fixed to free end and free to fixed end. The material and geometric parameters of the beam are assumed to be constant. The Rayleigh beam theory is used to model the beam, taking into account the rotating inertia effects. Dirac Delta function is used to model the moving loads in the governing equation. A hybrid analytical and numerical approach that couples eigenfunction expansions and Laplace transformation, along with the Crank–Nicholson numerical scheme, is developed to solve the coupled differential equations. The number of oscillations per unit travel time of the moving load and the Dynamic Amplification Factor (DAF) of the beam’s tip response are used to quantify the dynamic effects. Numerical results are investigated for the various non-dimensionalized speeds defined in terms of the moving loads’ critical speed. Numerical result shows that loads moving at low speeds have a more pronounced impact on the dynamic response compared to high speeds. Moving moment induces significant oscillatory behaviour for both (Fixed-free and Free-fixed) boundary conditions. In contrast, the moving mass induces oscillation only when it travels from free-end to fixed-end.
Bricolage for Innovative Qualitative Social Science Research: A Perspective on Its Conceptual Hallmarks
Authors: Santiago Sanchez Hugo , Eski Meltem , Costas Batlle Ioannis
Published: July 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of qualitative social science research, innovative methodologies are crucial for capturing the complexities of human behavior and societal dynamics. Bricolage, a versatile approach derived from Claude Lévi-Strauss’s structuralist inquiry, has flourished within post-structuralism, post-modernism, critical theories, feminism, and cultural studies. Despite its growing recognition, challenges persist in comprehending and applying bricolage due to its interdisciplinary and eclectic nature. More established research methodologies face limitations in adapting to contemporary realities, whereas bricolage offers a pliable and adaptive lens. This paper explores bricolage’s conceptual underpinnings and real-world application, aiming to underline the importance of embracing innovative research methodologies. By presenting bricolage as a potent tool for generating knowledge, this study seeks to inspire researchers to explore its rich potential in understanding the multifaceted landscapes of human experience.
A multifaceted role of bisphosphonates from palliative care to anti-cancer therapy in solid tumors
Authors: Veeraballi Sindhusha , Bandaru Sai Samyuktha , Kiwan Chrystina , Chan Kok Hoe , Shaaban Hamid S
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Bisphosphonates (P-C-Ps) also called diphosphonates are the structural analogs of naturally occurring pyrophosphates. Bisphosphonates are traditionally used and shown to provide long-term success in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis and other bone loss pathologies. Furthermore, bisphosphonates are gaining popularity in the present era of cancer therapeutics and prevention. The usage of bisphosphonates as adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy, either as a single agent or combined with other chemotherapy, has been studied in different solid tumors. This review aims to present the various roles of bisphosphonates in solid tumors.

Data sources

Articles in MEDLINE/PubMed and the National Institutes of Health Clinical Trials Registry ( http://www . Clinicaltrials.gov) between 1 January 2011 and 1 February 2022 were extracted using MeSH terms “bisphosphonates/diphosphosphonates and mechanism,” “bisphosphonates and breast cancer,” “bisphosphonates and prostate cancer,” “bisphosphonates and lung cancer,” “bisphosphonates and cancer risk,” and “bisphosphonates and adverse events.” Manual searches of some major oncology journals were also conducted.

Discussion

This review article focuses on the antitumor activity of bisphosphonates, safety profile, and the role of bisphosphonates as preventive, neoadjuvant, and adjuvant chemotherapy. A significant improvement in overall survival and cancer-specific survival and recurrence-free survival with the usage of bisphosphonates is noted in breast cancer patients, particularly in post-menopausal women. Though great progress has been achieved in over 20 years, further research is needed to identify the subgroup of patients that are most likely to benefit from adjuvant bisphosphonate therapy and to determine regimens with greater efficacy and better safety profile.
Antimicrobial Activity of Bark from Four North American Tree Species
Authors: Mickles Alayna J. , Chou Caroline , Deleger Julie N. , Swords Elizabeth F. , Schlarman Maggie S. , Braude Stan
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Although many backcountry first aid kits contain antibiotic ointment, the supply can be quickly exhausted if a patient has extensive wounds or if there are multiple patients.

Methods

We assessed the antibacterial properties of bark extract from four North American woody plant species known to native Missourians as medicinal plants ( Quercus macrocarpa, Salix humilis, Pinus echinata, and Hamamelis vernalis). We tested their antimicrobial properties, with the disc diffusion technique, against four common pathogenic bacterial species: Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterobacter aerogenes (now known as Klebsiella aerogenes) .

