bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral Corrective Feedback Preferences in English Lessons: Learners’ and Teachers’ Perspectives
Authors: Nhac Thanh-Huong
Published: June 2022

The paramount objective of English language teaching and learning is to achieve language competence in communicative purposes with the minimal learners’ errors. To attain that goal, corrective feedback plays an important role due to its efficiency in developing learners’ English capacity. However, the correlation between language students’ and teachers’ views on the issues of corrective feedback including its types, methods and timing has received inadequate attention from educational scholars. This study, therefore, aimed to examine teachers’ and learners’ perceptions of corrective feedback at a higher education institution. The research employed the mixed method with the participation of 425 law-majored sophomores. Specifically, the statistics involved the survey questionnaires, follow-up interviews with students as well as the interview with thirteen teachers of English. The results indicated overall matches between learners’ and teachers’ high remarks on the necessity of oral corrective feedback in the students’ English acquisition. Notably, they both highly valued the use of metalinguistic feedback, prompt feedback for grammatical and lexical errors while explicit correction and recast were preferred for phonological errors. In terms of feedback timing, students were perceived not to be negatively affected by immediate correction, yet expressed their preferences for the delayed corrective feedback, which was compatible with teachers’ views. Such findings set practical pedagogical implications for language educators in the language teaching and learning process.
Related Factors in Undergraduate Students' Motivation towards Social Entrepreneurship in Malaysia
Authors: Samsudin Norsamsinar , Ramdan Mohamad Rohieszan , Razak Ahmad Zainal Abidin Abd , Mohamad Norhidayah , Yaakub Kamarul Bahari , Aziz Nurul Ashykin Abd , Hanafiah Mohd Hizam
Published: June 2022

Education based on social entrepreneurship (SE) practices is of importance at this time to shape the personality of students who are more responsible towards the surrounding environment. This SE requires high motivation from students to ensure success in education based on social entrepreneurship can be achieved. However, the factors that support the motivation for social entrepreneurship are still poorly identified, particularly in the setting of undergraduate students in Malaysia. Data were collected from 15 selected Malaysian universities involving undergraduate students who are actively involved in the Enactus program. A set of questionnaires was administered to 294 respondents online. The data analysis involved confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to measure the construct validity of the measurement model, and covariance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM) to establish the relationship between the independent variables and dependent variables. The results revealed self-efficacy and entrepreneurship education provide a relationship in motivation toward social entrepreneurship by undergraduate students. However, social support does not relate to motivation toward social entrepreneurship. Overall, this study adds to the notion of factors that influence social entrepreneurship motivation by supplementing the literature in the areas of educational management and entrepreneurship. In practice, this study contributes significantly to the formation of government policies to further strengthen the motivation of social entrepreneurship that can enhance the community economy and local communities.
A Copula Based Stress-Strength Reliability Estimation with Lindley Marginals
Authors: James A. , Chandra N. , Pandey M.
Published: June 2022

The stress-strength model is a basic tool used in evaluating the reliability (R). It shows that a component or system with stress (Y) and strength (X) will fail if the stress exceeds the strength, and its counterpart allows it to function. Usually, the statistical independence between X and Y are assumed and reliability models are extensively developed in the literature. However, in real life, there are many situations in which the dependence stress-strength is taken into account. So it is important to consider and model the association between them. In this paper, we estimated R when the stress and strength parameters are linked by a Fralie-Gumble-Morgenstern copula with Lindley marginals. The estimates of reliability and dependence parameter are obtained by using maximum likelihood estimation (MLE), inference function margins (IFM), and semi parametric (SP) methods. In addition, the length of the asymptotic confidence interval and the coverage probability of the dependence parameter are also computed. A simulation study is performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the various estimates, and a real data set is also used for illustrative purposes.
FAST: Fourier domain adaptive optics simulation tool for bidirectional ground-space optical links through atmospheric turbulence
Authors: Farley O. J. D. , Townson M. J. , Osborn J.
Published: June 2022

Free space optical links between the ground and space may be severely degraded by atmospheric turbulence. Adaptive Optics, a technique allowing partial correction of this degradation, is beginning to see use in the field with the potential to achieve more robust and higher bandwidth links. Here we present a simulation tool, FAST, which utilises an analytical Fourier domain Adaptive Optics model developed for astronomy. Using the reciprocity principle, the simulation may be applied either to downlink post-compensated or uplink pre-compensated beams. We show that FAST gives similar results to full end-to-end simulations with wave-optical propagation whilst being between 10 and 200 times faster, enabling the characterisation of optical links with complex Adaptive Optics systems in timely fashion.
Performance investigation of high-efficiency widely tunable subnanosecond optical parametric generator and amplifier based on MgO:PPLN
Authors: Banys Jonas , Savickytė Justina , Balachninaitė Ona , Armalytė Simona , Tamulienė Viktorija , Jarutis Vygandas , Vengelis Julius
Published: June 2022

