Barriers to student success in Madagascar

Various indicators suggest that many students in developing countries are not learning in school. Using Madagascar as a case study, we aimed to: (1) evaluate the effectiveness of education among those enrolled in science and math programs of primary, secondary, and university institutions; and (2) understand barriers to student progression through the education system. To address these aims, we conducted 63 semi-structured interviews in June and August 2012 with science and math teachers in five population centers, across all three levels of the public and private school system. We found that crowded classes, limited resources (pedagogical and infrastructural), an average student age range of seven years per classroom (suggestive of grade repetition and/or late school starting age), and discontinuities in the language of instruction explain why teachers estimated that almost 25% of their students would not finish school. Although most secondary and university teachers taught the sciences only in French, they estimated that just one-third of students could fully understand the language. There were also urban-rural and public-private disparities. Teachers in urban areas were significantly more likely to teach using French than their rural counterparts, while public schools housed significantly larger classes than private institutions. While resource equalisation will help to resolve many of these disparities, improved early training in professional languages and increased local autonomy in designing appropriate curriculums will be necessary to tackle other shortfalls

The Role of SINE-VNTR-Alu (SVA) Retrotransposons in Shaping the Human Genome

Retrotransposons can alter the regulation of genes both transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally, through mechanisms such as binding transcription factors and alternative splicing of transcripts. SINE-VNTR-Alu (SVA) retrotransposons are the most recently evolved class of retrotransposable elements, found solely in primates, including humans. SVAs are preferentially found at genic, high GC loci, and have been termed "mobile CpG islands". We hypothesise that the ability of SVAs to mobilise, and their non-random distribution across the genome, may result in differential regulation of certain pathways. We analysed SVA distribution patterns across the human reference genome and identified over-representation of SVAs at zinc finger gene clusters. Zinc finger proteins are able to bind to and repress SVA function through transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms, and the interplay between SVAs and zinc fingers has been proposed as a major feature of genome evolution. We describe observations relating to the clustering patterns of both reference SVAs and polymorphic SVA insertions at zinc finger gene loci, suggesting that the evolution of this network may be ongoing in humans. Further, we propose a mechanism to direct future research and validation efforts, in which the interplay between zinc fingers and their epigenetic modulation of SVAs may regulate a network of zinc finger genes, with the potential for wider transcriptional consequences

The impact of family interventions on communication in the context of anxiety and depression in those aged 14-24 years: systematic review of randomised control trials

BACKGROUND: The ability to communicate is integral to all human relationships. Previous research has specifically highlighted communication within families as both a risk and protective factor for anxiety disorders and/or depression. Yet, there is limited understanding about whether communication is amenable to intervention in the context of adolescent psychopathology, and whether doing so improves outcomes. AIMS: The aim of this systematic review was to determine in which contexts and for whom does addressing communication in families appear to work, not work and why? METHOD: We pre-registered our systematic review with PROSPERO (identifier CRD42022298719), followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidance and assessed study quality with the Risk of Bias 2 tool. RESULTS: Seven randomised controlled trials were identified from a systematic search of the literature. There was significant heterogeneity in the features of communication that were measured across these studies. There were mixed findings regarding whether family-focused interventions led to improvements in communication. Although there was limited evidence that family-focused interventions led to improvements in communication relative to interventions without a family-focused component, we discuss these findings in the context of the significant limitations in the studies reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that further research is required to assess the efficacy of family-focused interventions for improving communication in the context of anxiety and depression in those aged 14-24 years

