Digital Media and Online Resources in Ancient Mediterranean Teaching: Survey Structure and Questions

This is the appendix for the article Digital Media and Online Resources in Ancient Mediterranean Teaching . This article presents a state-of-the-field assessment of the use of digital resources and tools in ancient Mediterraneanstudies teaching. This includes a presentation of the results of a recent survey focusing on pedagogical practices and multimedia use among ancient Mediterranean studies professionals and an overview of the benefits and challenges of incorporating rich-format media and digital resources into learner-centred curricula. The article also provides a summary of methodological approaches that can enhance learning retention and promote authentic and deep learning, with the goal of empowering students to think critically about the ancient past and their modern world

Unsupervised Machine Learning for Identifying Challenging Behavior Profiles to Explore Cluster-Based Treatment Efficacy in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Retrospective Data Analysis Study

Background: Challenging behaviors are prevalent among individuals with autism spectrum disorder; however, research exploring the impact of challenging behaviors on treatment response is lacking. Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify types of autism spectrum disorder based on engagement in different challenging behaviors and evaluate differences in treatment response between groups. Methods: Retrospective data on challenging behaviors and treatment progress for 854 children with autism spectrum disorder were analyzed. Participants were clustered based on 8 observed challenging behaviors using k means, and multiple linear regression was performed to test interactions between skill mastery and treatment hours, cluster assignment, and gender. Results: Seven clusters were identified, which demonstrated a single dominant challenging behavior. For some clusters, significant differences in treatment response were found. Specifically, a cluster characterized by low levels of stereotypy was found to have significantly higher levels of skill mastery than clusters characterized by self-injurious behavior and aggression (P\u3c.003). Conclusions: These findings have implications on the treatment of individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Self-injurious behavior and aggression were prevalent among participants with the worst treatment response, thus interventions targeting these challenging behaviors may be worth prioritizing. Furthermore, the use of unsupervised machine learning models to identify types of autism spectrum disorder shows promise

Acute effects of cannabinoids on addiction endophenotypes are moderated by genes encoding the CB1 receptor and FAAH enzyme

Understanding genetic factors that contribute to cannabis use disorder (CUD) is important, but to date, findings have been equivocal. Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the cannabinoid receptor 1 gene (CNR1; rs1049353 and rs806378) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) gene (rs324420) have been implicated in CUD. Their relationship to addiction endophenotypes such as cannabis‐related state satiety, the salience of appetitive cues, and craving after acute cannabinoid administration has not been investigated. Forty‐eight cannabis users participated in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, four‐way crossover experiment where they were administered treatments in a randomized order via vaporization: placebo, Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (8 mg), THC + cannabidiol (THC + CBD) (8 + 16 mg), and CBD (16 mg). Cannabis‐related state satiety, appetitive cue salience (cannabis and food), and cannabis craving were assessed each day. Participants were genotyped for rs1049353, rs806378, and rs324420. Results indicated that CNR1 rs1049353 GG carriers showed increased state satiety after THC/THC + CBD administration in comparison with placebo and reduced the salience of appetitive cues after THC in comparison with CBD administration; A carriers did not vary on either of these measures indicative of a vulnerability to CUD. CNR1 rs806378 CC carriers showed greater salience to appetitive cues in comparison with T carriers, but there was no evidence for changes in state satiety. FAAH rs324420 A carriers showed greater bias to appetitive cues after THC, in comparison with CC carriers. FAAH CC carriers showed reduced bias after THC in comparison with CBD. No SNPs modulated craving. These findings identify candidate neurocognitive mechanisms through which endocannabinoid system genetics may influence vulnerability to CUD

Comparison of a low carbohydrate and low fat diet for weight maintenance in overweight or obese adults enrolled in a clinical weight management program

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Recent evidence suggests that a low carbohydrate (LC) diet may be equally or more effective for short-term weight loss than a traditional low fat (LF) diet; however, less is known about how they compare for weight maintenance. The purpose of this study was to compare body weight (BW) for participants in a clinical weight management program, consuming a LC or LF weight maintenance diet for 6 months following weight loss.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Fifty-five (29 low carbohydrate diet; 26 low fat diet) overweight/obese middle-aged adults completed a 9 month weight management program that included instruction for behavior, physical activity (PA), and nutrition. For 3 months all participants consumed an identical liquid diet (2177 kJ/day) followed by 1 month of re-feeding with solid foods either low in carbohydrate or low in fat. For the remaining 5 months, participants were prescribed a meal plan low in dietary carbohydrate (~20%) or fat (~30%). BW and carbohydrate or fat grams were collected at each group meeting. Energy and macronutrient intake were assessed at baseline, 3, 6, and 9 months.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The LC group increased BW from 89.2 ± 14.4 kg at 3 months to 89.3 ± 16.1 kg at 9 months (<it>P </it>= 0.84). The LF group decreased BW from 86.3 ± 12.0 kg at 3 months to 86.0 ± 14.0 kg at 9 months (<it>P </it>= 0.96). BW was not different between groups during weight maintenance (<it>P </it>= 0.87). Fifty-five percent (16/29) and 50% (13/26) of participants for the LC and LF groups, respectively, continued to decrease their body weight during weight maintenance.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Following a 3 month liquid diet, the LC and LF diet groups were equally effective for BW maintenance over 6 months; however, there was significant variation in weight change within each group.</p

Genetic mechanisms of critical illness in COVID-19.