Results

We report evidence of antibacterial activity of bark extract from all four plant species.

Conclusions

Our results confirm that traditional uses of these species may be useful in fighting infection and could be especially useful in a wilderness setting when modern antibiotics are exhausted.
“It Has to Be the Common Thread”: Weaving Attention to Racial Equity and Justice Across Lines of Inquiry and Evaluative Criteria
Authors: Teasdale Rebecca M. , Avent Cherie M. , Moore Ceily L. , Serrano Abreu María B. , Yan Xinru
Published: July 2024

Evaluators must attend to the destructive forces of racialization and racism to contribute to social transformation. Thus, evaluators are called to center culture, context, equity, and social justice during each step of the evaluation process. Here, we focus on the step(s) in which evaluators define program quality and specify evaluative lines of inquiry. We interviewed 29 social justice-oriented evaluators to examine lines of inquiry for programs in which racial equity or justice played a role. Our findings illuminate the definitions of quality and lines of inquiry evaluators pursued and the values that shaped those definitions of quality. We document empirical examples of how evaluators were responsive to contexts and communities and navigated pre-set lines of inquiry. Our findings further illuminate how evaluators can weave attention to racial equity and justice as the “common thread” across lines of inquiry and create opportunities and structures for centering racial equity and justice.
Comparability analysis of the HNT-1P Huvitz non contact tonometer for the measurement of intraocular pressure
Authors: Cárceles Montoya Alicia , Monera Lucas Carlos Enrique , Tarazona Jaimes Claudia Patricia , Romero Valero Daniel , Moya Martínez Alejandro , Martínez Toldos José Juan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic validity of the HNT-1P non-contact tonometer (Huvitz) as a tool for accurately measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with healthy eyes, compared to the Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT), which is the Gold Standard method for measurement of IOP.

Methods

Observational, descriptive, transversal study using 148 eyes of 74 healthy patients without a diagnosis of glaucoma or other ophthalmological diseases. Three measurements of IOP were taken in each eye, using three tonometers: HNT-1P, ICR100, and GAT. The median IOP (quartiles) and mean IOP (SD) its statistical significance were calculated, and comparisons were made between the mean and median IOP values found in three groups: GAT-HNT, GAT-ICR, and HNT-ICR. The difference in mean and median IOP was analyzed in each of the three study groups, and its statistical significance and concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) were calculated.

Results

The median IOP with HNT-1P was statistically significantly lower than the median IOP with GAT, (1.1 mmHg, p < 0.001). The median IOP with HNT-1P was also lower than the median IOP with ICR100. As an additional result, the median IOP with GAT was lower than the median IOP with ICR. The CCC was moderate for HNT-ICR (0.72) and low for GAT-HNT and GAT-ICR (0.43 and 0.38, respectively).

Conclusions

HNT-1P (Huvitz) provides statistically significantly lower IOP values than those obtained with GAT. HNT-1P could be used for screening of ocular hypertension in postoperative patients. The IOP measurement obtained with HNT-1P should be confirmed with GAT. HNT-1P yields lower IOP values than those obtained with ICR.
Nodular posterior scleritis mimicking melanotic choroidal melanoma: A diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Dubey Amber , Barman Manab Jyoti , Das Dipankar , Bhattacharjee Kasturi , Roy Subham Sinha
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To report a case of atypical nodular posterior scleritis mimicking as a melanotic choroidal melanoma.

Methods

Descriptive case report.

Results

A 38-year-old female presented with sudden onset diminution of vision, severe pain and redness in her right eye. She was diagnosed to have choroidal melanoma in her left eye one year ago and underwent enucleation. On examination, conjunctiva was injected in right eye with cells in anterior vitreous face (AVF). Fundus examination revealed a large pigmented choroidal mass temporal to macula with exudative retinal detachment. Systemic evaluation and multimodal imaging ruled out the possibility of a choroidal melanoma or metastasis, with a presumptive diagnosis of nodular posterior scleritis. Three cycles of intravenous methyl prednisolone (IVMP) with a tapering dose of oral corticosteroids showed drastic improvement in symptoms with resolution of choroidal mass – further confirming the diagnosis.