We report on experimental and theoretical studies of widely tunable high-efficiency subnanosecond optical parametric generator (OPG) and amplifier (OPA) based on a 2 cm long multigrating MgO-doped periodically-poled lithium niobate (MgO:PPLN) crystal pumped by a passively Q-switched Nd:YAG micro-laser. Our OPG can be continuously tuned from 1442 nm to 4040 nm with signal wave energies ranging from 33

μ

J to 265

μ

J and total OPG conversion efficiency up to 46 % that depended on the pump focusing conditions. Characterization of spatial properties of the OPG determine Lorentzian spatial profile of the signal beam with

M

2

≈
2

that was also dependent on the pump focusing conditions. High OPG gain and subsequent pump depletion led to the adjustment of the output signal pulse duration in the range of 242 – 405 ps by varying the incident pump power. By using a distributed feedback (DFB) continuous-wave (CW) 1550 nm wavelength seed laser for the OPA operation we reduced the generation threshold up to 1.6 times, increased maximum conversion efficiency by 4 – 20%, and achieved nearly transform-limited output signal pulses. Experimentally measured characteristics were supplemented by numerical simulations based on the quantum mechanical model for the OPG, and classical three-wave interaction model for the OPA operation.
Automatic and inverse design of broadband terahertz absorber based on optimization of genetic algorithm for dual metasurfaces
Authors: Zhang Ming , Zhang Najiao , Zhang Junyao , Zhang Xiaoran , Dong Peng , Wang Baozhu , Yang Lin , Wu Ruihong , Hou Weimin
Published: June 2022

In this study, we introduce a genetic algorithm (GA) into the catenary theory model to achieve automatic and inverse design for terahertz (THz) metasurface absorbers. The GA method was employed by seeking optimal dispersion distributions to achieve broadband impedance matching. A THz dual-metasurface absorber was designed using the proposed approach. The designed metasurface absorber exhibits an absorbance exceeding 88% at 0.21–5 THz. Compared to the traditional design method, the proposed method can reduce time consumption and find the optimal result to achieve high performance. The investigations provide important guidance and a promising approach for designing metasurface-based devices for practical applications.
Cyclic silicon waveguide four-mode converter for mode division multiplexing transmission
Authors: Yuan Zhe , Wang Yongchen , Fan Hangming , Zhang Ziheng , Cheng Mengfan , Yang Qi , Tang Ming , Liu Deming , Deng Lei
Published: June 2022

In this paper, a novel cyclic mode converter (CMC) is proposed and fabricated to implement cyclic mode permutation (CMP) on-chip for differential mode delay and mode-dependent loss elimination in the mode division multiplexing (MDM) transmission system. Cascaded by three optimally designed mode converters that do not affect the non-target modes, the proposed CMC can realize the conversion of any input mode among the TE0/TE1/TM0/TM1 modes. The three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain (3D-FDTD) simulation results show that the insertion loss of our device is less than 0.59 dB, and the crosstalk of each mode is lower than −15 dB under the range of 1500–1600 nm. The flat spectral response of this CMC is maintained even in the presence of fabrication errors up to±10 nm, showing great robustness. The experimental results also prove that at the center wavelength of 1550 nm the measured insertion loss of each mode is below 2.22 dB, and the crosstalk of each mode is lower than −15 dB. The proposed CMC provides a new idea for effectively reducing link damage in the MDM transmission system.
Realization of tunable dual-type quasi-bound states in the continuum based on a Dirac semimetal metasurface
Authors: Liu Hang , Gao Jingxiang , Zhang Huiyun , Zhang Yuping
Published: June 2022

In this study, two types of tunable quasi-bound states in the continuum (BIC) based on Dirac semimetal metamaterial (DSM) in the terahertz (THz) band are proposed in the same metasurface. The symmetry-protected BICs are achieved by altering the structural symmetry. The accidental BICs are realized by adjusting the structural parameters, and the quality factor (Q factor) of the corresponding quasi-BICs can be as high as 175. To better understand the excitation mechanism of the quasi-BIC, we investigated the magnetic field distribution and current distribution of the BIC and quasi-BIC, respectively. The results showed that the accidental BIC and the symmetry-protected BIC have a common resonance mode, and the two LC resonance modes are coupled with each other, which causes a strong resonance. The dynamic modulation of the transmission amplitude is achieved by changing the Fermi energy of the DSM at a nearly constant resonant frequency, and the difference in amplitude modulation is about 46%. Based on the idea of amplitude modulation, the design of the Dirac semimetal film (DSF) metasurface array for stereoscopic graphic display is realized.
Priority-based transformations of stimulus representation in visual working memory
Authors: Wan Quan , Menendez Jorge A. , Postle Bradley R.
Published: June 2022

