Exploring embodiment through martial arts and combat sports: a review of empirical research

Since the late 1970s, social scientists have turned considerable attention to investigating martial arts and combat sports (MACS). In particular, this broad range of fighting disciplines has been shown to offer numerous avenues for scholarly enquiry into social change and personal transformation via processes of embodiment. Adopting a thematic structure, we assess the empirical literature in this area via four interconnecting categories pertaining to MACS and embodiment: (1) body cultures; (2) body pedagogies; (3) the embodiment of gender; and (4) bodily harm. Following this review, we identify several gaps in the existing literature, suggesting potential new topics and strategies for research connecting to the social world of physical culture more generally

SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected in blood products from patients with COVID-19 is not associated with infectious virus

Background: Laboratory diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection (the cause of COVID-19) uses PCR to detect viral RNA (vRNA) in respiratory samples. SARS-CoV-2 RNA has also been detected in other sample types, but there is limited understanding of the clinical or laboratory significance of its detection in blood. Methods: We undertook a systematic literature review to assimilate the evidence for the frequency of vRNA in blood, and to identify associated clinical characteristics. We performed RT-PCR in serum samples from a UK clinical cohort of acute and convalescent COVID-19 cases (n=212), together with convalescent plasma samples collected by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) (n=462 additional samples). To determine whether PCR-positive blood samples could pose an infection risk, we attempted virus isolation from a subset of RNA-positive samples. Results: We identified 28 relevant studies, reporting SARS-CoV-2 RNA in 0-76% of blood samples; pooled estimate 10% (95%CI 5-18%). Among serum samples from our clinical cohort, 27/212 (12.7%) had SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected by RT-PCR. RNA detection occurred in samples up to day 20 post symptom onset, and was associated with more severe disease (multivariable odds ratio 7.5). Across all samples collected ≥28 days post symptom onset, 0/494 (0%, 95%CI 0-0.7%) had vRNA detected. Among our PCR-positive samples, cycle threshold (ct) values were high (range 33.5-44.8), suggesting low vRNA copy numbers. PCR-positive sera inoculated into cell culture did not produce any cytopathic effect or yield an increase in detectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Conclusions: vRNA was detectable at low viral loads in a minority of serum samples collected in acute infection, but was not associated with infectious SARS-CoV-2 (within the limitations of the assays used). This work helps to inform biosafety precautions for handling blood products from patients with current or previous COVID-19

Diving into the vertical dimension of elasmobranch movement ecology

Knowledge of the three-dimensional movement patterns of elasmobranchs is vital to understand their ecological roles and exposure to anthropogenic pressures. To date, comparative studies among species at global scales have mostly focused on horizontal movements. Our study addresses the knowledge gap of vertical movements by compiling the first global synthesis of vertical habitat use by elasmobranchs from data obtained by deployment of 989 biotelemetry tags on 38 elasmobranch species. Elasmobranchs displayed high intra- and interspecific variability in vertical movement patterns. Substantial vertical overlap was observed for many epipelagic elasmobranchs, indicating an increased likelihood to display spatial overlap, biologically interact, and share similar risk to anthropogenic threats that vary on a vertical gradient. We highlight the critical next steps toward incorporating vertical movement into global management and monitoring strategies for elasmobranchs, emphasizing the need to address geographic and taxonomic biases in deployments and to concurrently consider both horizontal and vertical movements

Diving into the vertical dimension of elasmobranch movement ecology

Knowledge of the three-dimensional movement patterns of elasmobranchs is vital to understand their ecological roles and exposure to anthropogenic pressures. To date, comparative studies among species at global scales have mostly focused on horizontal movements. Our study addresses the knowledge gap of vertical movements by compiling the first global synthesis of vertical habitat use by elasmobranchs from data obtained by deployment of 989 biotelemetry tags on 38 elasmobranch species. Elasmobranchs displayed high intra- and interspecific variability in vertical movement patterns. Substantial vertical overlap was observed for many epipelagic elasmobranchs, indicating an increased likelihood to display spatial overlap, biologically interact, and share similar risk to anthropogenic threats that vary on a vertical gradient. We highlight the critical next steps toward incorporating vertical movement into global management and monitoring strategies for elasmobranchs, emphasizing the need to address geographic and taxonomic biases in deployments and to concurrently consider both horizontal and vertical movements

