Exploring the Attitudes of Students Enrolled in a Teacher Certification Program through a Disability Awareness Documentary Film Intervention

Negative attitudes towards individuals with disabilities can lead to a lack of opportunities in society as well as educational settings. Therefore, it is essential to promote positive attitudes to provide equal opportunities and rights to individuals with disabilities. However, there have been insufficient attempts to explore the attitudes of students enrolled in teacher certification programs. Diverse disability awareness programs have been utilized to enhance positive attitudes, and documentary films are frequently used to deliver such interventions. The current study implemented a series of documentary films as an intervention tool and examined the effects of the disability awareness documentary film intervention on the attitudes of students enrolled in a teacher certification program. Attitudes of a control group and treatment group were examined. The treatment group participated in three intervention phases, each consisting of: (1) watching a documentary film and (2) examining positive media representations. Results indicated that the overall state of attitudes in students enrolled in a teacher education program, as measured in the pre-test, were positive. There were no significant differences in participants’ attitudes between the treatment group and the control group; however, the control group’s attitudes were greater than the treatment group at the post-test. There was no statistically significant difference in the treatment group’s attitudes measured in the pre-test and post-test. However, the treatment group’s post-test attitudes increased in a positive direction across time. The current study also found that there were significant correlations between the treatment group’s attitudes and their evaluations on positive media portrayals of individuals with disabilities (complexity and equal interaction). These findings are discussed alongside recommendations, limitations, implications, and conclusions

The Court, the Rule, and the Queen: The Faerie Queene as a Representation of Elizabeth I

Edmund Spenser's epic The Faerie Queene is considered a brilliant periodrepresentative poem. Whereas its primary literary objective is to display and laud virtues, a more worldly intent geared towards receiving patronage from Elizabeth is also hinted at in the introductory letter. That is to say, Spenser's intimacy with the court of patronage reinforced this allegorical work. Spenser wields his literary authority to its full effect by boldly incorporating contemporary social themes of England in his poem. The historical intertextuality of the work is especially accentuated through the self-assertive female characters (e.g. Gloriana, Caelia, Belphoebe, Lucifera and Britomart), all of whom distinctively draw parallels between themselves and Britain's most celebrated queen in physicality, authority, and conduct. An historical literary approach towards Edmund Spenser's The Faerie Queene has been practiced in the critical realm for a long time. Even though literary criticism is most oribhal when the text is appreciated for its own value, it is not at all an uncreative project to examine and discover the many instances of Elizabeth's countenance and character flashing through its mirror characters. Even the famous allegorical factors of the poem revolve around character presentation. Various images of Elizabeth as a ruler, mother, virgin, lover, and warrior are all comprised throughout and the reader is rewarded with a comprehensive outline of Elizabeth's court, rule and person. The Faerie Queene is successful not only in that it is an outstanding heroic epic, but also because it is concomitant with implicit historical commentary, an attribute that enriches the work into becoming a dynamic literary experience for the reader

Factors affecting employees' problem-solving skills in technology-rich environments in Japan and Korea

This study conducts an analysis about the impact of basic background, cultural capital, skill use, and participation in training on employees’ problem-solving proficiency in Japan and Korea based on data from the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies Survey (PIAAC). This research compared four clusters (basic background, cultural capital, participation in training, skill usage) to determine the factors affecting problem-solving skills in technology-rich environments (PSTRE) in Japan and Korea. In addition, we examined whether aging moderate the relationship between skill usage and participation in training and PSTRE. The finding shows that PSTRE is associated with the basic background, cultural capital, and skill usage. Moreover, the interaction effect between the use of skill at home and age is statistically significant in Japan. Our results provide new insights for vocational psychology and work-life research in the context of employers, employees, as well as policymakers

FK506-binding protein-like and FK506-binding protein 8 regulate dual leucine zipper kinase degradation and neuronal responses to axon injury

The dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) is a key regulator of axon regeneration and degeneration in response to neuronal injury; however, regulatory mechanisms of the DLK function via its interacting proteins are largely unknown. To better understand the molecular mechanism of DLK function, we performed yeast two-hybrid screening analysis and identified FK506-binding protein-like (FKBPL, also known as WAF-1/CIP1 stabilizing protein 39) as a DLK-binding protein. FKBPL binds to the kinase domain of DLK and inhibits its kinase activity. In addition, FKBPL induces DLK protein degradation through ubiquitin-dependent pathways. We further assessed other members in the FKBP protein family and found that FK506-binding protein 8 (FKBP8) also induced DLK degradation. We identified the lysine 271 residue in the kinase domain as a major site of DLK ubiquitination and SUMO3 conjugation and was thus responsible for regulating FKBP8-mediated proteasomal degradation that was inhibited by the substitution of the lysine 271 to arginine. FKBP8-mediated degradation of DLK is mediated by autophagy pathway because knockdown of Atg5 inhibited DLK destabilization. We show that in vivo overexpression of FKBP8 delayed the progression of axon degeneration and suppressed neuronal death after axotomy in sciatic and optic nerves. Taken together, this study identified FKBPL and FKBP8 as novel DLK-interacting proteins that regulate DLK stability via the ubiquitin-proteasome and lysosomal protein degradation pathways