How does the brain prioritize among the contents of working memory (WM) to appropriately guide behavior? Previous work, employing inverted encoding modeling (IEM) of electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) datasets, has shown that unprioritized memory items (UMI) are actively represented in the brain, but in a “flipped”, or opposite, format compared to prioritized memory items (PMI). To acquire independent evidence for such a priority-based representational transformation, and to explore underlying mechanisms, we trained recurrent neural networks (RNNs) with a long short-term memory (LSTM) architecture to perform a 2-back WM task. Visualization of LSTM hidden layer activity using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) confirmed that stimulus representations undergo a representational transformation–consistent with a flip—while transitioning from the functional status of UMI to PMI. Demixed (d)PCA of the same data identified two representational trajectories, one each within a UMI subspace and a PMI subspace, both undergoing a reversal of stimulus coding axes. dPCA of data from an EEG dataset also provided evidence for priority-based transformations of the representational code, albeit with some differences. This type of transformation could allow for retention of unprioritized information in WM while preventing it from interfering with concurrent behavior. The results from this initial exploration suggest that the algorithmic details of how this transformation is carried out by RNNs, versus by the human brain, may differ.
sumSTAAR: A flexible framework for gene-based association studies using GWAS summary statistics
Authors: Belonogova Nadezhda M. , Svishcheva Gulnara R. , Kirichenko Anatoly V. , Zorkoltseva Irina V. , Tsepilov Yakov A. , Axenovich Tatiana I.
Published: June 2022

Gene-based association analysis is an effective gene-mapping tool. Many gene-based methods have been proposed recently. However, their power depends on the underlying genetic architecture, which is rarely known in complex traits, and so it is likely that a combination of such methods could serve as a universal approach. Several frameworks combining different gene-based methods have been developed. However, they all imply a fixed set of methods, weights and functional annotations. Moreover, most of them use individual phenotypes and genotypes as input data. Here, we introduce sumSTAAR, a framework for gene-based association analysis using summary statistics obtained from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). It is an extended and modified version of STAAR framework proposed by Li and colleagues in 2020. The sumSTAAR framework offers a wider range of gene-based methods to combine. It allows the user to arbitrarily define a set of these methods, weighting functions and probabilities of genetic variants being causal. The methods used in the framework were adapted to analyse genes with large number of SNPs to decrease the running time. The framework includes the polygene pruning procedure to guard against the influence of the strong GWAS signals outside the gene. We also present new improved matrices of correlations between the genotypes of variants within genes. These matrices estimated on a sample of 265,000 individuals are a state-of-the-art replacement of widely used matrices based on the 1000 Genomes Project data.
Role of water-bridged interactions in metal ion coupled protein allostery
Authors: Guan Xingyue , Tan Cheng , Li Wenfei , Wang Wei , Thirumalai D.
Published: June 2022

Allosteric communication between distant parts of proteins controls many cellular functions, in which metal ions are widely utilized as effectors to trigger the allosteric cascade. Due to the involvement of strong coordination interactions, the energy landscape dictating the metal ion binding is intrinsically rugged. How metal ions achieve fast binding by overcoming the landscape ruggedness and thereby efficiently mediate protein allostery is elusive. By performing molecular dynamics simulations for the Ca2+ binding mediated allostery of the calmodulin (CaM) domains, each containing two Ca2+ binding helix-loop-helix motifs (EF-hands), we revealed the key role of water-bridged interactions in Ca2+ binding and protein allostery. The bridging water molecules between Ca2+ and binding residue reduces the ruggedness of ligand exchange landscape by acting as a lubricant, facilitating the Ca2+ coupled protein allostery. Calcium-induced rotation of the helices in the EF-hands, with the hydrophobic core serving as the pivot, leads to exposure of hydrophobic sites for target binding. Intriguingly, despite being structurally similar, the response of the two symmetrically arranged EF-hands upon Ca2+ binding is asymmetric. Breakage of symmetry is needed for efficient allosteric communication between the EF-hands. The key roles that water molecules play in driving allosteric transitions are likely to be general in other metal ion mediated protein allostery.
Single strand gap repair: The presynaptic phase plays a pivotal role in modulating lesion tolerance pathways
Authors: Laureti Luisa , Lee Lara , Philippin Gaëlle , Kahi Michel , Pagès Vincent
Published: June 2022

During replication, the presence of unrepaired lesions results in the formation of single stranded DNA (ssDNA) gaps that need to be repaired to preserve genome integrity and cell survival. All organisms have evolved two major lesion tolerance pathways to continue replication: Translesion Synthesis (TLS), potentially mutagenic, and Homology Directed Gap Repair (HDGR), that relies on homologous recombination. In Escherichia coli, the RecF pathway repairs such ssDNA gaps by processing them to produce a recombinogenic RecA nucleofilament during the presynaptic phase. In this study, we show that the presynaptic phase is crucial for modulating lesion tolerance pathways since the competition between TLS and HDGR occurs at this stage. Impairing either the extension of the ssDNA gap (mediated by the nuclease RecJ and the helicase RecQ) or the loading of RecA (mediated by RecFOR) leads to a decrease in HDGR and a concomitant increase in TLS. Hence, we conclude that defects in the presynaptic phase delay the formation of the D-loop and increase the time window allowed for TLS. In contrast, we show that a defect in the postsynaptic phase that impairs HDGR does not lead to an increase in TLS. Unexpectedly, we also reveal a strong genetic interaction between recF and recJ genes, that results in a recA deficient-like phenotype in which HDGR is almost completely abolished.
Spatial epidemiology and adaptive targeted sampling to manage the Chagas disease vector Triatoma dimidiata
Authors: Case B. K. M. , Young Jean-Gabriel , Penados Daniel , Monroy Carlota , Hébert-Dufresne Laurent , Stevens Lori
Published: June 2022

