bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Objective structured practical examination as a tool of assessing practical skills in clinical physiology: Perceptions of medical students and faculty
Authors: Sharma Anshul , Tahilramani Hemant , Misra Minakshi , Somani Sheshav , Tak Amit
Published: April 2022

Background / Aim: Competence can be acquired in medical education if the assessment of students is multidimensional. Traditional practical assessments focus on testing the cognitive domain and compromise practical skills evaluation. The Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE) assesses skill-based competencies. The present study evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of OSPE through the perception of students and mentors. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 medical students and 15 medical faculties enrolled from Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya medical college, Churu (Rajasthan, India). The study included OSPE stations, conducted three OSPE sessions and obtained post-session feedback through a questionnaire, answered on 5 points Likert scale. The researchers calculated the response on various aspects of OSPE with percentages. Results: Students showed 94.4 % agreement for OSPE as a good learning experience and 93.5 % were satisfied with the content of OSPE. Students' perception of OSPE as a reliable and fair tool for examination and administration was 94.66 % and 56.40 %, respectively. Although, 69.5 % of students agreed upon OSPE as a valuable tool compared with the traditional reviews. The overall agreement of faculty for the competence of OSPE was 75.74 %. Conclusion: The acceptance of OSPE by medical students and faculty may lead to the introduction of this tool in assessing practical skills in medical teaching and helping students better acquire knowledge and skills and assisting faculty in teaching modifications, as per the needs of students. So, OSPE supplements the traditional methods in clinical physiology practical assessments.
Clinical and pathologic analysis of kidney damage in patients with nephrotic syndrome in the Republic of Srpska
Authors: Mrgud Jasmina , Gašić Branislav , Vlatković Vlastimir , Topić Goran
Published: April 2022

Background / Aim: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a clinical syndrome characterised by massive proteinuria > 3.5 g in 24 h urine, hypoalbuminaemia, hyperlipidaemia and oedema. Aim of this study was to determine the aetiology and frequency of kidney diseases that occur as the cause of NS in adults in the Republic of Srpska and the progression of renal insufficiency, disease outcomes and efficacy of applied therapy. Methods: The retrospective study included patients aged 18 to 80 hospitalised between 2014 and 2018 due to clinically and laboratory-manifested NS. In patients with suspected primary glomerular disease, a kidney biopsy with immunofluorescent dyeing was performed. The first examination involved hospital admission and the next check-up six months after the first hospitalisation. Basic clinical parameters were followed: creatinine, clearance creatinine, albumin, total protein, cholesterol, total protein in 24 h urine and microscopy of urine during the first hospitalisation and repeated same laboratory findings on control. The progression of kidney failure during this period was assessed, as well as the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy. Results: In primary NS category membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) was present at 40.7 % of patients, followed by focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) 21.7 %, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) 11.9 % and IgA glomerulonephritis (IgAN) 11.9 %. Nephroangiosclerosis was verified as the most common cause of secondary NS with 28.8 % and lupus nephritis 21.2 %, followed by ANCA-associated GN (11.5 %) and diabetic nephropathy (11.5 %). Thirty-four patients (21 %) died during the follow-up. Thirty-four patients (18.6 %) progressed to end stage renal disease during the five-year follow-up. Conclusion: The pathology of kidney disease in older patients is often very complex; therefore, a kidney biopsy should be conducted at an early stage of kidney disease for the purpose of obtaining an accurate diagnosis, determining appropriate treatment and thus improving the prognosis of the patient.
COVID-19 in the Emergency Department of the Primary Healthcare Centre Banja Luka
Authors: Banjac Nada , Ramić Ilija , Đokić Snježana , Pejić Tijana , Korać Igor , Stojisavljević Đorđe , Todorović Nevena
Published: April 2022

Background / Aim: COVID-19 is acute virus disease caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It was proclaimed as pandemic starting from March 2020 and is still ongoing. COVID-19 pandemic forced all segments of the society, particularly the health sector, to function in changed and aggravating circumstances and because of the transmission and new strains of the virus it resulted in the change of the number of infected people with peaks and oscillations. Aim of this study was to make analysis of the data related to COVID-19 positive/suspect patients examined in the Primary Healthcare Centre Banja Luka in the period 15 March 2020 - 15 March 2021, which refers to the incidence of the infected persons, sex and age representation, laboratory diagnostics and clinical parameters, applied therapy, as well as the number of patients sent for the hospital treatment. Methods: Data for the analysis were obtained by the retrospective analysis of the statistical data from the electronic medical record of the examined COVID-19 positive/suspect patients in the Outpatient Clinic for Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) and in the field. Pearson's ch2 test of contingency was used for the comparison of differences of the observed characteristics of the examined groups. Results: Personnel of the Emergency Department (ED) of the Primary Healthcare Centre Banja Luka, in the period 15 March 2020 - 15 March 2021, examined the total of 3,937 COVID-19 positive patients and patients suspect of COVID-19. Out of that number, 3,601 patients were examined in the ED - ARI and 336 patients were examined in the field. The biggest number of patients was registered in November 2020 (768). Male sex prevailed (55.50 %) and patients of 20-50 years of age were most represented. There were 3.10 % of those highly febrile patients and 2.5 % of those with low SpO2 of under 90 %. 14.90 % of patients had higher values of troponin T and 45.50 % of them had higher values of D-dimer. In the field, 69.60 % of patients had pathological changes on lungs and 33.30 % had pathological ECG report. The number of patients sent from the ARI for further diagnostic procedure or hospitalisation to the Clinic for Infectious Diseases of the University Clinical Centre of Banja Luka was 1,191 and 258 patients were sent from the field. Conclusion: For the purpose of preventing the spread of epidemics, the ED reorganised the existing space by introducing temporary clinics - containers for the patients with acute respiratory infections and febrile status, COVID-19 suspects. Clinical parameters changed depending on the new virus strains, as well as on age distribution and infection complications.
La asociación entre acoso y ciberacoso escolar y el efecto predictor de la desconexión moral: una revisión bibliométrica basada en la teoría de grafos
Authors: Gómez Tabares Anyerson Stiths , Correa Duque María Cristina
Published: April 2022

