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Correções, interrogatórios e políticas de intercâmbio local/global na crítica de arte feminista
Get PDFIn this essay, I outline what an art history of feminist art criticism might consist of and argue that it should not be confined either to a return to “origin” stories of a few great critics or a focus only on what a critic says about their encounter with an artwork. Instead, I suggest attending to other ways of accessing feminist art criticism’s creation of discourse locally and globally, namely 1) through interviews with artists, 2) in thematic essays which attempt to redefine feminism and art and 3) by examining the focus of feminist art journals and magazines.Neste ensaio, descrevo em que pode consistir uma história da arte da crítica de arte feminista e argumento que ela não deve se limitar a um retorno às histórias de “origem” de alguns grandes críticos ou focar apenas no que um crítico diz sobre o seu encontro com uma obra de arte. Em vez disso, sugiro procurar outras formas de aceder à criação de discurso da crítica de arte feminista local e global, nomeadamente 1) através de entrevistas com artistas, 2) em ensaios temáticos que tentam redefinir o feminismo e a arte e 3) examinando o foco da arte feminista em jornais e revistas
Developing evaluative judgement for a time of generative artificial intelligence
Get PDFGenerative artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly increased capacity for producing textual, visual and auditory outputs, yet there are ongoing concerns regarding the quality of those outputs. There is an urgent need to develop students’ evaluative judgement – the capability to judge the quality of work of self and others – in recognition of this new reality. In this conceptual paper, we describe the intersection between evaluative judgement and generative AI with a view to articulating how assessment practices can help students learn to work productively with generative AI. We propose three foci: (1) developing evaluative judgement of generative AI outputs; (2) developing evaluative judgement of generative AI processes; and (3) generative AI assessment of student evaluative judgements. We argue for developing students’ capabilities to identify and calibrate quality of work – uniquely human capabilities at a time of technological acceleration – through existing formative assessment strategies. These approaches circumvent and interrupt students’ uncritical usage of generative AI. The relationship between evaluative judgement and generative AI is more than just the application of human judgement to machine outputs. We have a collective responsibility, as educators and learners, to ensure that humans do not relinquish their roles as arbiters of quality
Forecasting digital asset return: an application of machine learning model
Get PDFIn this study, we aim to identify the machine learning model that can overcome the limitations of traditional statistical modelling techniques in forecasting Bitcoin prices. Also, we outline the necessary conditions that make the model suitable. We draw on a multivariate large data set of Bitcoin prices and its market microstructure variables and apply three machine learning models, namely double deep Q-learning, XGBoost and ARFIMA-GARCH. The findings show that the double deep Q-learning model outperforms the others in terms of returns and Sortino ratio and is capable of one-step-ahead sign forecast of the returns even on synthetic data. These critical insights in forecasting literature will support practitioners and regulators to identify an economically viable cryptocurrency forecasting return model
Are ADHD trajectories shaped by the social environment? A longitudinal study of maternal influences on the preschool origins of delay aversion
Get PDFBackground
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly attributed to neuro-cognitive deficits of genetic and/or prenatal/perinatal environmental origins. Sonuga-Barke proposed an alternative formulation, suggesting that ADHD behaviors are functional expressions of delay aversion—a strong motivational disposition to avoid or escape negative affective states evoked by delay. It is hypothesized that the strength of this disposition, though neuro-biologically rooted, is exacerbated by early negative social interactions during waiting-related encounters. This paper reports findings from an initial proof-of-concept study that specifically tests this hypothesis in a nonclinical sample.
Methods
Preschoolers (n = 112; mean age = 46.2 months) and their parents from London, UK, and Hong Kong participated in a longitudinal study. The Parent–Child Delay Frustration Task (PC-DeFT) and two nonwaiting control tasks were administered at baseline. Children's performance, behavioral and emotional responses, and parents' reactions were observed. Teachers rated children's ADHD behaviors and delay aversion at baseline and follow-up (12–18 months later).
Results
At baseline, children's maladaptive performance and parental negative reactions during the PC-DeFT were correlated with each other and with teacher ratings of ADHD and delay aversion. Negative parental reactions during the PC-DeFT at baseline predicted an increase in teacher-rated ADHD behaviors at follow-up, but similar associations were not observed for baseline parental responses in the nonwaiting tasks. The increase in child ADHD symptoms associated with negative parental reactions at baseline was statistically mediated by delay aversion. These longitudinal effects were consistent across the UK and HK samples.