Widespread application of insecticide remains the primary form of control for Chagas disease in Central America, despite only temporarily reducing domestic levels of the endemic vector Triatoma dimidiata and having little long-term impact. Recently, an approach emphasizing community feedback and housing improvements has been shown to yield lasting results. However, the additional resources and personnel required by such an intervention likely hinders its widespread adoption. One solution to this problem would be to target only a subset of houses in a community while still eliminating enough infestations to interrupt disease transfer. Here we develop a sequential sampling framework that adapts to information specific to a community as more houses are visited, thereby allowing us to efficiently find homes with domiciliary vectors while minimizing sampling bias. The method fits Bayesian geostatistical models to make spatially informed predictions, while gradually transitioning from prioritizing houses based on prediction uncertainty to targeting houses with a high risk of infestation. A key feature of the method is the use of a single exploration parameter, α, to control the rate of transition between these two design targets. In a simulation study using empirical data from five villages in southeastern Guatemala, we test our method using a range of values for α, and find it can consistently select fewer homes than random sampling, while still bringing the village infestation rate below a given threshold. We further find that when additional socioeconomic information is available, much larger savings are possible, but that meeting the target infestation rate is less consistent, particularly among the less exploratory strategies. Our results suggest new options for implementing long-term T. dimidiata control.
Genetic association of ANRIL with susceptibility to Ischemic stroke: A comprehensive meta-analysis
Authors: Bai Na , Liu Wei , Xiang Tao , Zhou Qiang , Pu Jun , Zhao Jing , Luo Danyang , Liu Xindong , Liu Hua
Published: June 2022

Background

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a complex polygenic disease with a strong genetic background. The relationship between the ANRIL (antisense non-coding RNA in the INK4 locus) in chromosome 9p21 region and IS has been reported across populations worldwide; however, these studies have yielded inconsistent results. The aim of this study is to clarify the types of single-nucleotide polymorphisms on the ANRIL locus associated with susceptibility to IS using meta-analysis and comprehensively assess the strength of the association.

Methods

Relevant studies were identified by comprehensive and systematic literature searches. The quality of each study was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Allele and genotype frequencies were extracted from each of the included studies. Odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals of combined analyses were calculated under three genetic models (allele frequency comparison, dominant model, and recessive model) using a random-effects or fixed-effects model. Heterogeneity was tested using the chi-square test based on the Cochran Q statistic and I2 metric, and subgroup analyses and a meta-regression model were used to explore sources of heterogeneity. The correction for multiple testing used the false discovery rate method proposed by Benjamini and Hochberg. The assessment of publication bias employed funnel plots and Egger’s test.

Results

We identified 25 studies (15 SNPs, involving a total of 11,527 cases and 12,216 controls maximum) and performed a meta-analysis. Eight SNPs (rs10757274, rs10757278, rs2383206, rs1333040, rs1333049, rs1537378, rs4977574, and rs1004638) in ANRIL were significantly associated with IS risk. Six of these SNPs (rs10757274, rs10757278, rs2383206, rs1333040, rs1537378, and rs4977574) had a significant relationship to the large artery atherosclerosis subtype of IS. Two SNPs (rs2383206 and rs4977574) were associated with IS mainly in Asians, and three SNPs (rs10757274, rs1333040, and rs1333049) were associated with susceptibility to IS mainly in Caucasians. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the reliability of the original results. Ethnicity and individual studies may be the main sources of heterogeneity in ANRIL.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that some single-nucleotide polymorphisms on the ANRIL locus may be associated with IS risk. Future studies with larger sample numbers are necessary to confirm this result. Additional functional analyses of causal effects of these polymorphisms on IS subtypes are also essential.
In-vivo egfp expression in the honeybee Apis mellifera induced by electroporation and viral expression vector
Authors: Leboulle Gérard , Gehne Nora , Froese Anja , Menzel Randolf
Published: June 2022

In this study we describe egfp expression induced by two techniques: in vivo electroporation and viral transduction in several cell types of the adult honeybee brain. Non-neuronal and neuronal cell types were identified and the expression persisted at least during three days. Kenyon cells, optic lobe neurons and protocerebral lobe neurons were electroporated. Astrocyte-like glia cells, fibrous lamellar glia cells and cortex glia cells were identified. Viral transduction targeted one specific type of glia cells that could not be identified. EGFP positive cells types were rather variable after electroporation, and viral transduction resulted in more homogenous groups of positive cells. We propose that these techniques remain a good alternative to transgenic animals because they potentially target only somatic cells.
Weight gain after renal transplant: Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes
Authors: Altheaby Abdulrahman , Alajlan Nuha , Shaheen Mohammed F. , Abosamah Ghaleb , Ghallab Basma , Aldawsari Basayl , Rashidi Awatif , Gafar Mohammed , Arabi Ziad
Published: June 2022

Background

Renal transplantation is the definitive treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It is associated with better quality of life and patient survival. Nevertheless, these benefits come with rising concerns about weight gain and metabolic abnormalities, which adversely impact transplant outcomes.