Aspiration therapy for the treatment of obesity: 4-year results of a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundThe AspireAssist is the first Food and Drug Administration-approved endoluminal device indicated for treatment of class II and III obesity.ObjectivesWe earlier reported 1-year results of the PATHWAY study. Here, we report 4-year outcomes.SettingUnited States-based, 10-center, randomized controlled trial involving 171 participants with the treatment arm receiving Aspiration Therapy (AT) plus Lifestyle Therapy and the control arm receiving Lifestyle Therapy (2:1 randomization).MethodsAT participants were permitted to continue in the study for an additional year up to a maximum of 5 years providing they maintained at least 10% total weight loss (TWL) from baseline at each year end. For AT participants who continued the study, 5 medical monitoring visits were provided at weeks 60, 68, 76, 90, and 104 and thereafter once every 13 weeks up to week 260. Exclusion criteria were a history of eating disorder or evidence of eating disorder on a validated questionnaire. Follow-up weight, quality of life, and co-morbidities were compared with the baseline levels. In addition, rates of serious adverse event, persistent fistula, withdrawal, and A-tube replacement were reported. All analyses were performed using a per-protocol analysis.ResultsOf the 82 AT participants who completed 1 year, 58 continued to this phase of the trial. Mean baseline body mass index of these 58 patients was 41.6 ± 4.5 kg/m2. At the end of first year (at the beginning of the follow-up study), these 58 patients had a body mass index of 34.1 ± 5.4 kg/m2 and had achieved an 18.3 ± 8.0% TWL. On a per protocol basis, patients experienced 14.2%, 15.3%, 16.6%, and 18.7% TWL at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years, respectively (P < .01 for all). Forty of 58 patients (69%) achieved at least 10% TWL at 4 years or at time of study withdrawal. Improvements in quality of life scores and select cardiometabolic parameters were also maintained through 4 years. There were 2 serious adverse events reported in the second through fourth years, both of which resolved with removal or replacement of the A tube. Two persistent fistulas required surgical repair, representing approximately 2% of all tube removals. There were no clinically significant metabolic or electrolytes disorders observed, nor any evidence for development of any eating disorders.ConclusionsThe results of this midterm study have shown that AT is a safe, effective, and durable weight loss alternative for people with class II and III obesity and who are willing to commit to using the therapy and adhere to adjustments in eating behavior

Automating CapCom Using Mobile Agents and Robotic Assistants

Mobile Agents (MA) is an advanced Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) communications and computing system to increase astronaut self-reliance and safety, reducing dependence on continuous monitoring and advising from mission control on Earth. MA is voice controlled and provides information verbally to the astronauts through programs called “personal agents.” The system partly automates the role of CapCom in Apollo-including monitoring and managing navigation, scheduling, equipment deployment, telemetry, health tracking, and scientific data collection. Data are stored automatically in a shared database in the habitat/vehicle and mirrored to a site accessible by a remote science team. The program has been developed iteratively in authentic work contexts, including six years of ethnographic observation of field geology. Analog field experiments in Utah enabled empirically discovering requirements and testing alternative technologies and protocols. We report on the 2004 system configuration, experiments, and results, in which an EVA robotic assistant (ERA) followed geologists approximately 150 m through a winding, narrow canyon. On voice command, the ERA took photographs and panoramas and was directed to serve as a relay on the wireless network

The Student Movement Volume 107 Issue 20: Andrews Students Spring Back from Break: Six More Weeks to Go

HUMANS Meeting Dr. McCree, Interviewed by: Grace No Interview with Dr. Luxton: Saying Goodbye, Interviewed by: Grace No Spring Break Renovations & Relaxation, Caryn Cruz ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Currently: The Last of Us, Solana Campbell Spring Break Spotlight, Amelia Stefanescu What Happened to Wang in the Costco Bathroom?, Nora Martin NEWS Experiences Living in Lamson Hall, Abigail Kim Time is Ticking for TikTok, Brendan Oh WEAAU x CFE Service Sabbath, Terika Williams IDEAS Inequality Drags on in Tennessee, Alexander J. Hess On Value: True Crime and the Search for Meaning, Nora Martin When Winds Change: The Legacy of President Luxton, Bella Hamann PULSE A Trip to the Museo , Chris Ngugi AUSA Senates Holds Bon Appétit Forum, Neesa Richards Speaking Up With Women Press Release, Nicholas C. Gunn LAST WORD A Week of Rest and Relaxation ... Almost, Grace Nohttps://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/sm-107/1019/thumbnail.jp