El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la producción científica y la evidencia empírica sobre la relación entre acoso y ciberacoso y el efecto predictor de la desconexión moral en niños(as) y adolescentes. La búsqueda bibliográfica se efectuó en Scopus y Web of Science. Para el análisis se utilizó bibliometrix, Sci2 Tool y Gephi. Se encontró que, entre el año 2000 y 2020, la producción científica se incrementó entre un 29% y un 53%. El análisis de clúster mostró tres perspectivas de investigación. La primera estuvo enfocada al análisis de las diferencias y similitudes entre el acoso y ciberacoso. Se discutió si el acoso y el ciberacoso son un mismo fenómeno. Se encontró que las intenciones, motivaciones, la tendencia a la repetición de la conducta, los perfiles y roles de poder de los intimidadores son diferentes en el acoso y el ciberacoso. La segunda estuvo enfocada al análisis de los efectos de la desconexión moral sobre el acoso escolar. Se encontró que la activación de la desconexión moral por parte de las víctimas son un factor de riesgo para modelar conductas de intimidación en el futuro. Las dinámicas sociales del grupo, las relaciones de amistad y la empatía fueron factores que median y moderan la asociación entre la desconexión moral y el acoso escolar. La última perspectiva se orientó al análisis de los efectos de la desconexión moral sobre el ciberacoso. Se encontró que la desconexión moral es un predictor de la victimización e intimidación por ciberacoso. La tendencia empática, la identidad moral, los rasgos de ira, el clima escolar y la amabilidad son factores que median y moderan los efectos de la desconexión moral sobre el ciberacoso. Se concluye que el acoso y ciberacoso son el resultado de la influencia de factores socio morales, emocionales y relacionales.
Autoeficacia en el uso de TIC en estudiantes universitarios maduros
Authors: Padilla-Carmona Teresa , Gil Flores Javier , Rísquez Angélica
Published: April 2022

La autoeficacia en el uso de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC) es una variable clave para predecir el éxito de los estudiantes en la educación superior. Este estudio explora una serie de variables (género, edad, experiencia de uso, formación y actitudes hacia las TIC) relacionadas con el uso de las TIC por estudiantes maduros, y analiza la relación de estas variables con la autoeficacia percibida. Se aplicó un cuestionario a 382 estudiantes que preparaban el acceso a la universidad de Sevilla por las vías de mayores de 25, 40 y 45 años. Los datos fueron analizados a través de estadísticos descriptivos y análisis de regresión múltiple. Mediante análisis factorial se identifican dos dimensiones: autoeficacia en el tratamiento de la información y autoeficacia con Internet, tomadas como variables dependientes. Los resultados indican que estas dos dimensiones de autoeficacia se asocian respectivamente al uso de software para el procesamiento de información y de Internet. Los grupos de estudiantes de mayor edad tienden a sentirse menos competentes en el uso de las TIC, especialmente en relación a la autoeficacia con Internet. La formación parece ser un precursor relevante de la competencia de un estudiante en el uso de programas básicos de tratamiento de la información, pero no para el uso de Internet. Para los estudiantes maduros, la competencia en el uso de Internet parece ser una cuestión de actitud, por lo que una actitud positiva hacia las TIC facilita el desarrollo de su propia confianza en el uso de Internet. Se concluye insistiendo en la necesidad de que las instituciones de educación superior sean conscientes y presten especial atención a la “brecha digital”, y a las peculiaridades que puede presentar el alumnado universitario de mayor edad.
Competencia social y bullying: el papel de la edad y el sexo
Authors: Romera Eva M. , Luque-González Rocío , García-Fernández Cristina M. , Ortega-Ruiz Rosario
Published: April 2022