Objective

The objective of this study is to estimate the incidence of weight gain in the first year post-renal transplant in addition to the assessment of potential risk factors and the resulting outcome of the graft.

Methods

We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study of all 295 patients who underwent kidney transplantation at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) between January 2016 and December 2019. Clinical and laboratory variables were collected from electronic records. Continuous variables were reported as mean ± standard deviation. Comparison between groups was assessed by unpaired t-test or Mann-Whitney U test while follow-up data were compared using paired t-test and repeated measures ANOVA. Association between the potential risk factors and the weight gain was assessed by means of binary logistic regression analysis.

Results

Significant weight gain was observed in 161 (54.6%) patients. Females were 119 (40.30%) of the cohort. The mean age was 45.3±15.1 years. The prevalence of diabetes was 234 (79.6%), while hypertensives constituted 77 (26.3%). The comparison between patients who gained weight significantly and patients with stable weight showed a numerical higher prevalence of female gender in patients who had more weight gain (44.1% vs. 35.8%), higher diabetes, higher rate of a living donor, and statistically significant lower dialysis duration before transplant. Other clinical and laboratory variables were comparable between the two groups.

Conclusion

Our study showed a high incidence of clinically significant weight gain among patients post-renal transplantation. Patients with lower dialysis duration, a living kidney donor and those who are obese at baseline were at higher risk of gaining weight. Patients who underwent kidney transplantation should be monitored closely for weight gain and further studies are needed to determine the risk factors and appropriate interventions.
Complete mitochondrial genome of Episymploce splendens (Blattodea: Ectobiidae): A large intergenic spacer and lacking of two tRNA genes
Authors: Yan Lin , Hou Zhenzhen , Ma Jinnan , Wang Hongmei , Gao Jie , Zeng Chenjuan , Chen Qin , Yue Bisong , Zhang Xiuyue
Published: June 2022

The complete mitochondrial genome ofEpisymploce splendens, 15,802 bp in length, was determined and annotated in this study. The mito-genome included 13 PCGs, 20 tRNAs and 2 rRNAs. Unlike most typical mito-genomes with conservative gene arrangement and exceptional economic organization,E.splendensmito-genome has two tRNAs (tRNA-Gln and tRNA-Met) absence and a long intergenic spacer sequence (93 bp) between tRNA-Val and srRNA, showing the diversified features of insect mito-genomes. This is the first report of the tRNAs deletion in blattarian mito-genomes and we supported the duplication/random loss model as the origin mechanism of the long intergenic spacer. Two Numts, Numt-1 (557 bp) and Numt-2 (975 bp) transferred to the nucleus at about 14.15 Ma to 22.34 Ma, and 19.19 Ma to 24.06 Ma respectively, were found inE.splendens. They can be used as molecular fossils ininsect phylogeneticrelationship inference. Our study provided useful data for further studies on the evolution of insect mito-genome.
Associations between Chinese college students’ anxiety and depression: A chain mediation analysis
Authors: Wen Li-ying , Shi Liu-xia , Zhu Li-jun , Zhou Meng-jie , Hua Long , Jin Yue-long , Chang Wei-wei
Published: June 2022

Objective

Anxiety and depression are great public health concerns among college students. The purpose of this study was to explore whether sleep quality and quality of life (QoL) play mediating roles in anxiety and depression among Chinese college students.

Method

A total of 2757 college students (mean age = 19.07; SD = 1.14) completed the questionnaires, including a brief demographic survey. The 2-item General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-2) and the 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) were used to assess the symptoms of anxiety and depression, respectively. And the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) were used to evaluate college students’ sleep quality and QoL, respectively. Mediation analyses were conducted by using PROCESS macro in the SPSS software.

Result

Anxiety had both direct and indirect effects on depression. Sleep quality and QoL were not only independent mediators in the relationship between anxiety and depression but also chain mediators.

Conclusion

The results of the current study highlight the crucial role of early intervention for depression with a focus on college students with anxiety, more especially, on those with poorer sleep quality and lower QoL.
Determinants of food security among people from refugee backgrounds resettled in high-income countries: A systematic review and thematic synthesis
Authors: Gingell Tina , Murray Kate , Correa-Velez Ignacio , Gallegos Danielle
Published: June 2022