Conclusions
The findings provide the first evidence that parent's negative reactions to preschooler's attempts to manage delay are associated with increases in ADHD behaviors overtime, and linked to delay aversion increases. They underscore the potential significance of the early social environment as a contributor to developmental trajectory of ADHD behaviors. Future studies with clinical samples over an extended time-frame using a range of different aversive environments (i.e. difficult tasks to complete) are indicated
Polygenic score approach to predicting risk of metabolic syndrome
Get PDFBackground/Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex condition linking obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, representing a major challenge in clinical care. Its rising global prevalence, driven by urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and dietary changes, underscores the need for effective management. This study aims to explore the genetic mechanisms behind MetS, including adiposity, inflammation, neurotransmitters, and β-cell function, to develop a prognostic tool for MetS risk. Methods: We genotyped 40 genetic variants across these pathways in 279 MetS patients and 397 healthy individuals. Using logistic regression, we evaluated the prognostic capability of a polygenic score model for MetS risk, both independently and with other factors like sex and age. Results: Logistic regression analysis identified 18 genetic variants significantly associated with MetS. The optimal predictive model used polygenic scores calculated with weights assigned to the 18 loci (AUC 82.5%, 95% CI 79.4–85.6%), with age and sex providing a minimal, non-significant improvement (AUC 83.3%, 95% CI 80.2–86.3%). The addition of the polygenic score significantly improved net reclassification (NRI = 1.03%, p = 3.42 × 10−50). Including all 40 variants did not enhance prediction (NRI = −0.11, p = 0.507). Conclusions: Polygenic scores could aid in predicting MetS risk and health outcomes, emphasizing the need for diagnostic tools tailored to specific populations. Additional research is warranted to corroborate these conclusions and explore the molecular mechanisms of MetS
'A lot of the time it's dealing with victims who don't want to know, it's all made up, or they've got mental health': rape myths in a large English police force
Get PDFDespite an increase in the reporting of rape, convictions in England and Wales have fallen significantly in recent years. Previous research has found high rape myth acceptance among police officers. Given that the police act as gatekeepers to the criminal justice system, subscribing to rape myths may have significant effects upon victim attrition and conviction rates. This study explores police officers’ use of rape myths and how these may impact investigations and prosecutions. A total of 17 semi-structured interviews were conducted with police officers from a large English police force. The interview data were analysed using the qualitative method of thematic analysis. Although there were instances where officers demonstrated some awareness of the need to dispel or counter rape myths, rape myths were employed by most officers, with the most common relating to (1) victim fabrication (‘women lie’) and (2) victim precipitation (‘women ask for it’). Recommendations are made around screening and training for police officers
Osteoclast-induced modulation of osteosarcoma migration: Exploring the role of CSF3/STAT3/MMP9
No full textMetastatic disease significantly impacts the prognosis of osteosarcoma (OS) patients, with survival rates ranging from 20% to 30% for metastatic disease compared to up to 80% for nonmetastatic. Unfortunately, this figure has plateaued over the past few decades, partly due to a paucity of research into mediators of the metastatic process. Recent evidence shows that targeting osteoclasts (OCs) with zoledronic acid (ZA) increases the number of metastatic lung lesions clinically, whereas treatment with fulvestran increases OC numbers and decreases metastatic lesions. This links OC function to OS metastasis. Through an in vitro model of OS metastasis, we have found that the highly metastatic OS cell line 143B contains a subset of highly migratory spheroids with enhanced expression of stemness and metastasis associated genes Oct3/4 (10-fold (p≤0.001)), Nanog (4-fold; p≤0.001), Sox2 (6-fold; p≤0.001), and CXCR4 (2-fold; p≤0.001) compared to monolayer cells. We have termed these spheroids with enhanced migratory capabilities ‘Migratory Bodies’ (MBs). We subsequently assessed the effect of OC-released factors on MB formation, where a significant reduction in MB formation in 143B cells cultured with OC-conditioned media compared to control (43%; p≤0.001) or conditioned media from OCs treated with ZA (OC-ZA, 33%, p≤0.001) was observed. Furthermore, 143B cells cultured with OC-conditioned media or OC-ZA-conditioned media exhibited divergent gene expression as assessed by RNA-sequencing. Differentially expressed genes were validated by RT-qPCR; MMP9 (2.4-fold decrease; p≤0.001), MMP14 (2-fold decrease; p≤0.01), CSF3 (2.5fold decrease; p≤0.01) and SPOCK (1.6-fold decrease; p≤0.01). In an attempt to mimic OC-conditioned media, chemical inhibitors of MMP9 and STAT3 (downstream of CSF3) were tested in the MB metastasis assay. Both STAT3 and MMP9 expression is linked to lower survival in OS patients using the R2: Genomics Analysis and Visualization Platform. Inhibition of STAT3 and MMP9 significantly reduced MB formation from 143B cells by 76% and 31% (p≤0.001) respectively, compared to control. Collectively, these data indicate that OCs release factors that repress MB formation in highly metastatic 143B cells. This supports our hypothesis that OS may reside in the bone environment due to interaction with bone cells. Contrary to Paget’s “seed and soil” hypothesis, it appears that disruption of this interaction leads to increased incidence of pulmonary metastasis . Lastly, our data suggests a novel approach to combat highly metastatic and migratory osteosarcoma cells by targeting STAT3 and/or MMP9
