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Advancing Women\u27s Rights in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Role of the United Nations Universal Periodic Review
No full textCompliance with international law has long been a key concern in global governance, with monitoring mechanisms of various types being among the approaches used to encourage states to comply with international agreements. In line with this, the United Nations established the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), a human rights monitoring mechanism that applies to all UN member states in 2006. Employing a mixed-methods approach and relying on a theoretical framework grounded in international relations and international law, this study examines the implementation of UPR recommendations addressing violence against women and women’s right to education in Sub-Saharan Africa and the impact of the implementation of these recommendations on women’s rights outcomes. Findings show that the UPR has a strong potential of safeguarding and advancing women’s rights because states have implemented the majority of the recommendations and these efforts have in some cases resulted in improved women’s rights outcomes. They also offer lessons concerning how compliance and implementation could be effectively addressed in global governance; the UPR process; and efforts to advance women’s rights and human rights more broadly
Learning from the Experiences of Multilingual Teachers of Multilingual Learners in Early Childhood
No full textExisting research has suggested that multilingualism is an asset in many regards (e.g., cognitively, socially, culturally), yet many U.S. schools have created linguistically exclusive environments for multilingual learners (MLLs) by prioritizing/centering English language instruction and perpetuating deficit views of multilingualism for students who are not proficient in English as their first language. Multilingual teachers have assets/resources as multilinguals that can contribute to creating a classroom where their MLLs can thrive, but the teacher pipeline has not been effective in preparing, hiring, and retaining multilingual teachers in schools. The purpose of this study is to learn about the experience of being multilingual and how teachers who are multilingual perceive these experiences as connecting to/driving their work with MLLs. This qualitative research study used a post-intentional phenomenological research design (Vagle, 2019) to center the voices and experiences of multilingual teachers both as multilinguals and as teachers of MLLs. The participants included four multilingual Kindergarten teachers working in public schools in the state of Massachusetts. The findings suggest that the experience of being a ML teacher of MLLs involves navigating systems of power and control, self-actualization, demoralization, and training and support needs. Implications for early childhood teacher preparation, state leadership, and district and school leadership are discussed, along with suggestions for future research
The Effects of Mitochondrial Fission Inhibition on Mitochondrial Quality and Muscle Function in D2-MDX Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystropy
No full textDuchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is the most common and severe muscular dystrophy manifested by progressive muscle wasting and weakness. Mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation are early pathological features of DMD and precede myopathy. A fine balance of mitochondrial dynamics (fission and fusion) is crucial to maintain mitochondrial function and skeletal muscle health. We recently reported excessive activation of Dynamin-Related Protein 1 (Drp1)-mediated mitochondrial fission in two animal models of DMD. Mitochondrial fission inhibitor‐1 (Mdivi‐1) is an effective pharmacological inhibitor of Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission and has been shown benefits in numerous diseases. The objective of the study was to examine the effects of Mdivi-1 on skeletal muscle mitochondrial quality control, morphology, function and muscle strength in D2-mdx mouse model of DMD. Methods: 9-10-week-old male D2-mdx mice were treated with either Mdivi-1 (I.P., 40 mg/kg BW, D2-mdx/Mdivi-1) or vehicle (2% DMSO in PBS, D2-mdx/VEH) for 5 weeks. D2-wildtype mice treated with vehicle (WT/VEH) were used as the control (n=8/group). In addition, in order to evaluate whether Mdivi-1 had any adverse effects on phenotypes in normal healthy mouse, we added another group with Mdivi-1 injections in wildtype mice (WT/Mdivi-1, n=4) and measured all behavioral tests, body weight and tissue weights. Muscle strength was measured using a grip strength meter and hang wire test. Mitochondria were isolated from fresh quadricep muscles collected 24 hours after the last injection to measure mitochondrial respiration and H2O2 emission. Transmission Electron Microscopy was used to image mitochondrial structure in soleus muscle. Gastrocnemius muscles were collected for immunoblot analysis. Finally, serum was collected for blood creatine kinase concentration. Results: Grip strength was significantly lower in muscles from D2-mdx mice compared to WT controls (P = 0.01) but was improved in D2-mdx/Mdivi-1 mice (P = 0.05). Serum creatine kinase level was higher in D2-mdx mice compared to WT (P = 0.006) and reduced with Mdivi-1 treatment (P = 0.079). Mitochondrial fission protein markers, Drp1(Ser616) phosphorylation and Fis1, were markedly higher in skeletal muscles from D2-mdx compared to WT (P= 0.009 and \u3c0.0001) but were attenuated with Mdivi-1 treatment (P = 0.041 and 0.029), indicating a rebalance of mitochondrial dynamics. This rebalance subsequently led to improvement in skeletal muscle mitochondrial structure in D2-mdx/Mdivi-1 mice, with evidence of lower numbers of damaged mitochondria and reduced circularity (P = 0.040 and 0.045). Although not statistically significant, ADP and FCCP-stimulated mitochondrial respiration were enhanced by 93.8% and 92.4% in D2-mdx/Mdivi-1 mice compared to D2-mdx/VEH. In addition, lipid peroxidation marker, 4-HNE was significantly higher in D2-mdx mice in comparison to WT (P = \u3c0.0001), but was attenuated with Mdivi-1 treatment (P = 0.08). Conclusion: These data demonstrate that inhibition of Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission is effective in improving muscular strength in D2-mdx mice, which is at least partly due to enhanced mitochondrial dynamics, structure and attenuated lipid peroxidation. Mdivi-1 may be a viable treatment for DMD