Distinct Changes in Gut Microbiota Are Associated with Estradiol-Mediated Protection from Diet-Induced Obesity in Female Mice

A decrease in ovarian estrogens in postmenopausal women increases the risk of weight gain, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and chronic inflammation. While it is known that gut microbiota regulates energy homeostasis, it is unclear if gut microbiota is associated with estradiol regulation of metabolism. In this study, we tested if estradiol-mediated protection from high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and metabolic changes are associated with longitudinal alterations in gut microbiota in female mice. Ovariectomized adult mice with vehicle or estradiol (E2) implants were fed chow for two weeks and HFD for four weeks. As reported previously, E2 increased energy expenditure, physical activity, insulin sensitivity, and whole-body glucose turnover. Interestingly, E2 decreased the tight junction protein occludin, suggesting E2 affects gut epithelial integrity. Moreover, E2 increased Akkermansia and decreased Erysipleotrichaceae and Streptococcaceae. Furthermore, Coprobacillus and Lactococcus were positively correlated, while Akkermansia was negatively correlated, with body weight and fat mass. These results suggest that changes in gut epithelial barrier and specific gut microbiota contribute to E2-mediated protection against diet-induced obesity and metabolic dysregulation. These findings provide support for the gut microbiota as a therapeutic target for treating estrogen-dependent metabolic disorders in women

The Student Movement Volume 107 Issue 13: We\u27ve Got the Spirit: Students Celebrate Dr. Luxton

HUMANS Best of Bon Appetit, Nora Martin Interview with the Dean of Lamson and Meier Halls, Interviewed by: Grace No The Joy of Japan, Interviewed by: Gloria Oh ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT A Creation Adventure, Nathaniel Reid Currently: Velma, Solana Campbell Suite Dreams for Sweet Dreams, Skylor Stark Where do I Find God? Part II, Anonymous NEWS AUSA Celebrates 100 Years of Student-Led Action, Andrew Francis Response to A House Divided Story, Christon Arthur, Provost Where\u27s the Harm in True Crime?. Abigail Kim IDEAS Redefining Free Agency in Sports, Andrew Francis Flying Cars of 2030, Rachel Ingram-Clay The Spooky Nature of Our Physical World, Alexander Navarro The State of AI, Abby Shim PULSE Debunking Myths Surrounding J.N. Andrews Honors Program, Gloria Oh Our Dear AU: A Spirit Week Tour, Lexie Dunham Romance and Reading, Gloria Oh LAST WORD An Ode to Tea, Alexander J. Hesshttps://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/sm-107/1012/thumbnail.jp

The Student Movement Volume 105 Issue 7: Please Pass the Plexiglass: Friends Unite for Shielded Bite

NEWS Receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine, Interviewed by TJ Hunter Andrews University Choral Performs “Celebrating the Light” Concert, Jenae Rogers AUSA Hosts Sabbath Experience at PMC, Caralynn Chan Dr. Kizzmekia Shanta Corbett Gives Lecture on the Safety and Effectiveness of COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines, Terika Williams Loving in the Grey: This Semester’s First In-Person Chapel, Kristin Ferrer PULSE Holilday Recap, Gloria Oh New Year’s Aspirations, Wambui Karanja The Wellness Column: No Longer Sitting Ducks, Jessica Rim Winter Break Endeavors, by HeeYun Oh HUMANS AU Christmas Album Interview, Interview by Abigail Lee My Experience in COVID Isolation, Interview by Terika Williams Spring Semester 2021 Club Events, Interview by Celeste Richardson ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Creative Spotlight: Brent LaPorre, Interviewed by Megan Napod Current February Favorites, Megan Napod Long Live the King, Joshua Deonarine IDEAS Insurrection, Impeachment, and Inauguration: Three Wednesdays in January, Solana Campbell What We Learned from 2020 and Are Keeping in 2021, Sion Kimhttps://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/sm-105/1000/thumbnail.jp