Food is intrinsically linked to culture, identity, and for people with lived refugee experiences, cultural foods are a critical part of settlement into a new country, which is often a time of high stress and dislocation from friends and family. However, cultural foods in settlement countries may be unavailable or inaccessible, adversely impacting on food security. This systematic review aimed to identify facilitators and barriers to accessing foods in high-income countries for people with lived refugee experiences. Sixteen health databases were searched from June 2020 and April 2021 and 22 articles met the inclusion criteria. Bias was assessed using a modified thematic synthesis method and the relevant Joanna Briggs Institute risk assessment checklist. Findings were thematically synthesised and the socio-ecological model and postcolonialism were used as a lens through which the data was viewed. Analysis revealed three themes: “Practicalities and Pragmatism”; “Identity, Belonging and Placemaking”; and “Postcolonial and Societal Influences”. The determinants of food security were present across all levels of the socio-ecological model and people with lived refugee experiences used practical and pragmatic strategies to feed their families. Food was intrinsically linked to identity, belonging and placemaking, and as such, people preferred consuming cultural foods. Societies adversely affected the food security of people from refugee backgrounds by limiting their access to resources and restricting cultural food gathering practices, impacting on their ability to access or afford foods, especially cultural foods. To improve food security for people with lived refugee backgrounds, governments and organisations should collaborate with the cultural communities with lived experiences of accessing cultural foods, appreciate their strengths, and recognise the value of social and cultural capital.
An immuno-enrichment free, validated quantification of tau protein in human CSF by LC-MS/MS
Authors: Self Wade , Awwad Khader , Savaryn John Paul , Schulz Michael
Published: June 2022

Tau protein is a key target of interest in developing therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we sought to develop a method that quantifies extracellular tau protein concentrations in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) without antibody-based enrichment strategies. We demonstrate that the fit-for-purpose validated method in Alzheimer’s Disease CSF is limited to quasi quantitative measures of tau surrogate peptides. We also provide evidence that CSF total Tau measures by LC-MS are feasible in the presence of monoclonal therapeutic antibodies in human CSF. Our Tau LC-MS/MS method is a translational bioanalytical tool for assaying target engagement and pharmacodynamics for anti-tau antibody drug development campaigns.
Levodopa ONOFF-state freezing of gait: Defining the gait and non-motor phenotype
Authors: Landes Reid D. , Glover Aliyah , Pillai Lakshmi , Doerhoff Shannon , Virmani Tuhin
Published: June 2022

Background

Freezing in the levodopa-medicated-state (ON-state) is a debilitating feature of Parkinson’s disease without treatment options. Studies detailing the distinguishing features between people with freezing of gait that improves with levodopa and those whose freezing continues even on levodopa are lacking.

Objective

To characterize the gross motor, gait, and non-motor features of this phenotype.

Methods

Instrumented continuous gait was collected in the levodopa-medicated-state in 105 patients: 43 non-freezers (no-FOG), 36 with freezing only OFF-levodopa (OFF-FOG) and 26 with freezing both ON- and OFF-levodopa (ONOFF-FOG). Evaluation of motor and non-motor disease features was undertaken using validated scales. A linear mixed model with age, sex, disease duration, and motor UPDRS scores as covariates was used to determine differences in spatiotemporal gait and non-motor disease features among the groups.

Results

Compared to OFF-FOG, the ONOFF-FOG group had greater disease severity (on the Unified Parkinson’s disease Rating Scale) and worse cognition (on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Frontal Assessment Battery and Scales for Outcome in Parkinson’s disease-Cognition scales) and quality of life (on the PDQ-39), but similar mood (on the Hamilton depression and anxiety scales) and sleep quality (on Epworth sleepiness scale and RBD questionnaire). For several gait features, differences between the ONOFF-OFF groups were at least as large and in the opposite direction as differences between OFF-no groups, controlling for disease severity. Variability in ONOFF-FOG was greater than in other groups. Using results from our study and others, a power analysis for a potential future study reveals sample sizes of at least 80 ONOFF and 80 OFF-FOG patients would be needed to detect clinically meaningful differences.

Conclusions

Intra-patient variability in spatiotemporal gait features was much greater in ONOFF-FOG than in the other two groups. Our results suggest that multifactorial deficits may lead to ONOFF-FOG development.
Dynamic tracking of scaphoid, lunate, and capitate carpal bones using four-dimensional MRI
Authors: Zarenia Mohammad , Arpinar Volkan Emre , Nencka Andrew S. , Muftuler L. Tugan , Koch Kevin M.
Published: June 2022

A preliminary exploration of technical methodology for dynamic analysis of scaphoid, capitate, and lunate during unconstrained movements is performed in this study. A heavily accelerated and fat-saturated 3D Cartesian MRI acquisition was used to capture temporal frames of the unconstrained moving wrist of 5 healthy subjects. A slab-to-volume point-cloud based registration was then utilized to register the moving volumes to a high-resolution image volume collected at a neutral resting position. Comprehensive in-silico error analyses for different acquisition parameter settings were performed to evaluate the performance limits of several dynamic metrics derived from the registration parameters. Computational analysis suggested that sufficient volume coverage for the dynamic acquisitions was reached when collecting 12 slice-encodes at 2.5mm resolution, which yielded a temporal resolution of and 2.6 seconds per volumetric frame. These acquisition parameters resulted in total in-silico errors of 1.9°±1.8° and 3°±4.6° in derived principal rotation angles within ulnar-radial deviation and flexion-extension motion, respectively. Rotation components of the carpal bones in the radius coordinate system were calculated and found to be consistent with earlier 4D-CT studies. Temporal metric profiles derived from ulnar-radial deviation motion demonstrated better performance than those derived from flexion/extension movements. Future work will continue to explore the use of these methods in deriving more complex dynamic metrics and their application to subjects with symptomatic carpal dysfunction.
Experiences of COVID-19 infection in North Carolina: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Seidenfeld Justine , Tupetz Anna , Fiorino Cassandra , Limkakeng Alexander , Silva Lincoln , Staton Catherine , Vissoci Joao R. N. , Purakal John
Published: June 2022