Revisiting roles of mast cells and neural cells in keloid: exploring their connection to disease activity

BackgroundMast cells (MCs) and neural cells (NCs) are important in a keloid microenvironment. They might contribute to fibrosis and pain sensation within the keloid. However, their involvement in pathological excessive scarring has not been adequately explored.ObjectivesTo elucidate roles of MCs and NCs in keloid pathogenesis and their correlation with disease activity.MethodsKeloid samples from chest and back regions were analyzed. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was conducted for six active keloids (AK) samples, four inactive keloids (IK) samples, and three mature scar (MS) samples from patients with keloids.ResultsThe scRNA-seq analysis demonstrated notable enrichment of MCs, lymphocytes, and macrophages in AKs, which exhibited continuous growth at the excision site when compared to IK and MS samples (P = 0.042). Expression levels of marker genes associated with activated and degranulated MCs, including FCER1G, BTK, and GATA2, were specifically elevated in keloid lesions. Notably, MCs within AK lesions exhibited elevated expression of genes such as NTRK1, S1PR1, and S1PR2 associated with neuropeptide receptors. Neural progenitor cell and non-myelinating Schwann cell (nmSC) genes were highly expressed in keloids, whereas myelinating Schwann cell (mSC) genes were specific to MS samples.ConclusionsscRNA-seq analyses of AK, IK, and MS samples unveiled substantial microenvironmental heterogeneity. Such heterogeneity might be linked to disease activity. These findings suggest the potential contribution of MCs and NCs to keloid pathogenesis. Histopathological and molecular features observed in AK and IK samples provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying pain and pruritus in keloid lesions

Insulin Secretion and Incretin Hormone Concentration in Women with Previous Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

BackgroundWe examined the change in the levels of incretin hormone and effects of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) on insulin secretion in women with previous gestational diabetes (pGDM).MethodsA 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was conducted on 34 women with pGDM. In addition, 11 women with normal glucose tolerance, matched for age, height and weight, were also tested. The insulin, GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon concentrations were measured, and their anthropometric and biochemical markers were also measured.ResultsAmong 34 women with pGDM, 18 had normal glucose tolerance, 13 had impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and 1 had diabetes. No significant differences were found in GLP-1 concentration between the pGDM and control group. However, a significantly high level of glucagon was present in the pGDM group at 30 minutes into the OGTT. The GIP concentration was elevated at 30 minutes and 60 minutes in the pGDM group. With the exception of the 30-minute timepoint, women with IGT had significantly high blood glucose from 0 to 120 minutes. However, there was no significant difference in insulin or GLP-1 concentration. The GIP level was significantly high from 0 to 90 minutes in patients diagnosed with IGT.ConclusionGLP-1 secretion does not differ between pGDM patients and normal women. GIP was elevated, but that does not seem to induce in increase in insulin secretion. Therefore, we conclude that other factors such as heredity and environment play important roles in the development of type 2 diabetes

Commercial video games and cognitive functions: video game genres and modulating factors of cognitive enhancement

Background Unlike the emphasis on negative results of video games such as the impulsive engagement in video games, cognitive training studies in individuals with cognitive deficits showed that characteristics of video game elements were helpful to train cognitive functions. Thus, this study aimed to have a more balanced view toward the video game playing by reviewing genres of commercial video games and the association of video games with cognitive functions and modulating factors. Literatures were searched with search terms (e.g. genres of video games, cognitive training) on database and Google scholar. Results video games, of which purpose is players entertainment, were found to be positively associated with cognitive functions (e.g. attention, problem solving skills) despite some discrepancy between studies. However, the enhancement of cognitive functions through video gaming was limited to the task or performance requiring the same cognitive functions. Moreover, as several factors (e.g. age, gender) were identified to modulate cognitive enhancement, the individual difference in the association between video game playing and cognitive function was found. Conclusion Commercial video games are suggested to have the potential for cognitive function enhancement. As understanding the association between video gaming and cognitive function in a more balanced view is essential to evaluate the potential outcomes of commercial video games that more people reported to engage, this review contributes to provide more objective evidence for commercial video gaming.It was supported by a grant from Game Science Forum in South Kore

Efficacy of smartphone application-based multi-domain cognitive training in older adults without dementia