Investigating a Tumor Promoting Mammary Cell Niche Derived from Alveolar--Luminal Progenitor Cells in Precancerous BRCA1 Heterozygous Tissue
No full textWomen carrying BRCA1 (B1) mutations face an elevated risk of developing breast cancer, yet effective preventive strategies remain limited. To design innovative prevention methods, it is critical to understand the early events driving tumorigenesis. Here we present a unique mouse model which is conditionally heterozygous for B1 and deleted for Trp53, specifically in the mammary epithelial cells, and forms triple-negative mammary tumors under replication stress. Our single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, spanning various stages of mammary tumorigenesis in this model, reveals early tumor-promoting transcriptomic alterations. We identify a distinct, proliferative bi-potent cell population expressing both luminal progenitor and basal epithelial markers, uniquely enriched in Brca1 heterozygous mammary tissue upon replication stress. Notably, the transcriptomic changes in this population correlate with poor outcomes in human breast cancer. Transcriptomic analysis, combined with transcription factor analysis, along the trajectory from normal to precancerous and tumor stages, implicates the AP-1 complex, specifically the FRA-1 transcription factor, as an early driver in BRCA1 mutant breast cancer. Furthermore, pseudo-time analysis along this trajectory identifies alveolar luminal progenitor cells as the likely cell-of-origin. Luminal cells also show reduced efficiency of DNA damage repair when compared to basal cells. In conclusion, we have established a Brca1 heterozygous mouse model for studying the effects of DNA replication stress on breast cancer and have identified early precancerous transcriptomic changes stemming from BRCA1 haploinsufficiency and replication stress. This study provides critical insights into the molecular mechanisms that drive breast cancer in BRCA1 mutation carriers
Employing Multi-Agent AI to Model Conflict and Cooperation in Northern Ireland
Get PDFIn this article, we outline the development of a multi-agent artificial intelligence (MAAI) model for post-conflict Northern Ireland. We discuss the insights it provides into the primary drivers of conflict and cooperation in the post-Agreement era. Analyses reveal that leading drivers of cooperation in the model are fairness and sadness, while the main drivers of conflict are related to anxiety and perceived moral authority. We examine these findings in the context of previous computational modeling efforts in Northern Ireland, the social psychological literature on intergroup conflict, and the current geopolitical landscape. We conclude by advocating for the application of this technology as a tool to inform policymaking and address the ethical considerations raised by its use in peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts
Executive Summary of the Annual Report of the Cohort 3 TPSID Model Demonstration Projects (Year 3, 2022–2023)
Get PDFThis Executive Summary provides a brief overview of the Annual Report of the Cohort 3 TPSID Model Demonstration Projects (Year 3, 2022–2023). Information is provided about the TPSID (Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disability) projects about program characteristics, student characteristics, academics, academic supports, employment, vocational rehabilitation, residential services, and program completion and credential attainment
Powered by Reflection: Narrative Case Study Investigation of CCT-Inspired Action Learning Practice
No full textCritical reflection and critical thinking are integral components of transformational learning experiences that broaden individuals’ perspectives about other people and how the world works. This paper presents a narrative case study investigation of ongoing research that demonstrates how insights derived from examination of novel action learning experiences (ALE) that feature reflective practices are used to advance the design of ALE that facilitate transformative learning for social purposes. Transformative learning theory in the context of adult education provides the conceptual foundation for a comprehensive review and analysis of three ALE cases that were inspired by the Critical and Creative Thinking MA program, and designed and delivered by the author. The investigated cases vary in format but share an objective to help participants build collaborative relationships across differences. Key ALE design practices are illuminated and examined. An additional level of analysis uses an action research framework to elevate general design movements. A new structure for considering ALE design elements and design practices emerges from synthesis of case analyses, theoretical frameworks, and the author’s lived experiences. The author intends to use research outcomes to inspire and instruct equity and inclusion advocates and activists who are eager to create new paths for cross-cultural understanding in their roles and work positions. To that end, three ALE design principles are offered as work-in-progress toward an evolving slate of design resources for developing unique ALE that promote transformative learning. The research also suggests further exploration of critical and creative thinking processes that enable ALE designers to generate novel design ideas and continuously improve design practice
A Case for Better Monitoring and Preventing Hate Crimes in the United States
Get PDFThis report is a joint publication of the Center for Peace, Democracy, and Development (CPDD) through its conflict early warning arm, the Conflict Early Warning Analytics Program (CEWAP) and the TRUST Network (TN), which is the first conflict early warning system in the United States. CEWAP is the conflict early warning analytical hub of the TRUST Network. Together, CEWAP and the TRUST Network aim to expand the utilization of authentic community-based conflict early warning and early response through practice, research, technology development, training, and community empowerment.