Host-mediated lung inflammation is present1, and drives mortality2, in the critical illness caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Host genetic variants associated with critical illness may identify mechanistic targets for therapeutic development3. Here we report the results of the GenOMICC (Genetics Of Mortality In Critical Care) genome-wide association study in 2,244 critically ill patients with COVID-19 from 208 UK intensive care units. We have identified and replicated the following new genome-wide significant associations: on chromosome 12q24.13 (rs10735079, P = 1.65 × 10-8) in a gene cluster that encodes antiviral restriction enzyme activators (OAS1, OAS2 and OAS3); on chromosome 19p13.2 (rs74956615, P = 2.3 × 10-8) near the gene that encodes tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2); on chromosome 19p13.3 (rs2109069, P = 3.98 ×  10-12) within the gene that encodes dipeptidyl peptidase 9 (DPP9); and on chromosome 21q22.1 (rs2236757, P = 4.99 × 10-8) in the interferon receptor gene IFNAR2. We identified potential targets for repurposing of licensed medications: using Mendelian randomization, we found evidence that low expression of IFNAR2, or high expression of TYK2, are associated with life-threatening disease; and transcriptome-wide association in lung tissue revealed that high expression of the monocyte-macrophage chemotactic receptor CCR2 is associated with severe COVID-19. Our results identify robust genetic signals relating to key host antiviral defence mechanisms and mediators of inflammatory organ damage in COVID-19. Both mechanisms may be amenable to targeted treatment with existing drugs. However, large-scale randomized clinical trials will be essential before any change to clinical practice

The Origins and Evolution of Ancient Spartan Identity in the Mani Peninsula, Greece

Through a careful analysis of the historical records of travels to the Mani peninsula from the 16th century onward, I argue that the commonly-ascribed identity of the Maniots, as descended directly from the Spartans of Classical Antiquity, is a modern construction that was: a) externally imposed; and b) created largely in the 18th century. In this article, I provide a timeline of Spartan identification in Mani, discuss the historical, military, and political circumstances that led to the formation of this identification, and conclude with a brief examination of the modern re-appropriation of ancient Spartan identity in recent years within the far-right fascist political group, Golden Dawn, whose leading members identified strongly both with Mani and ancient Sparta. Ultimately, in this work I provide context for the progression and evolution of Spartan identity in this small corner of the Greek world

Spectacular Antiquity: An examination of the psychological exploitation of extraordinary human specimens in Ancient Rome

[This presentation provides an overview of the following website described below: https://spectacularantiquity.wordpress.com/] This website is an attempt to present traditional, academic research in a non-traditional way. The focus of the research is the human body as a “spectacle” in and of itself, and the psychological aspects involved in exploiting individual persons for visual display in ancient Rome. The study focuses on the abnormal human body, and situations where the human form was regarded as “spectacular” due to its unusual physical properties. The collected data is presented on this website in such a way that is intentionally an alternative to traditional academic writing and publishing; instead, I have endeavoured to create an open, searchable, online venue where my research could be made accessible to anyone who has the desire to see it.Arts, Faculty ofClassical, Near Eastern and Religious Studies, Department ofUnreviewedGraduat

The Mani peninsula in antiquity : an archaeological, historical, and epigraphic investigation into regional identity