La calidad de las relaciones interpersonales en la infancia y la transición hacia la adolescencia resultan de particular relevancia para la calidad de la convivencia escolar. Dicha calidad parece depender en gran parte de la competencia social de los escolares y particularmente de su participación en fenómenos de riesgo de violencia, como es el acoso escolar. Los objetivos de esta investigación fueron describir el nivel de competencia social y de implicación en bullying y las diferencias en función del sexo y la edad en una amplia muestra representativa de escolares de Andalucía en el periodo de edad entre los 10 y los 16 años, así como observar el efecto moderador del sexo y la edad en la relación entre competencia social, medida en sus diversas dimensiones, y la implicación en conductas de agresión y victimización en bullying. Participaron 2,572 escolares (667 de Educación Primaria y 1905 de Educación Secundaria) (50% chicas; Medad = 12.81 años; DT = 1.9). Se utilizaron instrumentos validados con adolescentes españoles (AMSCQ y EBIPQ). Modelos de regresión múltiple multivariante señalaron la asociación entre competencia social y comportamientos de bullying. La agresión se asoció con el sexo de los participantes, la prosocialidad y el ajuste normativo, mientras que la victimización se relacionó con la edad, la eficacia social, el ajuste social y la prosocialidad. El sexo y la edad moderaron la relación del ajuste normativo y la agresión y del ajuste social con la victimización y agresión. La edad moderó la relación entre la prosocialidad y el ajuste social con la victimización. El presente estudio contribuye a comprender qué dimensiones de la competencia social llevan a los escolares, en estos años de transición de la infancia a la adolescencia a implicarse en dinámicas interpersonales violentas como el bullying.
Influencia del aprendizaje-servicio universitario sobre la competencia profesional en estudiantes de titulaciones de actividad física y deporte
Authors: Ruiz-Montero Pedro Jesús , Santos-Pastor María Luisa , Martínez-Muñoz Fernando , Chiva-Bartoll Oscar
Published: April 2022

El presente estudio tiene por objetivo examinar la percepción de la competencia profesional del alumnado que cursa titulaciones universitarias del ámbito de la Actividad Física y el Deporte (AFD) participante en proyectos de Aprendizaje-Servicio Universitario (ApSU), en función de su sexo y edad, así como del perfil del colectivo receptor de dichos proyectos. En el estudio participaron 211 estudiantes (alumnos=88, alumnas=123) de siete universidades españolas, con edades comprendidas entre 19 y 35 años, que se implicaron en proyectos de ApSU en AFD con nueve colectivos vulnerados diferentes. El instrumento usado para determinar el aprendizaje profesional y los efectos del ApSU en AFD fue la escala “Aprendizaje-Servicio en Actividad Física” (E-ASAF), compuesta por seis dimensiones: aprendizaje, valor pedagógico, impacto social, desarrollo profesional, competencias profesionales y opinión. Respecto a la relación de las características del alumnado con los resultados, se estudió el sexo (hombre y mujer), rangos de edad (<20 años, 21-24 años y >25 años) y tipos de colectivos receptores participantes en los proyectos (diversidad funcional, social y cultural/religiosa). Los análisis estadísticos fueron llevados a cabo mediante un análisis multivariante de la varianza (MANOVA). Todas las dimensiones de la escala fueron significativas excepto el impacto social y las competencias profesionales. El sexo, rango de edad y tipo de colectivo receptor vulnerado presentaron efectos significativos en sus diferencias respecto a las dimensiones de la escala. Además, la interacción entre colectivo vulnerado receptor/sexo y colectivo vulnerado receptor/rango de edad presentó una relación con las dimensiones de la escala de valor pedagógico y desarrollo profesional. En conclusión, este estudio muestra la relación del ApSU con el afianzamiento de contenido curricular y la percepción de aprendizaje profesional en estudiantes de AFD, así como las relaciones existentes entre factores como el sexo, la edad del alumnado participante y la tipología de los colectivos receptores.
Of Minds and Language
Authors: Chomsky Noam
Published: April 2022

This article reviews, and rethinks, a few leading themes of the biolinguistic program since its inception in the early 1950s, at each stage influenced by developments in the biological sciences. The following also discusses how the questions now entering the research agenda develop in a natural way from some of the earliest concerns of these inquiries.
Clarifying the Notion “Parameter”
Authors: Uriagereka Juan
Published: April 2022

This article aims to reflect on linguistic architecture by re-examining language variation. Three progressively deeper forms of variation are suggested, each of which arguably contributes to this exercise in rather different ways. The discussion that unfolds will then lead to a new twist on the question of whether MP and OT are compatible.
Minimalist Meaning, Internalist Interpretation
Authors: Pietroski Paul M.
Published: April 2022

This article offers a conception of semantics, and of what makes the human language faculty distinctive, based on five theses: Meanings are instructions to build concepts; concatenation calls for conjunction of monadic concepts; grammatical relations invoke certain thematic relations and a kind of existential closure; lexicalization is a partly creative process of abstraction; and meanings are internalistic properties of expressions. Each of these claims is defended elsewhere. The aim here is to connect them explicitly, and compare the result with alternatives, in the hope of providing a plausible conception of natural language meaning that coheres with Chomsky’s minimalist program.
Full Interpretation of Optimal Labeling
Authors: Narita Hiroki
Published: April 2022