Conclusions

In cases of choroidal mass with an inflammatory component, a trial of steroids is worthwhile to prevent clinical misjudgement and devastating treatment outcomes including enucleation.
Genetic association of diabetic retinopathy with long noncoding RNA CDKN2B-AS1 gene polymorphism
Authors: Yao Yen-Po , Chien Hsiang-Wen , Wang Kai , Yang Yi-Sun , Su Shih-Chi , Chang Lun-Ching , Lin Hung-Yu , Yang Shun-Fa
Published: July 2024

Aim

We attempted to test the influences of cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2B antisense RNA 1 (CDKN2B-AS1) gene polymorphisms on the susceptibility to Diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Methods

Five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the CDKN2B-AS1 gene, rs564398, rs1333048, rs1537373, rs2151280, and rs8181047 were examined in 280 DR cases and 455 DR-free diabetic controls.

Results

Among these loci tested, we demonstrated that diabetic carriers of at least one polymorphic allele (G) of rs2151280 (AG and GG; AOR, 1.613; 95% CI, 1.040–2.501; p = 0.033) are more susceptible to proliferative DR but not non-proliferative DR. This genetic association with the risk of developing proliferative DR was further strengthened in homozygotes for the polymorphic allele (G) of rs2151280 (GG; AOR, 2.194; 95% CI, 1.117–4.308; p = 0.023). We detected a significant association of the polymorphic allele (G) of rs2151280 with proliferative DR patients (OR, 1.503; 95% CI, 1.112–2.033; p = 0.008) but not with the entire DR or non-proliferative DR group. Moreover, as compared to those who do not possess the polymorphic allele of rs2151280 (AA), DR patients carrying at least one polymorphic allele of rs2151280 (AG + GG) exhibited a lower glomerular filtration rate and HDL cholesterol level, revealing a promotive role of rs2151280 in renal and cardiovascular complications of diabetes.

Conclusion

Taken together, our findings implicate an impact of CDKN2B-AS1 gene polymorphisms on the progression of DR.
The Significance of Renewable Energy in a Water-Scarce World: A Case Study of Jordan
Authors: Albatayneh Aiman
Published: July 2024

Amidst a global water crisis, Jordan is an example of extreme water scarcity. With one of the world’s lowest per capita freshwater availability, Jordan’s growing population and limited resources create a dangerous balance. This research paper investigates into the vital role of renewable energy in addressing Jordan’s water woes and proposes a sustainable path for the future. Through a comprehensive case study, integrating renewable energy and water desalination in arid regions represents a promising pathway for sustainable water management and environmental conservation. By harnessing abundant renewable resources, arid regions can address their pressing water needs, mitigate climate change, and reduce dependence on non-renewable energy sources. Overcoming economic barriers and optimizing technology will be crucial in fully unlocking the potential of this innovative approach for a water-secure and environmentally conscious future.
Stress exposure, perceived stress, protective psychosocial factors, and health status in Ukraine after the full-scale invasion
Authors: Maltseva Kateryna
Published: July 2024

The concept of stress as a cause of ill health has received much attention in social sciences. The distinction between stress exposure and perceived stress emphasizes the importance of cognitive dimension of stress. This quantitative study ( N = 213) conducted in Ukraine in November 2022 collected self-reported cognitive data on stress exposure, perceived stress, and self-rated heath. The goals of the study included (1) testing if stress exposure and perceived stress differ in terms of breadth and depth of their impact; (2) isolating psychosocial factors that reduce stress; and (3) testing if individuals who have relocated within Ukraine or abroad to escape the war had worse health outcomes than those who remained at their domiciles. The results suggest that while perceived stress was a stronger predictor of negative health outcomes, optimism and social support served as protective psychosocial factors. Having moved abroad predicted higher stress levels and more adverse health symptoms.
Prospective prognostication: An examination of translanguaging in Pakistan’s educational landscape through the lens of teachers’ and students’ perceptions
Authors: Atta Aqsa
Published: July 2024

Scholars have recently begun to pay close attention to translanguaging, a cutting-edge pedagogical strategy utilized in bilingual and multilingual environments for teaching second languages. The adoption of translanguaging in classes of English as an additional language (EAL) has not been thoroughly studied from the perspectives of teachers and students. By drawing on theoretical frameworks, this study aims to explore how teachers and students in higher education institutions feel about the usage of translanguaging in Pakistani EAL classrooms. Moreover, the study considers the elements that influence teachers’ perceptions of translanguaging. Employing a rigorous mixed-methods methodology, this study systematically addresses the current research gap by utilizing questionnaires, interviews, and observations as data collection tools. To analyse the data, the study employs the constant comparative technique. The findings shed light on a wide spectrum of pedagogical views held by teachers, ranging from moderate English-only beliefs to monolingual English-only beliefs. These ideas are found to be influenced by experiences with early language learning, formal education, and contextual components. The study also reveals that students generally have favorable perspectives on translanguaging, but some have a more negative opinions on using their first language excessively. These findings highlight the need for enhanced teacher education programs and institutional policy change, to better meet the requirements and expectations of both teachers and students. Additionally, the study emphasizes the pressing necessity of establishing a balanced power dynamic in language use within EAL classrooms. By shedding light on the perspectives of teachers and students on the use of translanguaging in EAL classrooms, this study enhances the current understanding of this pedagogical approach. It also offers practical implications for language teachers and policymakers, facilitating informed decisions and actions in language education settings.
Discursive positioning in heritage – second language learner interaction: A case study of the dynamic construction of linguistic expertise
Authors: Fernández-Dobao Ana
Published: July 2024