Background and aim

It has been demonstrated that marginalized populations across the U.S. have suffered a disproportionate burden of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, illustrating the role that social determinants of health play in health outcomes. To better understand how these vulnerable and high-risk populations have experienced the pandemic, we conducted a qualitative study to better understand their experiences from diagnosis through recovery.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study of patients in a North Carolina healthcare system’s registry who tested positive for COVID-19 from March 2020 through February 2021, identified from population-dense outbreaks of COVID-19 (hotspots). We conducted semi-structured phone interviews in English or Spanish, based on patient preference, with trained bilingual study personnel. Each interview was evaluated using a combination of deductive and inductive content analysis to determine prevalent themes related to COVID-19 knowledge, diagnosis, disease experience, and long-term impacts.

Findings

The 10 patients interviewed from our COVID-19 hotspot clusters were of equal distribution by sex, predominantly Black (70%), aged 22–70 years (IQR 45–62 years), and more frequently publicly insured (50% Medicaid/Medicare, vs 30% uninsured, vs 20% private insurance). Major themes identified included prior knowledge of COVID-19 and patient perceptions of their personal risk, the testing process in numerous settings, the process of quarantining at home after a positive diagnosis, the experience of receiving medical care during their illness, and difficulties with long-term recovery.

Discussion

Our findings suggest areas for targeted interventions to reduce COVID-19 transmission in these high-risk communities, as well as improve the patient experience throughout the COVID-19 illness course.
The risk of preterm birth in women with uterine fibroids: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Landman Anadeijda J. E. M. C. , Don Emma E. , Vissers Guus , Ket Hans C. J. , Oudijk Martijn A. , de Groot Christianne J. M. , Huirne Judith A. F. , de Boer Marjon A.
Published: June 2022

Background

Fibroids have been identified as a possible risk factor for preterm birth, however, the magnitude of this risk is unclear. Our objective was to determine the risk of total, spontaneous, and medically indicated preterm birth in women with fibroids.

Methods

A literature search was performed on 9 June 2021. We selected studies reporting on preterm birth in women with and without fibroids. Fibroids had to be diagnosed by routine ultrasound before or during pregnancy. Main outcomes were total preterm birth <37, <34, <32, and <28 weeks of gestation, and spontaneous and medically indicated preterm birth. Two authors independently performed study selection, data extraction and quality assessment. We performed quality assessment with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Meta-analyses were presented as Odds Ratios (ORs) with 95% Confidence Intervals (95%CIs).

Main results

The search yielded 2078 unique articles of which 11 were included. Meta-analysis for preterm birth <37 weeks of gestation included 256,650 singleton deliveries: 12,309 with fibroids and 244,341 without fibroids. Women with fibroids had a higher rate of preterm birth (11.6% versus 9.0%; OR 1.66, 95%CI 1.29–2.14). Fibroids were also associated with preterm birth <34 (OR 1.88, 95%CI 1.34–2.65), <32 (OR 2.03, 95%CI 1.40–2.95) and <28 (OR 2.24, 95%CI 1.45–3.47) weeks of gestation. Data on type of preterm birth was limited: one study showed a significant association of fibroids with spontaneous preterm birth and another with indicated preterm birth. The main limitations of the included studies were the lack of correction for confounders, the risk of ascertainment bias due to possible underreporting of fibroids, and the substantial heterogeneity between studies.

Conclusions

Our results suggest fibroids are associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, with a stronger risk at earlier gestational ages. We encourage further research to clarify the association between fibroids and preterm birth by systematic myometrial assessment in pregnancy.

Registration

Prospero database [CRD42020186976].
See where you are: Somatic meditation and contemplative photography
Authors: Sargent-Wishart Kim
Published: June 2022

This article shares contemplative explorations of somatic and visual perception through guided movement meditations and photography practice, with roots in Body-Mind Centering® and the Shambhala Buddhist tradition. These are hybrid practices that I have developed through designing and teaching an online course in Somatic Meditation and Photography. Body-Mind Centering and contemplative photography share some common approaches and values, including inquiry into the nature of perception and the movement of attention, interest in being present to what is unfolding in the present moment and perception as a full-bodied felt sense experience. Contemplative arts and somatic practices offer ways of engaging with intention and choice, to work with the mind and senses, to lightly direct our attention and awareness, which can guide us to moments of landing in and with the present moment as it emerges. I offer three somatic meditations that lead into photography practice for the reader to experience.
Self-regulation, co-regulation and cardio-ception: Parasympathetic ease-and-release in Somatic Movement Dance Therapy
Authors: Williamson Amanda
Published: June 2022