This article proposes that the label for each syntactic node/set is fully derivable from Agree operating on edge-features of lexical items. It is also proposed that the derivations of labels transparently carve the path for ?-marking at the semantic interface. When tied with the label asymmetry condition at the Sensorimotor-interface and principles of derivational economy, this theory of labeling/Agree derives effects of what is traditionally called the ?-Criterion at the semantic interface. Ramifications for the principle of Full Interpretation are also discussed.
On Parametric (and Non-Parametric) Variation
Authors: Smith Neil , Law Ann
Published: April 2022

This article raises the issue of the correct characterization of ‘Parametric Variation’ in syntax and phonology. After specifying their theoretical commitments, the authors outline the relevant parts of the Principles–and–Parameters framework, and draw a three-way distinction among Universal Principles, Parameters, and Accidents. The core of the contribution then consists of an attempt to provide identity criteria for parametric, as opposed to non-parametric, variation. Parametric choices must be antecedently known, and it is suggested that they must also satisfy seven individually necessary and jointly sufficient criteria. These are that they be cognitively represented, systematic, dependent on the input, deterministic, discrete, mutually exclusive, and irreversible.
Analysis by Synthesis: A (Re-)Emerging Program of Research for Language and Vision
Authors: Bever Thomas G. , Poeppel David
Published: April 2022

This contribution reviews (some of) the history of analysis by synthesis, an approach to perception and comprehension articulated in the 1950s. Whereas much research has focused on bottom-up, feed-forward, inductive mechanisms, analysis by synthesis as a heuristic model emphasizes a balance of bottom-up and knowledge-driven, top-down, predictive steps in speech perception and language comprehension. This idea aligns well with contemporary Bayesian approaches to perception (in language and other domains), which are illustrated with examples from different aspects of perception and comprehension. Results from psycholinguistics, the cognitive neuroscience of language, and visual object recognition suggest that analysis by synthesis can provide a productive way of structuring biolinguistic research. Current evidence suggests that such a model is theoretically well motivated, biologically sensible, and becomes computationally tractable borrowing from Bayesian formalizations.
Brain-Language Research: Where is the Progress?
Authors: Pulvermüller Friedemann
Published: April 2022

Recent cognitive neuroscience research improved our understanding of where, when, how, and why language circuits emerge and activate in the human brain. Where: Regions crucial for very specific linguistic processes were delineated; phonetic features and fine semantic categories could be mapped onto specific sets of cortical areas. When: Brain correlates of phonological, syntactic and semantic processes were documented early-on, suggesting language understanding in an instant (within 250ms). How: New mechanistic network models mimicking structure and function of left-perisylvian language areas suggest that multimodal action-perception circuits — rather than separate modules for action and perception — carry the processing resources for language use and understanding. Why language circuits emerge in specific areas, become active at specific early time points and are connected in specific ways is best addressed in light of neuroscience principles governing neuronal activation, correlation learning, and, critical-ly, partly predetermined structural information wired into connections between cortical neurons and areas.
Why Possibly Language Evolved
Authors: Richerson Peter J. , Boyd Robert
Published: April 2022

Human language has no close parallels in other systems of animal communication. Yet it is an important part of the cultural adaptation that serves to make humans an exceedingly successful species. In the past 20 years, a diverse set of evolutionary scholars have tried to answer the question of how language evolved in our species and why it is unique to us. They have converged on the idea that the cultural and innate aspects of language were tightly linked in a process of gene-culture coevolution. They differ widely about the details of the process, particularly over the division of labor between genes and culture in the coevolutionary process. Why is language restricted to humans given that communication seems to be so useful? A plausible answer is that language is part of human cooperation. Why did the coevolutionary process come to rest leaving impressive cultural diversity in human languages? A plausible answer is that language diversity functions to limit communication between people who cannot freely trust one another or where even truthful communications from others would result in maladaptive behavior on the part of listeners.
What in the World Makes Recursion so Easy to Learn? A Statistical Account of the Staged Input Effect on Learning a Center-Embedded Structure in Artificial Grammar Learning (AGL)
Authors: Poletiek Fenna
Published: April 2022

In an artificial grammar learning study, Lai & Poletiek (2011) found that human participants could learn a center-embedded recursive grammar only if the input during training was presented in a staged fashion. Previous studies on artificial grammar learning, with randomly ordered input, failed to demonstrate learning of such a center-embedded structure. In the account proposed here, the staged input effect is explained by a fine-tuned match between the statistical characteristics of the incrementally organized input and the development of human cognitive learning over time, from low level, linear associative, to hierarchical processing of long distance dependencies. Interestingly, staged input seems to be effective only for learning hierarchical structures, and unhelpful for learning linear grammars.
A Biolinguistic Approach to the Vocalizations of H. Neanderthalensis and the Genus Homo
Authors: Barceló-Coblijn Lluís
Published: April 2022

This paper revisits the old question about the possibilities and aptitudes H. neanderthalensis had for vocalization. New evidence will be discussed that moves the discussion beyond traditional interest in the presence and inter-pretation of the fossil record and its comparison with the closest species to H. sapiens, like chimpanzees and gorillas. An interdisciplinary perspective on the analysis coupled with information gathered from neuropsychology, genetics, and comparative psychology will prove useful for obtaining a new vision in biolinguistics, so that neurocognitive activity becomes important thanks, above all, to the comparison with other species. Finally, it will be argued that it is still plausible to accept the hypothesis on the formation of a vocal capacity prior to the cognitive faculty of language, and independent of it, so that Neandertals were probably able of vocalizing voluntarily, with communicative intentions and in a sophisticated way.
Is Embodiment All That We Need? Insights from the Acquisition of Negation
Authors: Cuccio Valentina
Published: April 2022