BackgroundAs the population ages and the prevalence of dementia increases, there is a growing emphasis on the importance of cognitive training to prevent dementia. A smartphone application-based cognitive training software program, BeauBrain Trainer (BBT), has been developed to provide better access to cognitive training for older adults. Numerous studies have revealed the effectiveness of cognitive training using a cognitive assessment tool. However, relatively few studies have evaluated brain activation using brain imaging as a result of improved cognitive function.MethodsAll participants were required to download the BBT, an Android-based application for cognitive training, onto their own smartphone or tablet computer and to engage in cognitive training at home. Older adults without dementia were enrolled in this study, including 51 participants in the intervention group and 50 participants in the control group. The BBT comprised a set of 12 cognitive tasks, including two tasks in each of the following six cognitive domains: attention, language, calculation, visuospatial function, memory, and frontal/executive function. Each cognitive task was divided into four blocks based on its level of difficulty. A 16-week cognitive training was designed to carry out cognitive tasks using a total of 48 blocks (12 tasks × 4 levels) for at least 1.5 h per day, 5 days per week. All participants in the intervention group were given BBT tasks that gradually increased in difficulty level, which they submitted through a smartphone application daily for 16 weeks. The researchers monitored the participants’ task performance records on the website and encouraged participants to engage in cognitive training through regular contact. This study was conducted to investigate the improvement in cognitive function and the activation pattern of the frontal cortex in older adults participating in smartphone application-based cognitive training. The cognitive assessment tool was the BeauBrain cognitive screening test (CST), a tablet-based computerized cognitive screening test. The activation pattern of the frontal cortex was measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Additionally, this study aimed to determine the positive effects of cognitive training on everyday functioning and psychological states using a questionnaire.ResultsOf 101 participants, 85 older adults without dementia (84.1%) who completed the study protocol were included in the statistical analysis. There were 41 participants (80.3%) in the intervention group and 44 participants (88.0%) in the control group. A two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the cognitive scores over a 16-week period between the intervention and control groups. According to the CST results, the intervention group exhibited a statistically significant increase in the language subtest scores, specifically the phonemic word fluency test, compared to those of the control group. The fNIRS results revealed greater activation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during the STROOP incongruent task in the intervention group than did the control group. However, the effectiveness of cognitive training was not observed across a variety of rating scales, including everyday functioning, depression, self-efficacy, attention, and subjective memory complaints.ConclusionThis study revealed that a smartphone-based cognitive training application led to improvements in phonemic generative naming ability and activation of the prefrontal cortex in older adults without dementia. This study is meaningful because it confirmed that cognitive training is partially effective in enhancing frontal lobe function. It also provided information on the brain mechanisms related to the effects of cognitive training using fNIRS

Pilot study on a rewarming rate of 0.15°C/hr versus 0.25°C/hr and outcomes in post cardiac arrest patients

Objective Cerebral hemodynamic and metabolic changes may occur during the rewarming phase of targeted temperature management in post cardiac arrest patients. Yet, studies on different rewarming rates and patient outcomes are limited. This study aimed to investigate post cardiac arrest patients who were rewarmed with different rewarming rates after 24 hours of hypothermia and the association of these rates to the neurologic outcomes. Methods This study retrospectively investigated post cardiac arrest patients treated with targeted temperature management and rewarmed with rewarming rates of 0.15°C/hr and 0.25°C/hr. The association of the rewarming rate with poor neurologic outcomes (cerebral performance category score, 3 to 5) was investigated. Results A total of 71 patients were analyzed (0.15°C/hr, n=36; 0.25°C/hr, n=35). In the comparison between 0.15°C/hr and 0.25°C/hr, the poor neurologic outcome did not significantly differ (24 [66.7%] vs. 25 [71.4%], respectively; P=0.66). In the multivariate analysis, the rewarming rate of 0.15°C/hr was not associated with the 1-month neurologic outcome improvement (odds ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.16 to 1.69; P=0.28). Conclusion The rewarming rates of 0.15°C/hr and 0.25°C/hr were not associated with the neurologic outcome difference in post cardiac arrest patients

Tailored growth of single-crystalline InP tetrapods

Despite the technological importance of colloidal covalent III-V nanocrystals with unique optoelectronic properties, their synthetic process still has challenges originating from the complex energy landscape of the reaction. Here, we present InP tetrapod nanocrystals as a crystalline late intermediate in the synthetic pathway that warrants controlled growth. We isolate tetrapod intermediate species with well-defined surfaces of (110) and ((1) over bar(1) over bar(1) over bar) via the suppression of further growth. An additional precursor supply at low temperature induces [(1) over bar(1) over bar(1) over bar]-specific growth, whereas the [110]-directional growth occurs over the activation barrier of 65.7 kJ/mol at a higher temperature, thus finalizes into the (111)-faceted tetrahedron nanocrystals. We address the use of late intermediates with well-defined facets at the sub-10 nm scale for the tailored growth of covalent III-V nanocrystals and highlight the potential for the directed approach of nanocrystal synthesis