This is a five-part article that shares the compassionate artistry and science behind self-regulation and co-regulation. Each section explores the concept of self-regulation and how Somatic Movement Dance Therapy supports health through self-regulatory and co-regulatory processes. Part 1 offers general reflections on self-regulation and how the field differs from bodywork modalities and mechanistic health regimes. Part 2 shares polyvagal theory and how practice supports a deep parasympathetic state (immobilization without fear). Part 3 enacts a research process where polyvagal theory is evident and applied in practice. Part 4 shares processes of co-regulation and the transpersonal heart-field. Part 5 details somatic touch combined with sense perception of the heart-field. I share photographic images of my students throughout where they are applying theory to practice and, additionally, empirically investigating how theory might support or illuminate their practice. The article shares how parasympathetic ease-and-release is an essential physiological state that underlies self-regulatory health. I also apply research by Doc Childre and Stephen Porges, attending to polyvagal theory and HeartMath; I share how this science shapes my practice and my training course in Somatic Movement Dance Therapy. The article is redacted from my new book, Somatic Movement Dance Therapy: The Healing Art of Self-Regulation and Co-Regulation. Across the pages I share sensory-perceptual pathways into a physiological state of consciousness (a transpersonal field of breath and heart) that supports ease and healing.
Argonautes kai Syntrofoi: Opseis you Logotechnikou Pediou sti Dekaetia tou ‘30 (‘Argonauts and companions: Aspects of the literary field in the 1930s’), Christina Dounia (2021)
Authors: Antonelaki Fiona
Published: June 2022

Review of: Argonautes kai Syntrofoi: Opseis you Logotechnikou Pediou sti Dekaetia tou ‘30 (‘Argonauts and companions: Aspects of the literary field in the 1930s’), Christina Dounia (2021)

Athens: Estia, 408 pp.,

ISBN 978-9-60051-804-7, p/bk, €19.00
Inter–Esse: Themata kai Ermineutikes Proseggiseis sti Neoelliniki Logotehnia (‘Inter–Esse: Themes and interpretative approaches to modern Greek literature’), Sophia Iakovidou (2020)
Authors: Markopoulou Athina
Published: June 2022

Review of: Inter–Esse: Themata kai Ermineutikes Proseggiseis sti Neoelliniki Logotehnia (‘Inter–Esse: Themes and interpretative approaches to modern Greek literature’), Sophia Iakovidou (2020)

Athens: Gutenberg, 451 pp.,

ISBN 978-9-60012-148-3, p/bk, €23.00
Fake news y posverdad
Authors: Barrientos-Báez Almudena , Caldevilla-Domínguez David , Yezers´ka Lyudmyla
Published: June 2022

Las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC) que se han establecido en la sociedad han provocado que los fenómenos sociales se extiendan por el globo a una velocidad calificable solamente como infecciosa. Ello limita todavía más el tiempo con el que la sociedad cuenta para entenderlos, juzgarlos y –llegado el caso- atajarlos con medidas nacidas de la ciencia social. Este artículo tiene el objetivo de ayudar a crear la masa crítica de estudios necesaria, mediante una revisión de la literatura, que permita crear una comprensión básica de los mecanismos que hacen funcionar la posverdad, la forma en que funcionan, los factores que posibilitan su éxito y, con toda la ayuda necesaria, las medidas que hipotéticamente puedan tomarse desde la sociedad civil, el mundo académico y el poder político para impedir que grupos que han sido marginados de la vida democrática por sus valores ajenos a la convivencia continúen colándose por las rendijas del sistema de información digital para imponer su agenda y sus prejuicios al conjunto de la sociedad. En el contexto de la red, interactúan simultáneamente personas de todas las naciones, creando un limbo legal en el que el órgano que detecta una infracción no tenga jurisdicción sobre el responsable.
Análisis del aumento de seguidores y de la presencia multiplataforma de la clase política en Facebook, Twitter e Instagram en campañas electorales (2011-2019)
Authors: Gamir-Ríos José , Cano-Orón Lorena , Baviera Tomás
Published: June 2022

La participación de la clase política en las redes sociales resulta cada vez más necesaria para obtener visibilidad. Sin embargo, la lógica de la difusión de los contenidos resulta muy diferente de los medios convencionales. En las redes sociales construir una base amplia y variada de seguidores facilita un mayor alcance del mensaje. Este artículo analiza la influencia de diversos factores individuales de los candidatos en dos aspectos del proceso: la variación del número de seguidores y la presencia multiplataforma. Ambas cuestiones se evalúan en Facebook, Twitter e Instagram en el marco de tres elecciones generales celebradas en España durante la década de 2010. Los resultados evidencian la escasa incidencia de la edad y el género de los candidatos, de su frecuencia de publicación y de la posición de poder de sus partidos. En cambio, tuvieron incidencia la trayectoria política de los aspirantes y el tamaño poblacional de sus circunscripciones, si bien esta influencia varía en función de la campaña y de la red social. La perspectiva de este estudio confirma aquellos factores de influencia que se han estabilizado en el tiempo y que podrían predecir con más consistencia el uso de las redes sociales que surjan en el futuro.
De la investigación en cortometrajes, a las redes pasando por el metaverso
Authors: Medina de la Viña Elena , Gutiérrez San Miguel Begoña
Published: June 2022

Presentación del número 24  de la revista Fonseca Journal of Communication