Simulation of propositional content does not sufficiently explain real-life linguistic activity, even for action-related language. In addition, how we get from propositional content to implicit and inferential meaning needs to be explained. Indeed, simulative understanding is immediate, automatic and reflex-like while an explicit interpretative act, even if not always needed, is still a part of many linguistic activities. The aim of this paper is to present the hypothesis that speaking is a complex ability realized by means of at least two different mechanisms that are likely developed at different and consecutive steps of cognitive and linguistic development. The first mechanism has a neural explanation grounded in the notion of embodied simulation. The second implies socio-cognitive skills such as Theory of Mind. In order to fully develop the second mechanism, a symbolic communication and interaction with a cultural community are needed. This hypothesis will be tested by looking at the acquisition of linguistic negation.
The Talking Neanderthals: What Do Fossils, Genetics, and Archeology Say?
Authors: Johansson Sverker
Published: April 2022

Did Neanderthals have language? This issue has been debated back and forth for decades, without resolution. But in recent years new evidence has become available. New fossils and archeological finds cast light on relevant Neanderthal anatomy and behavior. New DNA evidence, both fossil and modern, provides clues both to the relationship between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens, and to the genetics of language. In this paper, I review and evaluate the available evidence. My conclusion is that the preponderance of the evidence supports the presence of some form of language in Neanderthals.
Is Word Order Asymmetry Mathematically Expressible?
Authors: Arikawa Koji
Published: April 2022

The computational procedure for human natural language (CHL) shows an asymmetry in unmarked orders for S, O, and V. Following Lyle Jenkins, it is speculated that the asymmetry is expressible as a group-theoretical factor (included in Chomsky’s third factor): “[W]ord order types would be the (asymmetric) stable solutions of the symmetric still-to-be-discovered ‘equations’ governing word order distribution”. A possible “symmetric equation” is a linear transformation f(x) = y, where function f is a set of merge operations (transformations) expressed as a set of symmetric transformations of an equilateral triangle, x is the universal base vP input expressed as the identity triangle, and y is a mapped output tree expressed as an output triangle that preserves symmetry. Although the symmetric group S3 of order 3! = 6 is too simple, this very simplicity is the reason that in the present work cost differences are considered among the six symmetric operations of S3. This article attempts to pose a set of feasible questions for future research.
Architecture of Human Language from the Perspective of a Case of Childhood Aphasia — Landau–Kleffner Syndrome
Authors: Hoshi Koji , Miyazato Kyoko
Published: April 2022

This paper addresses Landau–Kleffner syndrome (LKS), a childhood aphasia, from the perspective of I-language and the critical period for first language acquisition. LKS involves a language disorder and behavioral disturbances resembling autistic spectrum disorders due to electroencephalographic abnormalities with continuous spike-and-waves during sleep over the temporal regions. Comparing LKS with other childhood syndromes, the architecture of language is explored through elucidating the linguistic mechanisms behind the language disorder in LKS on the basis of Hickok & Poeppel’s (2007) dual-stream model of speech processing. It is claimed that early onset LKS provides further support for the critical period for first language acquisition and modularity of mind (the faculty of language), and that verbal auditory input during the critical period is most crucial for language recovery and development in LKS. Considering that electroencephalographic abnormalities affect cognitive/motor functions, ameliorating neural dysfunction in the affected brain areas with proper application of trans-cranial direct current stimulation is recommended.
Justifications for a Discontinuity Theory of Language Evolution
Authors: Hackett Callum
Published: April 2022

In Chapter 6 of Biological Foundations of Language, Lenneberg argues against continuity theories of language evolution, which claim that language evolved from simpler communication systems. Although Lenneberg was pessimistic about even discontinuity theories explaining how language evolved, discontinuity has become significant in the Minimalist program, which posits that our species’ acquisition of Merge was the key discontinuity that made language possible. On the basis of a unified description of natural communication systems, I show that language is indeed based upon a cognitive discontinuity, which is moreover specific to linguistic ability. However, I argue that even Minimalist theories must recognise this discontinuity as the sensorimotor interface with syntax, rather than syntax itself. This ultimately supports the view that syntactic structures are structures of thought, but taking this claim seriously means reimagining how syntax relates to semantics and morphology, as the traditional ‘lexical item’ is no longer a tenable primitive of generative theory.
The Externalization Component as the Locus of Specific Impairments
Authors: Lorenzo Guillermo , Vares Elena
Published: April 2022