This report focuses on hate crimes, hate groups and their connection to domestic extremism, and the threats posed by these crimes and groups to social cohesion. Hate crimes have a significant impact on communities beyond the direct victims, as they create a climate of fear and tension and contribute to the targeting of society’s most vulnerable groups. Addressing hate crimes and promoting tolerance and inclusivity is thus an important priority for both law enforcement and civil society. This report argues that any analysis of hate crimes, hate groups, or violent domestic extremism must be data driven and evidence based to track these threats more accurately and to respond to hate crimes, hate groups and domestic extremism more effectively
Implementing Pain Screening in a Parkinson’s Disease Clinic: A Quality Improvement Initiative
Get PDFBackground: Pain is a multifaceted, non-motor symptom often unnoticed and undertreated in Parkinson\u27s disease (PD). PD pain is associated with decreased quality of life (QOL) and is found in 30-85% of PD patients. The effective diagnosis and treatment of PD pain could improve patient QOL. Barriers to appropriate diagnosis and treatment include a valid and reliable PD pain assessment tool. There was an opportunity to improve the assessment of PD-related pain at the movement disorder clinic in this suburban clinic of a tertiary safety net hospital. The local movement disorder clinic did not have a standardized PD-specific tool to assess PD pain. Additionally, the PD patient may not feel the pain related to PD and, therefore, not report pain which may result in unnecessary patient suffering.
Methods: A PRISMA-guided literature review was undertaken to determine the most effective pain scales to assess pain in individuals with PD. The King’s Parkinson’s Pain Questionnaire (KPPQ) was identified as a reliable and valid self-rated screening tool. The aim was to implement and evaluate KPPQ, a self-screening tool to serve as a streamlined process to trigger discussion for assessing Parkinson’s disease-specific pain.
Intervention: The KPPQ, a self-screening tool, was implemented for PD patients in the outpatient movement disorder clinic. PD patients were asked to complete the tool and providers reviewed the pain screening tool to assess pain further. If any discussion of pain occurred between the patient and provider, it was to be noted in the chart. Later, a chart audit evaluated if the patients with pain had a pain discussion documented in the chart. Analysis of the assessment of PD pain was informed by those who completed the self-screening KPPQ tool for pain and those with pain who discussed it with the clinician. Completed screening tools identified this population\u27s most often to least reported PD-specific type of pain. Huddles that took place throughout the project provided qualitative data vis-à-vis the clinic team’s observations and opinions regarding the project and process. The clinic staff\u27s post-implementation survey identified the project\u27s satisfaction, feasibility, and added value.
Results: Most of the PD patients who completed the self-reported screening conveyed pain in this outpatient movement disorder clinic. Musculoskeletal pain was reported most often, followed by painful muscle cramps, and pain related to turning in bed during the night. Pain assessment improved, with most PD pain patients engaged in discussions as compared to prior to the implementation of the tool.
Conclusions: This project established a process flow utilizing the KPPQ screening tool to identify PD-related pain. The overwhelming prevalence of pain in this population highlights the importance of self-report of pain in PD patients. Clinic staff recognized that further assessment of PD-specific pain allows for an opportunity to improve patient care