The joint effects of formal and informal institutions on entrepreneurial start-ups: a global perspective
Get PDFThis study develops an integrated model to investigate how resource-based factors interact with country-level antecedents pertaining to the regulatory quality and uncertainty avoidance in shaping venture creation. Drawing upon an institutional approach, this research examines formal and informal institutions as contingency variables on the association between entrepreneurial resources and start-ups. The analytical results based on 41,156 observations from 46 countries suggest that entrepreneurial start-ups are significantly affected by resource factors in terms of human, financial, and social capitals. The results also show that national regulatory quality and uncertainty avoidance serve as moderating factors on such decision-making. The results largely support our hypotheses and suggest significant theoretical and political implications
(Mis)perception of party congruence and satisfaction with democracy
Get PDFThis study investigates the implications of perceived ideological incongruence between voters and their supported parties for satisfaction with democracy. Using panel data from the British Election Study, we first demonstrate that greater misperceptions of party positions correspond to higher perceived ideological distance from one's preferred party. We then show that such increased perceived incongruence is associated with reduced satisfaction with democracy, even when accounting for actual incongruence based on expert surveys of party positions. This pattern is also found when using several alternative measures and specifications, as well as in cross-sectional data from Europe. The findings suggest subjective perceptions of representation, potentially distorted by misperceptions, play a role in how ideological congruence relates to citizen attitudes toward the political system. While limitations warrant caution in interpreting the relationship, the results suggest that potentially inaccurate beliefs about parties can distort the link between representation and satisfaction with democracy
Transforming business capabilities at William Hill
No full textI have engaged in personal learning, a continuing practice, and a professional development journey by conducting a qualitative study based on the paradigm of Action Research. The research journey and learning are synergized and grounded in my lived experiences as an insider researcher in a practice setting, working in the gambling sector at William Hill PLC. The thesis project ‘Transforming Business Capabilities at William Hill’ is an action-inquiry reflective overlay to my business project ‘William Hill Digital Business Architecture’. I aim to embed Business Architecture, an evolving, knowledge-intensive professional discipline that will support senior leaders in their strategic endeavours. Further, my research aims to make my practice viable, useful, and a game-changer to the organization by exploiting the semantics and language of Business Capabilities in a central information system as the basis for business transformation.
This thesis accounts for and has provided a means to demonstrate how my learning is integrated into efforts in practice language development, architecture knowledge management, and a resulting practice transformation process. In practical terms, this has meant the application of research, leveraging Business Capability Management. It is used as a transformative and evaluative device for the benefit of instituting the Business Architecture practice by taking action and doing research, interconnected by critical reflection. Actions taken by way of design thinking, user-centered approaches, and goal-based and agent-oriented activities include improving the understanding of the practice, acknowledging its emergent properties, responding to agile working demands, improving the practice's specification, and improving its operational environment. Praxis included senior stakeholder engagement, identifying opportunities for creative design, artifact development for insights, knowledge sharing, intervention, and altering ways of working. The outcome was ‘bridging’ as a practitioner and researcher, hard engineering and soft social factors.
This research and report provide a synopsis of findings and make a valuable and original contribution to the body of knowledge consumed at William Hill. It is also about my story, personal and professional development, and self-organization while seeking the advancement of pluralism. In this study, I have used a bricolage of Action Research, Action Design Research and Experiential Learning contextualised at William Hill, and I have pushed the design and modelling of business capabilities as modern rhetoric. A contribution is made to academia, the organization, the industry, and professional practice. The research exposes implications and limitations specific to my business setting and is unlikely to provide immediately generalisable information. It, however, highlights the value and other peculiarities of actionable and design knowledge so that the explored concepts, learning, and insights may be further applied and developed by other professionals and scholars