In the last years, Chomsky has defended a strong divide between a core, thought-related component of the faculty of language (FL), and a peripheral, sensory-motor dedicated one, in support of which he has mostly drawn from design and evolutionary arguments. This paper adds to these lines of reasoning some evidence from forms of language impairment that, it is argued, may be understood as selectively affecting the latter component (Externalization). Previous accounts suggest that certain variants of specific language impairment (SLI) affect the Syntax–Phonology interface, including the Morphology component. The Linearization converter is also argued to be typically affected, so one might refer to such variants of SLI as instances of a specific externalization impairment (SEXTI). The data presented here suggest comprehension difficulties with object relative clauses in children with SLI, which, contrary to previous analyses, are argued to be due to linearization problems. The main objective of this paper is to illustrate how clinical linguistics may help to define aspects of the evolved linguistic phenotype, like the above-mentioned divide.
Organizational Factors and Quality of Accounting Information System in Vietnam
Authors:   University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, 59C Nguyen Dinh Chieu street, ward 6, district 3, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam, Luong Duc Thuan  , Truong Thi Thu Huong  ,   University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, 59C Nguyen Dinh Chieu street, ward 6, district 3, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam
Published: April 2022

The study was conducted to examine the role of organizational commitment and organizational structure factors for the quality of accounting information system (AIS) in enterprises in Ho Chi Minh City. Research samples of 175 people involved those working in accounting positions in different types of company. Research data were collected primarily through a questionnaire (March, 2017 – June, 2017) and then it is used to analyze descriptive statistics and perform hypothesis testing tests through a linear regression analysis with the support of SPSS software. Result shows that the quality of AIS is influenced by organizational commitment and organizational structure. In that, organizational structure factor is more impact. Keywords: Organizational Commitment, Organizational Structure, Quality of Accounting Information System Introduction In the current context, when information technology has the strong influence in all aspects of life, economy and society, besides the opportunities from globalization, Vietnam also has to face with many challenges, difficulties, there are difficult challenges related to the application of information technology to serve the development of enterprises. The development of enterprises is one of the strong impacts on the development of the AIS along with factors influencing the operation of the AIS such as requirements on the control and management of administrators, legislation in the field of accounting and the development of information technology.
Problem of Agency in Mudarabah Contract
Authors: Noraina Mazuin Sapuan  , Mohammad Rahmdzey Roly
Published: April 2022

This study evaluated agency problem in mudarabah (profit sharing) contract and suggests some prudent and comprehensive mechanisms to mitigate this problem from Islamic perspectives. Agency problem in mudarabah contract can cause a number of difficulties if there is no effective information transfer between the contracting parties. Full disclosure of information from the entrepreneur (agent or mudarib) that manages the fund on behalf of a capital provider (principal or rabbulmaal) can help to reduce misinformation and assist decision making. Some approaches that can be taken to avoid asymmetric information are compatible incentive contract, screening and monitoring process, shuratic (social learning) process and execution of Islamic code of conduct. This study highlights the roles of the Islamic code of conduct and shuratic process in mitigating agency problems in mudarabah contract.
Agl24 is an ancient archaeal homolog of the eukaryotic N-glycan chitobiose synthesis enzymes
Authors: Meyer Benjamin H , Adam Panagiotis S , Wagstaff Ben A , Kolyfetis George E , Probst Alexander J , Albers Sonja V , Dorfmueller Helge C
Published: April 2022

Protein N-glycosylation is a post-translational modification found in organisms of all domains of life. The crenarchaeal N-glycosylation begins with the synthesis of a lipid-linked chitobiose core structure, identical to that in Eukaryotes, although the enzyme catalyzing this reaction remains unknown. Here, we report the identification of a thermostable archaeal β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase, named archaeal glycosylation enzyme 24 (Agl24), responsible for the synthesis of the N-glycan chitobiose core. Biochemical characterization confirmed its function as an inverting β-D-GlcNAc-(1→4)-α-D-GlcNAc-diphosphodolichol glycosyltransferase. Substitution of a conserved histidine residue, found also in the eukaryotic and bacterial homologs, demonstrated its functional importance for Agl24. Furthermore, bioinformatics and structural modeling revealed similarities of Agl24 to the eukaryotic Alg14/13 and a distant relation to the bacterial MurG, which are catalyzing the same or a similar reaction, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of Alg14/13 homologs indicates that they are ancient in Eukaryotes, either as a lateral transfer or inherited through eukaryogenesis.
Completion of neural crest cell production and emigration is regulated by retinoic-acid-dependent inhibition of BMP signaling
Authors: Rekler Dina , Kalcheim Chaya
Published: April 2022

Production and emigration of neural crest cells is a transient process followed by the emergence of the definitive roof plate. The mechanisms regulating the end of neural crest ontogeny are poorly understood. Whereas early crest development is stimulated by mesoderm-derived retinoic acid, we report that the end of the neural crest period is regulated by retinoic acid synthesized in the dorsal neural tube. Inhibition of retinoic acid signaling in the neural tube prevents the normal upregulation of BMP inhibitors in the nascent roof plate and prolongs the period of BMP responsiveness which otherwise ceases close to roof plate establishment. Consequently, neural crest production and emigration are extended well into the roof plate stage. In turn, extending the activity of neural crest-specific genes inhibits the onset of retinoic acid synthesis in roof plate suggesting a mutual repressive interaction between neural crest and roof plate traits. Although several roof plate-specific genes are normally expressed in the absence of retinoic acid signaling, roof plate and crest markers are co-expressed in single cells and this domain also contains dorsal interneurons. Hence, the cellular and molecular architecture of the roof plate is compromised. Collectively, our results demonstrate that neural tube-derived retinoic acid, via inhibition of BMP signaling, is an essential factor responsible for the end of neural crest generation and the proper segregation of dorsal neural lineages.
Efficient differentiation of human primordial germ cells through geometric control reveals a key role for Nodal signaling
Authors: Jo Kyoung , Teague Seth , Chen Bohan , Khan Hina Aftab , Freeburne Emily , Li Hunter , Li Bolin , Ran Ran , Spence Jason R , Heemskerk Idse
Published: April 2022