This dissertation investigates the social, political, cultural, and religious history of the Mani peninsula in classical antiquity from ~500 BCE to 500 CE and focuses especially on the questions of local and regional identities within this remote and harsh landscape. In order to answer these questions, I incorporated a vast number of resources into this research, including Greek and Latin primary historical sources, epigraphic remains and prosopographic data, theoretical paradigms, and a study of archaeological remains, including petrographic and chemical ceramic analysis. In this work, I developed a theoretical model that can be applied globally to marginal societies about which little is known from the historical record. By integrating these varied theoretical methods and primary source datasets, I provide a unique approach to understand settlement patterns and identity on a hyper-local level in the ancient Mediterranean. Throughout my dissertation, I address specific questions about the identity and interactions of the ancient inhabitants of the Mani peninsula, particularly in light of their perioikic status under the powerful Spartan hegemony, and the way in which this relationship changed from the Archaic through Roman periods. The results of my investigations reveal a closer link to overseas locales rather than to the native inland Lakonia, in contrast to the majority of scholarship which assumes Sparta's overarching influence. By incorporating all of the evidence available to scholars of the ancient world, I draw new conclusions about the ancient inhabitants of the peninsula, specifically that much of the region displays relative autonomony and local identities, and that the settlements throughout the peninsula are largely coastal and maritime-based rather than inward-looking. Finally, my research offers a substantial contribution to our understanding of the function of sanctuary of Poseidon at Tainaron, the most famous and important site on the peninsula: namely, that the sanctuary retained its significance throughout classical antiquity largely due to its lack of political affiliation and was not controlled by any one superpower, thus contributing further to a unique, local identity present throughout Mani. Overall, this doctoral research bolsters our understanding of the history and archaeology of the Mani peninsula in classical antiquity.Arts, Faculty ofClassical, Near Eastern and Religious Studies, Department ofGraduat

Could rats pose a health risk for people living in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside? Understanding the ecology of rats and rat-associated zoonoses in an inner-city neighbourhood.

Urban rats (Rattus spp.) are an important source of zoonotic pathogens, yet there is a paucity of integrated, interdisciplinary, ecosystem-based research on rat-associated zoonoses (RAZ). The goal of this project was to begin to characterize the public health risks associated with rats by studying the ecology of rat populations and the zoonotic pathogens that they carry in an inner-city neighbourhood of Vancouver, Canada. By characterizing rat populations within our study area, we were able to identify a number of factors which could influence the ecology of RAZ. We were also able to design a tool to predict rat abundance based on characteristics of the urban microenvironment, which may be useful for predicting RAZ prevalence in the future. Although we found that L. interrogans (a common RAZ) was present in our study area, other zoonoses thought to be endemic in rat populations worldwide (Seoul hantavirus, Rickettsia typhi, and Bartonella spp.) were conspicuously absent. However, rats were found to carry other potentially zoonotic organisms (Clostridium difficile and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) for which they are not the ‘traditional’ reservoir. Finally, we found that by integrating data regarding rat ecology and RAZ, we were able to gain a more comprehensive picture of how these pathogens circulate within rat populations. Overall, this research illustrates the importance of a comprehensive and holistic approach for obtaining a better understanding of RAZ, and highlights the need for ongoing research and surveillance.Medicine, Faculty ofPopulation and Public Health (SPPH), School ofGraduat

Data package for modeling the journey of Colonel William Leake in the southern Mani Peninsula, Greece, using least-cost analysis

Data used to model Colonel William Leake\u27s journey in the southern Mani Peninsula, Greece, in the year 1805. Leake\u27s journey is described in the book, Travels in the Morea: Volume I (Leake 1830, pp. 233-321). The data may be used to calculate least-cost paths between the places where Leake stopped, taking into consideration the contemporary path network and calculating cost in time based on Tobler\u27s hiking function and the Modified Tobler function. A paper interpreting these data, \u27Reconstructing Historical Journeys with Least-Cost Analysis: Colonel William Leake in the Mani Peninsula, Greece,\u27 is published in Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports and can be accessed here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2019.01.014. The article pre-print can be accessed here: https://works.bepress.com/rebecca-seifried/11/.Dr. Rebecca M. Seifried mapped the pre-modern paths as part of a PhD dissertation completed in 2016 through the Department of Anthropology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, entitled \u27Community Organization and Imperial Expansion in a Rural Landscape: The Mani Peninsula, Greece (AD 1000-1821)\u27 (https://hdl.handle.net/10027/21274). Fieldwork was conducted in 2014 and 2016 under the auspices of the 5th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities in Sparta and in collaboration with the Diros Project, an archaeological survey and excavation co-directed by Dr. Giorgos Papathanassopoulos and Dr. Anastasia Papathanasiou through the Ephorate of Palaeoanthropology & Speleology of Southern Greece. The remaining datasets were created in collaboration with Dr. Chelsea A.M. Gardner as part of the \u27CART-ography Project: Cataloguing Ancient Routes and Travels in the Mani Peninsula,\u27 whose goal is to catalogue the historic accounts of travelers to Mani and to model their routes throughout the peninsula.This research was funded by the National Science Foundation (BCS-1346694), Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (H2020-MSCA-IF-2016 750843), the DigitalGlobe Foundation, the National Cadastre and Mapping Agency, SA (Ktimatologio), ArchaeoLandscapes Europe, the University of Illinois at Chicago, the Society of Women Geographers, the Archaeological Institute of America, and Mount Allison University