Drawing on positioning and sociocultural theories, this study examines heritage language (HL) and second language (L2) learners’ negotiation of linguistic expertise in mixed interactions. Through a case study of four interactions between the same HL learner and three different L2 classmates, it investigates how learners’ positioning regarding linguistic expertise shifts across interlocutors and time, shaping language learning. Data was collected at four different stages of a 10-week high-intermediate Spanish course, as learners completed four collaborative writing tasks. Posttests, a pretest, and two questionnaires were also administered. The analysis of discursive positioning showed how the HL learner initially enacted the linguistic expert position associated with his heritage status. As experiences accumulated and pre-established conceptions of expertise were contested, the HL learner came to occupy more of a peer position. The sociocultural analysis of language-related episodes confirmed that this shift resulted in more balanced interactions and enhanced opportunities for HL development.
Short report: Examining race, ethnicity, sex, and gender among autistic youth and their educators who participated in school-based research
Authors: Linkous Olivia , Soon Katherine , Lee James D , Du Adora , Shih Wendy , Bearss Karen , Kasari Connie , Locke Jill
Published: July 2024

Racial/ethnic minoritized youth are underrepresented in autism research. Documented inequities in accessibility to and utilization of autism-specific services highlight the importance of better understanding for whom and under what conditions autism evidence-based practices (EBPs) work. This report examines the race, ethnicity, sex, and gender of school-based autism research participants (e.g. educators, students), given schools are the most common setting in which autistic youth receive services in the United States (US). Data across 14 years of research, for eight school-based studies in the US, showed that while most teachers identified as non-Hispanic White, over half of the youth sampled identified as being of a racial/ethnic minoritized background. Findings provide insights into who is being served in school-based autism research and how school partnerships may increase diversity among autism research participants and offer a means of reducing existing barriers. Researchers should continue to utilize schools to reach diverse populations and consider how demographic characteristics of school staff affect EBP effectiveness. Researchers should continue to better understand the impact of the EBP, provider, and setting on outcomes.

Lay abstract

Schools are the main provider of behavioral health services in the United States (US). Conducting research in schools may help increase access for autistic youth, but there is limited research about who participates in school-based autism research. The researchers examined data spanning 14 years of participation in school-based autism research. All data were collected in the US. Researchers found that in this sample, more than half of the youth identified as racial/ethnic minoritized (REM) youth. However, demographics of sampled youth were significantly different than expected, based on publicly available school-based population demographics. More youth identified as White non-Hispanic than would be expected in those schools. Majority of the sampled educators also identified as White non-Hispanic. High percentages of autistic REM youth suggest school-based autism research may be an effective way of providing services to more diverse populations. However, sampled schools were also not representative of a US national sample, with sampled schools having fewer White non-Hispanic youth than would be expected from US national statistics. Complexity around representation of schools sampled and demographics of service environments suggests a need for more research.
Trajectories of positive affect in autistic individuals during the transition to adulthood
Authors: McCauley James B , Clarke Elaine B , Schiltz Hillary K , Lord Catherine
Published: July 2024

Longitudinal analyses have revealed informative patterns about health, mental health, adaptive skills, autism symptoms, and social skills during the transition to adulthood for autistic individuals. This study expands on these findings by investigating the trajectories of positive affect from age 15 to 30 years using a heterogeneous cohort ( n = 253) of individuals first referred for autism at an early age. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify commonalities in trajectories using both caregiver-reported and self-reported positive affect. We analyzed differences between these trajectory groups on demographic and behavioral measures, as well as indices of adult functioning characterized for either higher and lower cognitive abilities. Caregiver-reported values revealed four different patterns of stability and change, and self-reported values revealed three distinct patterns of stability and change with variable intercepts. These trajectory groups differed by autism severity, intelligence quotient, daily living skills, and different indices of adult outcomes, including social relationships, work, and activity engagement. There were some differences in trajectory shape by reporter, with agreement between caregiver-report and self-report being limited after age 23 years. The results of this study have implications for how we measure subjective indices of experience across the spectrum of cognitive abilities present in autism.