Human primordial germ cells (hPGCs) form around the time of implantation and are the precursors of eggs and sperm. Many aspects of hPGC specification remain poorly understood because of the inaccessibility of the early postimplantation human embryo for study. Here, we show that micropatterned human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) treated with BMP4 give rise to hPGC-like cells (hPGCLC) and use these as a quantitatively reproducible and simple in vitro model to interrogate this important developmental event. We characterize micropatterned hPSCs up to 96 hr and show that hPGCLC populations are stable and continue to mature. By perturbing signaling during hPGCLC differentiation, we identify a previously unappreciated role for Nodal signaling and find that the relative timing and duration of BMP and Nodal signaling are critical parameters controlling the number of hPGCLCs. We formulate a mathematical model for a network of cross-repressive fates driven by Nodal and BMP signaling, which predicts the measured fate patterns after signaling perturbations. Finally, we show that hPSC colony size dictates the efficiency of hPGCLC specification, which led us to dramatically improve the efficiency of hPGCLC differentiation.
Endogenous Syngap1 alpha splice forms promote cognitive function and seizure protection
Authors: Kilinc Murat , Arora Vineet , Creson Thomas K , Rojas Camilo , Le Aliza A , Lauterborn Julie , Wilkinson Brent , Hartel Nicolas , Graham Nicholas , Reich Adrian , Gou Gemma , Araki Yoichi , Bayés Àlex , Coba Marcelo , Lynch Gary , Miller Courtney A , Rumbaugh Gavin
Published: April 2022

Loss-of-function variants in SYNGAP1 cause a developmental encephalopathy defined by cognitive impairment, autistic features, and epilepsy. SYNGAP1 splicing leads to expression of distinct functional protein isoforms. Splicing imparts multiple cellular functions of SynGAP proteins through coding of distinct C-terminal motifs. However, it remains unknown how these different splice sequences function in vivo to regulate neuronal function and behavior. Reduced expression of SynGAP-α1/2 C-terminal splice variants in mice caused severe phenotypes, including reduced survival, impaired learning, and reduced seizure latency. In contrast, upregulation of α1/2 expression improved learning and increased seizure latency. Mice expressing α1-specific mutations, which disrupted SynGAP cellular functions without altering protein expression, promoted seizure, disrupted synapse plasticity, and impaired learning. These findings demonstrate that endogenous SynGAP isoforms with α1/2 spliced sequences promote cognitive function and impart seizure protection. Regulation of SynGAP-αexpression or function may be a viable therapeutic strategy to broadly improve cognitive function and mitigate seizure.
The representation of culture in EFL learners’ available lexicon
Authors:   Universidad de La Rioja, España, Canga Alonso Andrés
Published: April 2022

This study explores the words that 265 pre-university (12th grade) English as a foreign language learners produce in response to the prompt ‘Food and drink’. Specifically, it aims to (i) ascertain the number of cultural words this sample of learners retrieved overall and in their first responses to the abovementioned word stimulus; (ii) classify the culture these terms represent, i.e., source, target and international, and (iii) account for sex-based differences in cultural word elicitation. Our findings evince that the number of cultural tokens corresponded to one fourth of the total number of the words students retrieved in response to the aforementioned prompt. These tokens mostly belonged to international culture. As for sex-based differences, our data revealed that males obtained higher mean values and retrieved a higher rate of cultural types in their first responses than females did. However, differences between male and female learners in regard with cultural word elicitation were not statistically significant.
On lexical uniqueness and lexicon organization in native Spanish and Greek SFL learners
Authors:   Universidad de La Rioja, España, Llach Maria Pilar Agustín , Palapanidi Kiriaki ,   National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
Published: April 2022

The present paper examines lexicon organization and lexical uniqueness through a lexical availability task. Previous research has concentrated on exploring via word association tests how learners organize their L1 and L2 lexicons. Additionally, the closeness between the native and the L2 lexicons are also object of analysis in research. Lexical uniqueness has also been used as a measure to determine “nativeness”. In the present study, we had two groups of Greek B1 and C1 level learners of Spanish FL answer a lexical availability task and compared their results with those of a group of native speakers. We found that proficiency level is crucial in the determination of lexical uniqueness and lexicon organization via lexical associations obtained with a lexical availability task. Furthermore, our results revealed that thematic field is a relevant factor in speakers’ associative behaviour and lexicon organization. Results are discussed in light of previous research findings and pedagogical implications are proposed
Phytochemical and Essential Oil Characterization of the Aerial Parts of Leonurus cardiaca (Motherworth)
Authors: Emmanuel Wellington, , Onyeike Ogbomade, , Nwaogwugwu Eugene , Dikioye Emmanuel Peters, , David Joshua, , Sampson Joe Ogbomade,
Published: April 2022