Diving into the vertical dimension of elasmobranch movement ecology

Knowledge of the three-dimensional movement patterns of elasmobranchs is vital to understand their ecological roles and exposure to anthropogenic pressures. To date, comparative studies among species at global scales have mostly focused on horizontal movements. Our study addresses the knowledge gap of vertical movements by compiling the first global synthesis of vertical habitat use by elasmobranchs from data obtained by deployment of 989 biotelemetry tags on 38 elasmobranch species. Elasmobranchs displayed high intra- and interspecific variability in vertical movement patterns. Substantial vertical overlap was observed for many epipelagic elasmobranchs, indicating an increased likelihood to display spatial overlap, biologically interact, and share similar risk to anthropogenic threats that vary on a vertical gradient. We highlight the critical next steps toward incorporating vertical movement into global management and monitoring strategies for elasmobranchs, emphasizing the need to address geographic and taxonomic biases in deployments and to concurrently consider both horizontal and vertical movements

Reimagining What Images Can Achieve

The author discusses the ethics of the dissemination of ruin porn, focusing on the works of Philip Levine and Andrew Moore that document the crumbling and decaying ruins of buildings. She says that pornography it is not generally considered as acceptable despite its popularity. She adds that ruin porn is about the circulation of images of ruin buildings, such as the images of the decomposing Michigan Central Station and Packard Motor Plant by Yves Marchand and Roman Meffre

Being a Feminist and Ironing One’s Sheets: Domesticity, Feminism and Martha Stewart

This study explores Martha Stewart fans\u27 motivations for engaging domestic media. Contrary to the assumptions in textual analyses of Stewart\u27s media products, participants primarily engage domestic media for its artistry, not escapism. Connecting cultural constructions of domesticity and feminism, this study also explores how feminism is contemporarily understood, as well as the connection between feminism and domesticity as it is manifested in popular responses to Martha Stewart. Overall, participants identified Stewart as feminist; fans were less willing to define Rachael Ray (Stewart\u27s most direct American competition) as feminist

Fifty Shades of Misunderstanding

Based on a publication/presentation funded by CARS, the presenters will share four primary themes regarding counseling BDSM clients: popular culture, mental health contexts and the DSM, parallels with now-defunct homosexual paraphilias, and resources for counselors. This presentation will start with an introduction of commonly used BDSM terms, which are developed through field research and supported by a case study. Attention will be given to challenges BDSM clients face, the diagnostic disorder codes used to clinically define BDSM activities, and how such codes pathologize nontraditional sexuality. The presentation will also explore how these pathologizing diagnostic codes can create a disjunction between counselor education and kinky clients’ lived experiences. We will illustrate how this disjunction is emphasized by popularizations of BDSM, such as E.L. James’ Fifty Shades trilogy, which expanded social acceptance while also solidifying misrepresentations of the kinky lifestyle

Seminars and Honors Colloquia as Research Tools: A Win-Win

Certain courses such as first and second year seminars and honors colloquia are particularly suited to exploring a new scholarship interest or catching up on recent developments in your area of research. Given the open content nature of these courses, faculty are free to teach a research interest of their choosing. These courses are also a great place to begin scaffolding research skills for students. Clearly this is a benefit to students, but it also provides faculty with research mentees familiar with the faculty member’s research area. The purpose of this interactive presentation is to provide models for teaching seminars and colloquia that advance both the faculty member’s research agenda and the student’s research skills. The participants in this presentation will discuss their unique and creative approaches for teaching these courses. We will also discuss how this work can be incorporated in reappointment and promotion portfolios