Lay Abstract

Recent research has revealed informative patterns about health, mental health, self-help skills, autism symptoms, and social skills during the transition to adulthood for autistic individuals. This study expands on these findings by examining how positive affect (e.g. excited) changes from age 15 to 30 years using a group of individuals first referred for autism at an early age. We also examined the agreement between caregiver-report and self-report on positive affect. We found different patterns of stability and change in positive affect across the transition to adulthood that related to differences in autism severity, cognitive abilities, self-help skills, as well as social and work participation in adulthood. The agreement between caregiver-report and self-report was strong in adolescence but became much weaker after the individuals were 23 years. These results have implications for how we measure happiness, positive emotions, or other internal experiences of autistic individuals.
‘Does that mean you will be violent?’: A qualitative exploration into Autistic women’s experiences of relationships with lecturers at university
Authors: Phillips Sophie
Published: July 2024

The experiences of Autistic1 women students at university are seldom explored. In this paper, women refers to anyone who self-identifies as a woman. Eleven Autistic women students participated in artefact creation and semi-structured interviews exploring their experiences with university lecturers. All data centred on their opinions and lived experiences. Five participants were undergraduate students and six participants were postgraduate students. Data were analysed by thematic analysis and data was categorised into two themes. These themes were: ‘Lecturer Impact’ and ‘Autism Awareness and Acceptance’. ‘Lecturer Impact’ centred around both positive relationships participants had at university with their lecturers, and how they navigated ingrained stigmas about autism that some lecturers held. ‘Autism Awareness and Acceptance’ included the ways in which knowledge about autism in women and a reduction in stigma could be achieved at university, primarily by incorporating the voices of Autistic women students. The findings suggest that Autistic women students’ positive relationships with lecturers are key to success. This was supported by participants wanting their opinions and lived experience to be valued particularly to assist with raising a university culture of autism acceptance. An inclusive environment at university, including Autistic women students is needed to improve positive experiences at university.

Lay abstract

It is documented that more Autistic woman are becoming university students, but their experiences are not often explored. Eleven Autistic women students made artefacts (such as writing, paintings or poems) and took part in interviews to share their experiences at university. Five participants were undergraduate students and six participants were postgraduate students. The artefacts and words participants shared were looked at closely and some common themes were decided. How lecturers talk to Autistic women students was looked at. Participants said they were lucky if they met helpful lecturers. Also, autism acceptance was explored. Overall, how lecturers treat Autistic women at university is very important. Also, Autistic women students’ opinions about making university a more welcoming place need to be listened to.
Gendering postcolonial penality: The religious detention of women in Ireland
Authors: Black Lynsey
Published: July 2024

The role of religion was pivotal in shaping how women were punished in postcolonial Ireland. The new state used the Catholic Church to establish a separate system of confinement, a shadow penal regime for women, which drew its inmates from within a newly recognized threat to the nation. Drawing on Mark Brown's work on the ways in which postcolonial states can replicate the repression of colonialism, the article suggests that under an increasingly morally authoritarian state, women perceived as sexually promiscuous found themselves in systems of religious control. This article explores the ‘how’ and the ‘why’ of this, examining the intersection of state and religious control through the cases of women convicted in the courts and sent to religious detention. I argue for the necessity of a gendered lens in postcolonial penality, and for consideration of the conditions of postcolonial nation formation in shaping punishment.
Discourse strategies in multilingual families: A qualitative analysis of interviews with parents in the Netherlands
Authors: Tziampiri Theologia , Thieme Anne-Mieke M. M. , Verhagen Josje
Published: July 2024

Background:

Earlier studies have shown that parents may adopt various discourse strategies in response to children’s language mixing, which vary in the extent to which they encourage their child to speak a certain language. Specifically, when the child switches to another language during a conversation, parents may pretend not to understand the child, encourage the child to speak the original language of the conversation, or codeswitch to the other language. Existing work has typically studied the use of such discourse strategies through observations in case studies and focused mostly on child language outcomes.

Aims:

The aims of the current study are to examine (1) what discourse strategies parents use, (2) why they use them, and (3) how their use of these strategies relates to beliefs about child-rearing and attitudes towards multilingualism.