There are numerous medicinal plants in the Southern and Eastern Nigeria. These plants are widely utilized in Nigerian traditional system of medicine for the treatment of countless of illnesses. This paper focused on the phytochemical and essential composition of the aerial parts of Leonurus cardiaca. The phytochemical and essential oil screening and characterization were carried out using high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography. Results obtained from this investigation showed seven different terpenoids and their total concentrations were 26.19 x 10-1 (mg/100 g), nine different phenolic acids (506.33 mg/100 g), twelve different saponin (62.33 mg/100 g), seven different cyanogenic glycosides (118.03 mg/100 g), thirteen different glycosides (16.17 mg/100 g), five (5) different anthocyanins (56.53 mg/100 g), twenty six different alkaloids (1.31 mg/100 g), six different flavonoids (7.31 mg/100 g), seven different sterol (5.91 mg/100 g), tannins (426.49 mg/100 g), and phytate (69.12 mg/100 g). Analysis for essential oils showed fourty one different essential oils (100. 00 %). Our uncovering indicated Leonurus cardiaca is an excellent source of terpenoids, saponins, alkaloids, anthraquinones, anthocyanins, phenolic acid, sterols, cyanogenic glycoside, phytate, tannins, glycosides, flavonoids and essential oils. This present research exemplify the preparatory detection for discretion or selection of Leonurus cardiaca potential source of novel therapies for the treatment of various diseases.
Tapping into the Unsung Potential of CRISPR/CAS Technology in Agriculture
Authors: Rehman Rao Saad , Ali Mujahid , Zafar Syed Ali , Ahmad Muhammad , Pasha Asad Nadeem , Bashir Hassan , Rashid Faiza , Hussain Mubashar
Published: April 2022

Over the last few years, the use of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) for genetic manipulation has transformed life science. CRISPR was first found in bacteria and archaea as an adaptable immune system, and later modified to create specific DNA breaks in living cells and creatures. Various DNA alterations can occur throughout the cellular DNA repair process. Since the first demonstration of CRISPR in plant genome editing in 2013, there has been much progress in fundamental crop research and plant improvement. Plants can use the CRISPR toolset to do programmable genome editing, epigenome editing, and transcriptome regulation. However, the difficulties of plant genome editing must be properly understood and answers sought. With an emphasis on achievements and prospective utility in plant biology, this review aims to provide an instructive assessment of the current advancements and discoveries in CRISPR technology. CRISPR will, in the end, not only make fundamental research easier, but it will also speed up plant breeding and germplasm development. In the light of global climate change, as well as present agricultural, environmental, and ecological concerns, the use of CRISPR to improve germplasm is extremely significant.
Clarifying the Impact of Social Escapism on Users’ Smartphone Addiction Based on Technology Acceptance Model
Authors: Chen Hsiu-Ju
Published: April 2022

In the recent decades, smartphone addiction has been addressed its importance in daily life. With smartphones, people can use the Internet even more easily. People can also use smartphones at any time in any place. Nevertheless, the psychological causal variables for smartphone addiction are still not clear. Furthermore, people with low self-esteem are shown to reveal more personal information online for social compensation. It is also unclear what causes the social compensation. This study is therefore motivated to clarify users’ smartphone addiction based on the technology acceptance model (TAM). Survey method was adopted. Data of one hundred and seventy-one valid respondents who used smartphones were gathered online. Factor analysis and regression analysis were adopted for data analysis using SPSS 18.0. The regression path analysis results indicate that perceived escapism, increased by perceived enjoyment, significantly associates with users’ smartphone addiction. The results also show users’ different smartphone addiction patterns under different perceived usefulness of smartphones. The results facilitate users’ self-management of smartphone use via increasing perceived usefulness and the cure of smartphone addiction.
Drug-resistant Epilepsy Revealing Pseudo-hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Kabbaj M. , Amhagar S. , Kriouil Y.
Published: April 2022

Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) is a very rare disease, due to genetic abnormalities of variable expressivity, resulting in resistance of target tissues to the action of parathyroid hormone (PTH). It is a disease that presents in several varieties depending on the existence or not of dysmorphic syndrome, resistance to other hormones and on the responses of hormonal signaling pathways to exogenous PTH supply. Fahr's syndrome is one of the consequences of pseudohypoparathyroidism, it is defined by the presence of intracerebral calcifications, bilateral and symmetrical, non arteriosclerotic, located in the basal ganglia. We report in this work, the observation of a 12 years old child, suffering from a PHP complicated with a Fahr syndrome, discovered after several years of evolution of persistent neurological disorders and refractory to treatments. This work underlines the interest of the research of the disorders of the phosphocalcic metabolism in the presence of neuropsychiatric demonstrations, in order to detect a PHP or any other etiology of a syndrome of Fahr and to adopt thus, the most appropriate therapeutic measures.