Method and results:

Qualitative data were collected through interviews with eight parents of multilingual children in the Netherlands. The results show that parents largely used strategies that encourage children to maintain the language of conversation, without putting too much pressure on the child. Parents’ reasons for using each of the strategies were diverse and related to, among others, parents’ ideologies about multilingual parenting and impact belief, children’s age, and the circumstances of the situation, such as the presence of other people and the child’s physical or emotional state.

Conclusion:

Taken together, these findings indicate that parents’ choice of strategies depends on a variety of psychological and contextual factors. As such, the findings provide a starting point for future more in-depth studies on how parents socialize their children to become multilingual language users.
Challengers: A cultural studies commentary on the fire and ice of filmic desires
Authors: Sobande Francesca
Published: July 2024

Challengers is filled with depictions of desire and the power of perception. It continues Luca Guadagnino’s cinematic work, known for lushly lingering in the ‘what ifs’ of life and love. Challengers portrays the back and forth dynamic of intimacy and competition in the exclusive world of professional tennis. Throughout the film are references to heat and coldness, and forms of watching and being watched. Addressing that, I reflect on the fire and ice – temperature, temperamentality and tensions – of desire in Challengers, and in surrounding commentaries. Informed by Stuart Hall’s work on fantasy and the media, this reflection includes a close reading of the representation of Challengers protagonist, Tashi Duncan (played by Zendaya, who is also a producer on the film). Overall, I analyse ideas about desire in film, in audience responses and in cultural studies. Building on my research on the pop culture concept of ‘the Internet’s boyfriend’, I also consider what online discourse on Challengers suggests about societal imaginaries of desire.
What Is Qualitative Research? An Overview and Guidelines
Authors: Lim Weng Marc
Published: July 2024

This guide explains the focus, rigor, and relevance of qualitative research, highlighting its role in dissecting complex social phenomena and providing in-depth, human-centered insights. The guide also examines the rationale for employing qualitative methods, underscoring their critical importance. An exploration of the methodology’s strengths, such as its ability to offer contextual depth and holistic perspectives, is juxtaposed against challenges like constrained generalizability and potential researcher bias, accompanied by practical mitigation strategies. Covering a spectrum of qualitative approaches, including grounded theory, phenomenology, ethnography, action research, and general inquiry, the guide sheds light on diverse data collection and analysis techniques. Noteworthily, the guide underscores the crucial aspect of trustworthiness in qualitative research, detailing methods to establish credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability. The integration of technologies like recording and transcribing tools with data analysis software and the growing influence of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning are also explored. Concluding with a discussion on ethical considerations, from participant recruitment to data stewardship, this guide serves as an essential resource that offers insightful, actionable guidance for conducting effective and impactful qualitative research.
Ocular sequelae of traumatic orbital fractures: A three-year epidemiological review within a Detroit hospital system
Authors: Miano Deanna Ingrassia , Williams Parker , Kuhary Jeff , Singhal Neena , Haidar Mohamad , Bhan Aishwarya
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Incidence of orbital fractures and associated ocular injuries has proven variable among literature worldwide. Such analysis has yet to be conducted in Detroit, Michigan. Due to the complexity and unpredictability of orbital fractures, we aim to further understand their epidemiology and association with ocular sequelae within this population.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed 204 eyes of 187 patients over a three-year and seven-month period within a Detroit, Michigan hospital system. The incidence of ocular injuries resulting from computed tomography-confirmed orbital bone fractures was quantified and categorized based on patient demographic, fracture location, specific ocular injury, and need for surgical intervention with analysis.

Results

It was determined that 84.8% of orbital fracture patients sustained some form of ocular injury. Most fractures occurred within the city (55.1%), and most often occurred in males (63.6%). Fractures of the orbital floor were most often encountered. Commonly injured bones were maxillary, ethmoid, and zygomatic bones, respectively. Approximately one-third of patients with concurrent orbital fracture and ocular trauma sustained severe vision-threatening injury. These traumas are found to peak within summer months. Presence of retinal detachment is significantly related to orbital roof fractures, while maxillary bone fractures are associated with decreased incidences of retinal detachment. Approximately 23% of patients underwent immediate surgery for osseous fractures, while 3.26% of patients underwent immediate ocular surgical repair.

Conclusion

Our findings provide insight into the incidence of ocular injury in the setting of traumatic orbital fractures within a Midwest population. Both similarities and differences exist among our own results, and those of distinct geographical regions. These data shed light on Detroit's incidence of ocular sequelae in orbital fracture and contribute to a larger understanding of ocular and orbital trauma epidemiology.